Being a single mom and working two jobs was depressing. Even though I was working hard to provide for family, I still felt like I wasn't doing enough and to add on, I felt unavailable to my children. With the gas, food, and rent rates skyrocketing, it was imperative to work two jobs to provide the necessities we all needed to survive and be comfortable.
Having to miss school functions and family trips, so I could keep up with the inflation rates--was devastating. I started to neglect my health, became depressed, felt overwhelmed, and was mental exhausted. Any free time I had I would sleep in all day-- my body would literally go into complete hibernation mode.
Thankfully, I had the help of my mom and my youngest son grandparents to assist with my kids when I had to work or didn't have the energy to. A lot of the times, I would breakdown and cry to my mom about having to overwork myself and how I felt like an absent mother. Although, the bills were being taken care of, I was still not present for my children-- meaning, mentally.
One day, I was heading out to work and my oldest son said to me "Mom, you have to work again today?" I said, "Yes baby, this is the only way I can make sure you guys have a home to come to, food, and clothes on your back." The response I received was so heart wrenching, I instantly became emotional. He said, " Mom, I understand you have to do all of these things for us, but we never spend time anymore. I miss us going to do things together."
That was a major eye opener for me, although, I was feeling that way myself, but hearing my son vocalize that to me was shattering. At that moment I made a decision to never put work before my children.
I made it my first priority to be involved in every aspect of my children's life. I moved my schedule around when needed to, I requested time and days off for vacation, and I didn't accept every available shift when I was not scheduled. Tomorrow isn't promised to us, the last thing I want my kids to remember about their mom is that I was never there. Instead, I want them to remember that I was a mom who was hardworking and was dedicated to sharing every special moment with them.
Remember to be available for your babies. They cherish our time not our finances. Unless you have teenagers, and if so, they probably will want both ha-ha.
If you enjoyed my story time, you are welcome to leave a comment and tell me how you balance your work life and kids. I would love to hear it :)
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