What It's Like to Be a Mom & Work Virtually

We asked some of the mothers on the Brainchild Studios team about their experience raising their children and working for a virtual agency and here's what they had to say!

 

Andrea, UX Designer & Mother of Oliver

Does working for a virtual agency make being a mother a little better or easier? How?

​I love working in a virtual agency. I get to set my own hours (within reason) and be there for the important parts of my kiddo's young life. If there is a presentation during the day at school, I get to go. I get to take my son to school, pick him up and then as soon as I can, I am right back at work, focused and productive! My office is set up in my home, keeping me nearby when my son is home. Fortunately I am organized and I am able to complete all my duties. This set up works great for me. And did I mention I am a single mom? That's right. The buck stops here which only helps foster a great work ethic for myself. I have to suit up and show up, even if suiting up some days is in casual workout pants.

 

How do you balance being a mother and being a professional in the digital world?

​Setting hours is important and so is setting limits. My son knows when he comes home from school, Mom is still working. He's old enough now to be able to get his own snacks and to tackle his homework and reading. He's has seen me set the example of getting work done before play. Once mom's computer is turned off and the phone is muted, we get to spend the rest of the evening together being a family. I'm also lucky enough to have a great support network. If there are business meetings or events I need to attend, I have a list of resources — friends and other moms — who are able to step in and take care of my son when I can't. Overall, I think I'm pretty fortunate. I have a great business, lots of wonderful opportunities and a great work/life balance that allows me to be a big part of my son's life.

 

Keri, Account Manager & Mother of Livi

Does working for a virtual agency make being a mother a little better or easier? How?

If I worked in a traditional agency setting, my schedule would not be as flexible and I would have less quality time with my daughter. In some ways I get to set my schedule so I am able to catch up on work while my daughter is in daycare, napping or at night after she goes to bed. The flexibility also makes childcare more affordable because it can be a combination of half days and full days. Working from home provides a unique professional experience that allows me to prioritize without distractions of an office environment. Working for a virtual agency makes being a mother easier because it allows me more time to spend with my daughter!

How do you balance being a mother and being a professional in the digital world?

It is all about time management and work-life balance. The digital world doesn't sleep but knowing your limits and setting expectations helps create balance. Each day I know what hours I am able to work and what hours will be dedicated to spending time with my family. 

 

Bailey, Finance & Operations Director & Mother of Fiona

Does working for a virtual agency make being a mother a little better or easier? How?

Yes, working for a virtual agency makes being a working mother easier because of the flexibility that it offers. I can get work done during nap time, which is at a different time every day. Being able to work from anywhere is also a huge help because I am always running around during the day and I can get work done wherever I am.

How do you balance being a mother and being a professional in the digital world?

It is harder some weeks than others to find a balance between being a mother and being a professional, but I try to be flexible with the timing of my professional goals. If I have something work-related that I need to accomplish, I give myself extra time to accomplish it in order to accommodate my daughter's needs. It is easier to take 20 minutes out of work to get her set up and playing than it is to try to power through even a quick work task with a crying baby in the background. Working for a digital agency gives me the flexibility to continue to grow professionally and use the skills that I spent many years acquiring, while also allowing me to devote myself to my new job as a mom.

We want to thank Bailey, Keri, Andrea and all the hardworking moms out there. Brainchild Studios, and the rest of the world, could not function without you...literally.