Mompreneurs… It’s All About Sacrifice
How do you do it all? That is the number one question presented to us every day from other aspiring mompreneurs. I’m certain it’s a rhetorical question. There is no way anyone can do it all. I try but when you are running your own business and managing children, a husband and a household – something has to give. Sacrifices need to be made.
Yesterday’s sacrifice was a typical one…dinner.
Upon waking up I realize that it’s been a week since my last trip to the supermarket. Don’t forget to defrost the chicken, I tell myself.
Get out of bed and ready for the day – this means brushing my teeth, putting on clothes and throwing the hair up in a clip. Again, it’s all about sacrifice.
Moving on...get the 1 ½ year old out of her crib while the 4 ½ year old prepares himself for his day. The outfit is a green shirt with maroon sweatpants. Have to pick your battles, right? Have to get moving for the drive to preschool followed by the 9:30 kickboxing class then back to the home office for a few hours of productive ‘work’ while the little one naps. It’s too late to make breakfast so it’s the drive thru of Dunkin Donuts - again. There’s nothing wrong with throwing 2 egg and cheese croissants back into the 2nd row of a minivan, right? What’s a few more crumbs?
Kiss goodbye at preschool. Get to the gym and luckily the little one is happy today in the babysitting service – sorry - her playdate (shhh it makes me feel better)!
Punch out a little stress. The release of tension makes me recall the defrosting of the chicken. Oops.
Finish class and feel a temporary sense of accomplishment.
Run home – kisses and then put the little one in the crib for a nap.
Finally at the computer to get some work done! Ahhhhhh….
Check emails. Check voicemails. Write some emails. Call some people back. Write one proposal. Pay a few bills.
“Mommyyyy! Mommyyyy!”
NO! I look at the clock and 2 ½ hours have passed! Insane.
Nuke the mac and cheese for a late lunch. Gives me some time to write more emails, brainstorm, research for the big meeting, update the website.
Back in the car to pick up the preschooler. Blackberry starts to vibrate. Have to type an email while steering the car with my knees and giving the little one a sippy cup. Multitasking anyone?
Kiss green shirt and maroon pants hello. Back in car. Back in house. Snack in bowl. Straw in pouch. Hurray for Noggin!
Barely make my 4:00 conference call. Lock myself in the garage to avoid having The Backyardigans as background music. Phone call goes well despite the 10 times I open the door to peek on the kids and the one time I have to put the phone on mute for a potty incident.
I come in from the garage with the dreaded clock staring me in the face. 4:40pm.
That’s right, forgot to defrost the chicken.
Defeated. I didn’t do it all. Not even close. Still have to figure out dinner, baths, the witching hour to contend with, the laundry pile, husband’s needs, crumbs on the floor – and oh yeah, a business to run.
Tired, sacrificed and yet…I wouldn’t change a thing. There’s always tomorrow.
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WOW!
I am truly impressed, as I am with many mothers who seem to be able to balance it all and come out on top! As a new mother (9 mo. old little girl)and former ambitious aspiring entrepreneur I am envious of anyone who can multitask so well. It seems like my precious little bundle has come along and taken over my former self....and sucked that ambition right out of me! Well done all you moms who even attempt to walk the tight rope of motherhood/husband/business!!
OK, so I don't have my own business, but I certainly try to do it all. Are we crazy? Career, husband, kids, basketball, chior, church, school, meetings and that's just today.
My boss is great. I work from home 3 days a week and I still can't keep it all together. I didn't get anything out for dinner, forgot to call the baskeball coach to tell her Emalee's sick, picked up Kyle late, missed a deadline.
Do you ever feel like you do so much that you don't anything well? I'm tired of not doing things well. I meet the deadlines (usually) and get my kids where they need to be (mostly. Then my daughter asks, "Mom, why don't you volunteer at school every week?" Seriously? My kindergartener is going to guilt me into more stuff?
How does that happen? The crazy thing is ... I could probably quite my job. I have a very supportive and successful husband, but the secret truth is ... I like my job. (Ok, I confessed it publicly and I already feel guilty.)
No, I wouldn't pick my job over my kids but a small part of me want it all. But what's the use of having it all if there is no time to enjoy. Augh. Help!
OK, so I don't have my own business, but I certainly try to do it all. Are we crazy? Career, husband, kids, basketball, chior, church, school, meetings and that's just today.
My boss is great. I work from home 3 days a week and I still can't keep it all together. I didn't get anything out for dinner, forgot to call the baskeball coach to tell her Emalee's sick, picked up Kyle late, missed a deadline.
Do you ever feel like you do so much that you don't anything well? I'm tired of not doing things well. I meet the deadlines (usually) and get my kids where they need to be (mostly. Then my daughter asks, "Mom, why don't you volunteer at school every week?" Seriously? My kindergartener is going to guilt me into more stuff?
How does that happen? The crazy thing is ... I could probably quite my job. I have a very supportive and successful husband, but the secret truth is ... I like my job. (Ok, I confessed it publicly and I already feel guilty.)
No, I wouldn't pick my job over my kids but a small part of me want it all. But what's the use of having it all if there is no time to enjoy. Augh. Help!
Rachele - they do suck the life out of you and certainly ambition for some time. That is until you realize, I need something for me. We definitely can multi-task...no one said 'well'. Just keep doing what you're doing- if you want something for yourself you'll find it. If you don't, that's just as good too. Whatever your decisions - just feel good about them.
Christina - I hear your cries sister! Count your blessings with all you have and how well you are at 'having it all'. The biggest thing is to take some time during the week and reflect at your accomplishments (meeting the deadline, making the dinner, getting to the PTA that night, or just plain showering that morning!) We are all doing the best we can for the people that we love the most...ourselves included.
THANKS FOR POSTING!
I couldnt agree more....i am a vA and life is all about tightrope wallking. but wont give this up for anything in the world coz the sense of accomplishment makes it worthwhile. The icing on the cake is when your little one smiles and says mama...ah..my day is made....i feel like a complete woman...i pity men who would never know this feeling...some of them still feel that their function is only to earn the dough.....try becoming a mom for a day guys...! you wont know what hit you!
Honestly, I'm a mother and wife that works full time and I don't think it's that difficult at all. Maybe it's because I only have one child (2 years- there's another on the way), but I love my career and my daughter is at a great daycare/pre-school and gets to play, learn, and interact with children all day. I cook meals (almost) every night (not elaborate ones, but fresh, healthy ones) and we get to spend quality time with our little girl every night. Here's the catch- we get someone to come every two weeks to clean our house, and I'm very cautious to what I commit to. Instead of the gym, I take a half hour walk after lunch; we attend church functions and family and friend gatherings when we can-and have a good sitter (grandma) when we need one. Prioritize, work stays at work, home stays at home, and do the things you love together... keep it simple...
I love this blog, seriously it just made me feel normal.
I have my own successful business, 2 kids, hubby, house, pets you get the picture. Everyday is an adventure in my life. I would'nt change it for anything, but I must admit with all the stuff we do I'm thinking God is a woman.:)
As the mother of teenagers you should think it would get easier, and in some ways it does. Nevertheless, there's still that feeling of never having enough time to do it all and knowing that your parenting time is running out.
And then, yesterday I hear my daughter telling her friend about how hard I work (with pride) and I remember that I've been a good role model for my children which is far more valuable than the things that got left out.