live, Uncategorized
January 8

Work/Life/Mom Balance (See Jane Juggle)
Anna Jane’s day job (Theory dress,  SM shoes  – photo by Iron + Honey)
Anna Jane’s always job / photo: Marena Beck

Work / Life Balance.  What a loaded phrase.  Does it exist?  I used to say, ‘just love what you do and there’s no need for a balance.’  That’s what motivated me to leave consulting–I didn’t love it.  I loved the perks (i.e. the airline miles, hotel points, free trips), but the work was mind-numbing to me.  Being on the road for a job you’re not passionate about it draining.

I love Trunk Club.  It’s been really cool to help build a company from the very early days.  Even now, four and a half years in, it’s just as thrilling.  But as much as I love it, having a child has really turned my world upside down.  My schedule just isn’t as flexible but I make it a priority to be with Harry every night before he goes to bed.  That means: work guilt, mommy guilt, Jerome guilt (yes, pet guilt exists), friend guilt, spousal guilt.  
Oh right, and I also have this blog.  But honestly, it’s cathartic for me.  I simply wouldn’t do this if I didn’t enjoy it.  But.. don’t know if I could ever blog full-time; I just don’t know if I’m interesting enough or able to produce so that much content organically (but I’ll never say never).
I often get asked how I juggle so many things.  I’ll be honest–I have no idea.  Sometimes I have to stop and ask myself, ‘what’s this all for?’  (I’m philosophical like that)  But then I remind myself that I’m enjoying the journey.  I’ve become a hell of a lot more efficient at work–I have to be.  I know I have a hard stop most days so I can be make it home to see the baby.   Nothing is perfect–that’s for certain; I am the first to admit that I could change plenty of things.  There are definite sacrifices and lessons learned–on the daily.   I’m not afraid to say no.  I know how to delegate.  I know when to prioritize.  I cherish my moments with my family.  I take a lot of pictures and have our nanny send even more during the day.  I stay in bed fifteen extra minutes, laying with Harry and Eric, even if it means I won’t be able to dry my hair for work.  I haven’t taken a real vacation in a very long time.  I can’t find the time to work out.  I still make it a priority to trek four hours back to Ohio to see my mom, sister and her family, especially since my dad passed away.  I take advantage of the fact that two out of my three siblings live in the city near me, because family is everything.  I don’t hang out with friends nearly enough.   Laying on separate couches with Eric while eating pizza after the baby goes to bed on a Saturday does not constitute a date night.  Working full-time is hard, but rewarding, exciting and I love problem solving.  Motherhood is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I love that little guy so it scares me.  
Lastly, this blog is not an afterthought; it’s a big part of who I am right now.  I blog because it’s fun to share snippets of my life and more importantly because it’s related to my career–I believe that fashion can make you feel good.
That’s about all I know; I’m winging the rest.
live, Uncategorized
Leave a Comment
Share:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *