From Stay at Home Mom to Working Mom (PLUS, some spring fashion ideas)!

It’s official, I’m now a ‘working’ mom. I’m going to be real with you, I’ve always hated this term…it’s always left a bad taste in my mouth. Because the reality is, is that every single mom – regardless of whether they work OUTSIDE of the home or not, still works. So, I guess I should call myself a ‘work outside of the home’ mom, or something.

Anyway, enough of that. As many of you know, I’ve been a stay at home mom for four years now. I decided to make this transition after I had Mila. I knew I wanted to be at home with her, and I loved it…for a while. I discovered after I had Brielle that things changed a little bit for me. Don’t get me wrong, I still very much appreicated that I was spending my days raising my girls. A big part of me loved it, but there was also a part of me that longed for adult time. I really started to miss going into an office with my hot coffee (hot coffee…what’s that?!), and using my brain. Most days started to feel very long, and although I love them with all of my heart, I was utterly exhausted every night.

I knew I would only go back to work if the ‘perfect’ opportunity presented itself. I didn’t want to settle and end up being miserable at work – what’s the point in that? I may as well be at home with my kids, then. I was lucky in that I didn’t have to rush to make a decision.

Then, in February, the near-perfect position found itself in my lap, and I excitedly took the plunge.

I was lucky enough to get a position with an incredible social media company, called Socialpeeks , working as a Campaign Director. Essentially, I find the ‘perfect’ social media content creators for brands and I develop exciting, successful social media campaigns. What’s even funnier is that I never imagined I would end up in this type of a career. I graduated from University with a Psychology degree and pursued positions in the mental health field. Once I started my blog, everything shifted and well…here I am.

Now I’m back to work, and here are my thoughts about it….

I won’t lie, the transition hasn’t been a cake walk, especially for Brielle. Some mornings she cries and cries, begging me to stay. She will put on her shoes and coat, asking to come with me. These are the mornings my heart aches and on the ride to work I wonder if I made the right decision. It tugs at my heart strings and the mom guilt hits so hard.

But then I get to work and I feel somehow very ‘in alignment’, so to speak. I’m lucky enough to work for a company that believes heavily in work-life balance, and it’s a drama-free, kind and flexible environment. I’m not in the office every day and work from home regularly which makes it a whole lot easier.

I’ve now been on both ends of the spectrum. A year ago I was a full-time stay at home mom, and it was literally my entire life. Now, I’m running my own business and I’m working nearly full-time. It’s been quite the shift.

What I’ve quickly realized is that being a stay at home mom was equally as hard as working outside of the home. There is no ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ thing to do. When the mom guilt creeps in, I try and remember that more than anything, my kids sense my happiness. If I’m following my dreams, it will inspire them one day to do the same thing, too (I hope). As well, I find myself being so much more present with them when I am home, and this in itself is incredibly important.

So, for all you mama’s killin it at home or at the office, you are amazing. And if you happen to have any suggestions on how I can help Brielle through this transition, please leave it here in the comments section – I would be so grateful!

On another note – SPRING FASHION!

I’m obsessed with this outfit, and this cute dress is not only comfortable but it ruches slightly in the tummy area which is great after a big meal. It can also be dressed up or down, which is so fantastic! You can wear it to the office with a cute sweater, to the park with a pair of flats, or on a dinner date with a pair of heels.

I don’t normally wear this colour but I fell in love with it. The dress does come in a variety of colours, though. See below for my outfit details!

Lots of love,

Alexandra XO