It’s not about ‘having’ time. It’s about making time.”
I have always been a working mom. A choice….and a necessity. But – I truly believe that for me – it was the right path. The decision is so personal. Not one of us knows what is “right” for someone else.
When I got pregnant with Bailey – I was 28 and working in sales at Telus/Yellow Pages (truly one of the BEST places to work and the job that has brought me some of my favorite friendships!) I had 6 months maternity leave and quickly realized that if I was going to return to the job I left – I couldn’t BE the same person at work anymore. I had new priorities! So, my sister offered me a short detour into reception at her hair salon (which was such fun!) – while I did some soul searching. Knowing I couldn’t do the sales role the way I thought it had to be done – I returned to Telus – but in a training capacity. New job, new challenges. VERY exciting role presented itself – and I jumped!! I designed content, then I travelled every week across Canada delivering training to sales reps…sounds like the dream job right???!!!
I worked for a great boss that let me manage my time (unheard of back then!) so for every day I was away – I could work from home a day. Cliff was a huge support during this time. Allowing me to chase my dream job. But Bailey woke up to me not being there 1-3 days a week. She had a mailbox by her bed – and however many envelopes there were = how many nights I was away. Luckily those were the GOOD expenses days, when I could fly anywhere, and at any time – without ever worrying about cost!!!!!
Then in 2001, I got pregnant again with Jenna. Cliff very clearly stated that this would not work with two kids! 😉 Fun fact – TELUS recorded all my training on video back in 2002…WAY before the days of Zoom and online learning really found its ground!
So now again I needed to think about the future. How could I fulfill what I needed – while being the best mom. Well fate threw some obstacles our way when Cliff fell off our roof….and my plans of starting my own local training company dissolved. Two of my friends from yellow pages day had started their own company selling Yellow Pages nationally and managing large organizations and their placements into directories across Canada. They approached me to work “with” them in 2003 – and my new path took flight.
I was so lucky to work for them. I loved and respected them both as people – and we had such fun together. I loved the work. I loved the fact that I could stay at home. I got up before my kids – did some work with companies in the Maritimes early in the am, took a break to get my kids ready for school and then went back to work till they got home. We lived across the street from the school – so my kids got the true at home experience! I could be there for them – and still do my job.
It truly offered me the best BALANCE for many many years.
However, in 2014 my work was changing (print was officially dying) – and I needed to find a new career. At 45!!!!!
I had been doing Staging part-time as a HOBBY alongside my real job. One my best friends was a realtor (May Davidson) – and she reached out in 2007 – to see if I could stage her homes. I didn’t have formal training. I just had an eye. May trusted that I could help her team prepare their homes for sale. I jumped at the chance to do this. Creatively – I have never liked pottery, painting, crafts of any kind. I hate puzzles.
BUT I love transforming spaces!!!!!!
My friends know (and benefit from) the fact that I have this talent – but to get PAID for it???!!!! I truly loved it. Driving up to homes – never knowing what was beyond the front door. Too much stuff or not enough. *Fun fact – I once framed a branch I broke off a tree to be art … and I also used a shower curtain around a cardboard box to create a coffee table!
I am a swift thinker and very creative. I can assess the space/room quickly – and I act even faster. I am not afraid to try things multiple ways – till I am happy with the look.
Staging homes was awesome…..but I never got the whole story.. Why were they moving – where were they going….did the staging help the sale….did the sellers like or hate the changes….
So, in 2014, when I was exploring options – becoming a Realtor was a pretty natural choice. However – the economy was not thriving … but sometimes you just have to bet on yourself.
Bailey was in Grade 10 her “mom needs” were different … but Jenna was still in Grade 6 – so I knew this choice would impact her the most! I worked the two jobs, till real estate was self-sustaining. I booked time off for Jenna and Bailey – so they always felt like a priority. We had standing date nights. (I lost sales – but in this job you need to learn – you just can’t be everywhere at once!) I attended every band concert or activity at both kids’ schools. I sold girl guide cookies and did bottle drives. I was that person who went to EVERY single parent teacher conference – every single year up to grade 12! I made every effort to be home for as many family dinners as possible…even if it meant going out again after!
Have I had guilt…you bet!
But when Bailey decided to go into real estate, I asked her if she really knew what she was choosing!!??? I have missed things, had to step out of family dinners and my phone is often in my hand – even on vacation…..and she said:
“You never missed anything that mattered.”
And my heart melted.
That’s all I ever wanted – was to be a good mom! Make my kids ALWAYS feel like my top priority. Demonstrate a good work ethic/value system – and help them through life.
The last week of May, Cliff, Bailey and I travelled to Newfoundland – to watch Jenna Graduate from University. Spring is literally the worst time to leave this work…but Jenna knows – that I wouldn’t be anywhere else!
