Stephanie Morris is a Marketing Account Manager and mom of three adult children who had to navigate raising a family and working after the loss of her husband.
Why do you work?
I returned to work when I lost my husband about seven years ago to leukemia and his life insurance claim was denied. While I enlisted an attorney to fight for my late husband’s claim, I needed to have income to support my children. I currently work full time with a Marketing Agency managing clients.
How does being a working mom impact your kids — either positively or negatively?
My children were of the age where they could really see me “at work.” They regularly see me interact with clients, peers, bosses, subordinates. They see conflict resolution, team work, communication, time management all happening in real time in front of their eyes (I work from home). I model a high work ethic and commitment and this is definitely something that’s caught versus taught. I see their drive coming through in the things that hold their passion.
What holds the biggest tension in trying to manage everything?
Being available. When I first went back to work, I chose positions where I had a lot of flexibility. My children were high school teens who had recently lost their father. I needed jobs that gave me the flexibility to walk out the door and be a parent when I needed to. This didn’t happen often or regularly – but it did happen.
What’s one resource that would make your life easier?
More time and more sleep. lol! Seriously, though. Instacart – having my groceries delivered is HUGE. It’s not like I cannot grocery shop. It’s more like, I have time to shop – right until we’re simply out of milk (and everything else).
How would you encourage other working moms who are overwhelmed and in the thick of it?
You’re doing a great job. You’re the BEST mom for your child – and this is not by chance.
Be kind to yourself. Be AS KIND to yourself as you would to another parent belaboring the issues they’re dealing with. We do the best we can with what we’ve got … our best varies from day to day, as does “what we have.” Try to put yourself first sometimes. As moms, I think we’re wired to put everyone else’s needs before our own. Give yourself some priority and let go of the guilt. Save the guilt for stuff that really matters.
Find more from Stephanie at:
@momencourager
www.stephanieannemorris.com
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