A few months ago, I was feeling particularly overwhelmed and like no one in my circle understood my unique challenges of being a working mom with two toddlers, a side hustle, a blog, and a husband who travels a lot. In desperation, I searched on Facebook for a working moms group and found one that is not only a wonderful source of support and advice, but it also helped me find people who were uniquely in the same boat as me. Which is where Brittany comes in. I stumbled into “meeting” Brittany when she shared a post from her beautiful and useful website, Our Home Made Easy, and found out through talking to her online that she, too, has a day job with a blog on the side. Read on for her take on managing a full-time job, parenthood, and a side hustle.
Give us a little background on your day job.
I work for an extremely busy health system in their operating rooms as a Senior Industrial Engineer. My day is spent focusing on making sure we are keeping patients safe and maintaining our quality standards. I lead meetings and enjoy finding opportunities for improving our processes.
How has your career changed since having kids?
I still work full time since having my two little ones! I am much more deliberate about creating a balance of work & life since having kids.
What drove you to include blogging in your spare time and how do you prioritize your different roles as employee, mother, wife, blogger, etc.?
I am extremely passionate about sharing simple solutions for other busy families! Both my husband & I have undergraduate degrees in Industrial Engineering. It comes natural to us to find easier ways to run our lives. I find blogging to be extremely gratifying and enjoyable. When I’m not at work or being mom, I’m finally a blogger. It’s an extremely busy day, but to me, blogging is the really fun job!
What are the benefits for you and your family of working multiple jobs? What are the biggest drawbacks?
I love earning a side income blogging! It adds another layer to my story. I think all moms deserve a creative outlet where they can find enjoyment. The biggest drawback is the time I spend on my laptop or creating content on the weekends. But I firmly believe that if I wasn’t writing a post, I’d be scrolling through Facebook or a news site.
How do you carve out time for yourself? What does your ideal “me time” consist of?
I work out at least 4 times a week! So that I’m not taking more time away from my family, I wake up at 3:30am most mornings to make my 5am HIIT class. I shower at the gym and head to work. Thankfully my husband understands the importance of of wellness, so he encourages me to go as often as I can manage. [He’s an avid runner.]
If I had time to myself, you would find me reading a book on the couch! It’s been quite awhile since I’ve sat down and read. but it’s one of my favorite things!
What is the best piece of advice a working mom has given you?
Unfortunately, I have not met many working moms who are engineers.
[Editor’s Note: This is sad in 2018. Although it’s not the same as knowing women personally, there are a few women-focused engineering organizations like this and this to help find support and like-minded women in engineering fields.]
What is one thing you wish someone would have told you before having kids (whether professional or personal)?
That your priorities will change and you will be okay with it!
Check out Brittany’s blog and Instagram for more great content!
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