As you know, I'm a blogger who focuses on the journey of working women who are trying to balance working and parenting. Every working mom knows that it is a journey that is fraught with challenges and compromises, especially if you work full time. It's a topic that I am passionate about and a topic that keeps on giving!
Working Full Time and Raising a Family Can be Challenging
We all know that Full Time work ain't what it used to be. 40 hours is a relic that has gone the way of the VCR. Full Time now means 45+ office time and uncompensated overtime called "remote work". The challenges and compromises lead to a array of emotions, including guilt. Some women handles those emotions well and some re-evaluate their decision to be a Full Time working mom.
This weekend, I am attending a blogging conference called #NicheParent13", as a speaker. It's a conference focused on multi-cultural parent bloggers. It's being hosted at the Westin Diplomat and Spa in Hollywood, Florida, which is gorgeous. And the sessions have been great. In addition, I have learned from the other parents who are attending, especially the moms. Some of them used to be lawyers, finance people, and real estate professionals who left their professions and now work in social media.
Social Media, When Working Full Time Becomes Too Much
One mom described it as the merger of her "fantasy life" and their "reality life". She had been working for some time and longed to write full time. The more she started focusing on her blog and getting involved in social media and created a new career for herself. We may be witnessing a revolution. Instead of choosing to "opt out of the workforce" and "stay-at-home" with their kids, these moms are choosing to "work-at-home" in social media.
Because social media is a 24/7 business they are able to do their work in their own time and be present for their kids. Talk about a win/win! Some are full time bloggers who collaborate with brands, PR agencies and local companies to earn a living. They write sponsored posts, promote events and use their social media influence to earn a paycheck--or several.
Hearing their stories have made me think about being a working mom differently. First, they were all so happy! It appears that making it work as a working mom is about finding a way to make a living that gives you the means and flexibility to live your life.
The options are more vast and potentially more lucrative than most moms imagine. My overall lesson from the weekend is that every working mom should do what works for you and your family.
The options are more vast and potentially more lucrative than most moms imagine. My overall lesson from the weekend is that every working mom should do what works for you and your family.
Comments