Every mom is a working mom. I’ve been a single mom, a married mom, a stay-at-home mom, and now a working mom. Parenting is the hardest job we will ever have. This past week, I posted on my socials on #WorkingMomsDay. Man I love being behind the camera and not in front of it. It took a lot of self-talk to set up my tripod and bring my idea to life for a reel. A lot.
Being a working mom is a sticky, tricky balance of feeling like I’m rocking my work world or rocking my mom world. There was a 32 second time period about 4 years ago that I rocked both at the same time. That will never be repeated. I have work guilt or mom guilt. Ugh. And, I bet you know exactly what I’m talking about. I have these amazing people at home, depending on me to keep our house in ‘working order.’ I have this deep desire to explore and create and connect with other small business owners and non-profits. Then I have this thing called a full-time job.
Katie and I were invited to our first bridal show earlier this month and we were talking with other wedding vendors about our work. I mentioned to a fellow vendor that we had three jobs. We both teach instructional technology for Rockingham County Public Schools, we both have our own small business and co-founded Ameigh Fellows Media together, and we both have children at home. Three jobs. Three.
As I was shooting and creating my reel, I indeed was proud I could label myself mompreneur. It’s a pretty cool word. I love how the first part of the word is MOM. It’s a big reminder for me that if I suck at my ‘momness’ the rest of it really isn’t a win, no matter how successful either of my small businesses or teaching career turn out to be.
So, I’ve been reflecting on how to be the best mompreneur this little body can be. What advice would I give my own daughter? Keep your joy while you chase your dreams, and don’t forget to give and bathe yourself in grace. Joy, dreams, and grace. This mompreneur has three jobs and even better, three things to focus on every week. What helps you keep your focus?