Since I was 14, I've been working to make my own money—it's just ingrained in who I am. But about 10 years ago, everything changed when I became a new mom. Unfortunately, right after my daughter was born, I got laid off and had to navigate the job market with a newborn in tow. To add a twist, I decided to dive into a whole new career in recruiting. Being a new mom and a newbie in the recruiting world was a real challenge, especially with no flexibility to work from home.
Fast forward to 2018, and I landed an interview with Paylocity. By then, I had two little ones, a 2-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter, and I needed more autonomy in my life. Thankfully, I got the position at Paylocity, and it turned our family life around. I make sure to share this story with every candidate because work-life balance is a big deal to me. Being able to volunteer at my kids' school during the day or walk them to and from the bus stop without stressing about a long commute makes me a happier person.
Mentally, I'm in a great place at Paylocity because I genuinely love what I do. And when you're happy at work, it spills over into your personal life. I'm determined to be the best mom I can be for my kids.
Managing the chaos of being a working parent is no joke—it's downright tough. But when you have an organization that's got your back, juggling it all becomes possible. Some days, that means working with my kids in the background (thanks to the abundance of snow days this year). Luckily, my manager and colleagues get it. They understand when my kiddos make surprise appearances on Zoom or when you can hear them playing in the background. No judgment here.
Both my kids are active, with my daughter in Girl Scouts and hip-hop class, and my son in Cub Scouts and basketball. Throw in school events, field trips, and the whole shebang, and our lives are a whirlwind. But Paylocity helps me manage it all with compassion and a family-first approach. They even host a killer fall party every year with balloons, food, and music that my kids look forward to like it's Christmas. Whenever we drive by the office, my daughter proudly announces, "My mom works there!"
Being a parent is about watching your kids grow into good people, knowing you played a big part in who they're becoming. I love being a mom, sharing experiences, and creating memories that'll stick with them for life. Seeing how much they love me, and I love them, fills my cup. Paylocity's family-first approach has been a game-changer in balancing both roles, and for that, I'll always be thankful. So, if you've got the support of your organization, navigating the working-parent journey becomes a whole lot easier. Give yourself some grace, plan carefully, and don't be afraid to ask for help—it really does take a village!
