MamaBelle

The good news is, I finally found my niche!

But there’s a problem.

My career path and raising a child do not mix. At all.

(Picture credit: stronglocalbusiness.com)

You see, I love events. I have organized them, planned them, designed them, and managed them for about 8 years now (professionally).

Of course, in between, I took breaks while working another 8-4er job.

Now I have the desire to dive into this career, as well as marketing, and public relations work in the food industry.

I absolutely LOVE what I do.

And I absolutely love Belle.

Why this is a dilemma for me is because the nature of this business is not an 8 - 4 or even 9 - 5 schedule. Years ago, when I knew I wanted to enter the culinary and drink industry, I kept hitting dead ends because being a chef or managing a restaurant or food and beverage department in a hotel would force me to compromise my role as a mom. Late nights, weekends, holidays, 12 - 14 hour days. I couldn’t do it. I use to come home feeling so guilty and too tired for Belle the next day.

Needless to say, I left that life.

Now I have drafted a new career path which would consist of more hours worked while Belle is in school. That’s great. But still, there are many occasions where I still have to attend an event (for work, or networking sake) in the evenings, managed day-of event activities, take short business trips, and what not.

So that’s the new dilemma.

What challenges do you face when it comes to either choosing or progressing in your career and raising a child/ren? If you’re anything like me, then you’re a go-getter and cannot remain in a stagnant position just because. Have you changed or altered your career once baby arrived? Or did you change jobs to a career you’re not too ecstatic about, but just do it because it allows for a better balance and could still pay the bills?

I’m really curious about this one. Please post away!