Welcome to Meet the Working Mum Interview. Today we meet Jade Karly Staff. Jade is self employed as well as working as a Youth Worker. Jade also blogs at Mummies Waiting.
If you have missed any of the previous interviews, or if you are new to this series, check out all the other Meet the Working Mum’s.
An intro and a little bit about you, your family and where you live.
Hi I’m Jade, I live in Ely with my husband Ryan, our two daughters Kairi (4) and Naminé (3) and our miniature poodle Coco. I’m crazy about Chritmas and Disney.
What do you do for a job? Is it what you have always wanted to do?
I’m self employed. Firstly I’m a Playleader for a youth group and my other work is my blog. I couldn’t say they are what I ‘always’ wanted to do, because I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, however they are definatly what I want to do now and what I love.
What was your motivation to return to work?
The thing that makes the world go round, money! I wanted to make sure I could do special things with my girls and although my husband would have paid, I wanted the independance of me doing it.
How many hours do you work a week?
4 for the Youth Group (2 admin/office based and 2 atcualy running the group) and as many hours as I can fit in for the blog, at least a few a day.
Do you have to travel far from where you live to where you work?
I blog at home or on the go so thats fine. For the Youth Group I have to get 2 train and 2 busses, also some walking too. It takes about 3 hours to get there in total. I travel on 1 morning and return the following morning.
If you use public transport what do you do to pass the time on your commute?
I have the girls with me when I travel as they visit family once I am there, but they are really good on the train and watch their pads or draw. I update my bullet journal for the next week, catch up on blogging lives from my favourite blogger and do any paper based work that I can for either job.
What do you do for childcare? Does this work for you?
My mum watched the girls for the 4 hours I am working near hers. It is a great opportunity for them to have quality time with their family while I make some money and have time to be me. When I’m blogging I try to do it in the evening, the weekend when hubby is around or whenever they are busy.
What does your morning routine look like? What do you do to get you all out of the house on time?
On a normal day, whatever and whenever. Blogging means we can do what we like when we like. On a Youth Group day we get up at 7, take an hour to eat and get ready (everything is packed and layed out the night before) and then we do ‘final prep’ (pads off charge and in bags etc) before leaving the house at 8:30. We all walk to Tesco to grab a snack or drink, hubby then goes right to the bus and we go left to the train. We then sit on the trains until 11:11 and hop on the busses.
What do you like about being a working mum?
Making my own money and having the freedom to be me for a few hours a week. I know my husband would happily give me money for things, but it feels so much nicer to make it on my own. The feeling I had the first time I payed for Disneyland Paris was amazing!
What don’t you like about being a working mum?
Coming home and the girls are asleep or feeling like I’m missing out on things. It especially makes me sad when I know I dont NEED to work, I CHOOSE too.
What would you change? Hours you work, commute you have to make etc.
Not having to commute would be nice as I could be home with my husband every night.
What three tips would you pass onto a mum about to start back at work?
a) You CAN do this.
b) Crying is completely okay.
c) If you are not happy, its not worth it.
For fun show us a picture of your work handbag.
I have a moon cup and a disabled toilet key in mine. (Both things I could potentially need), the girls always carry their own bits so I don’t need too, plus I always travel minimal.
Thank you so much for taking part in the Meet the Mum interview series Jade. I can really see how much it means to you that you have your own independence and are making your own money. I know how you feel.
If you would like to visit Jade’s blog you can find it here. Jade can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and You Tube.
If you would like to be featured in my Meet the Working Mum series send an email to:- organisedjo@outlook.com
Jo
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