Teeter Totter: Balancing kids and career

Katie and her daughter Heaven

Some say it’s a sacrifice, others say it’s a choice. Regardless of perspective, choosing to be a stay at home mom or to work is a huge decision. I stayed home a year after having Buggy. I had a modest savings and not much debt except student loans. Although I loved spending time with Buggy I needed to work. The high cost of city living and a desire to use my oh so expensive ivy league degree drove me back into the workforce. I am ok with my decision but I do struggle to find balance. So I reached out to my friend Katie, she is a mother to a 3 year old, a wife and realtor at a prominent NYC realty firm. Here is her take on things: 

I am a simple woman who enjoys the simple things in life. I have been happily married to my husband Robert for four years, an amazing friend and father. I have a beautiful three year old daughter named Heaven. Of course I love them both dearly and at times not so much. They work my last nerve 20% of the time (did I say 20, let's make that 50) but ultimately I wouldn't trade them for anything in this world.  When I first met my husband I couldn't stand him because he is the opposite of me. I am emotional, he is logical. I am impatient and he has all the patience in the world. Fortunately in our case opposites attracted and we've been inseparable - together since "fa real dough"! (Paused for a minute to do the butterfly in the mirror....with a cheese smile - oooowwwwww) *clears throat* I digress... Since the day we met we have been building and I must say we are learning more about each other as life happens for us. And then there is my daughter Heaven, when I first met my baby girl I realized that I couldn't love anything as much as I love her. All in the family I love my family and I love my career I am a licensed Real Estate Salesperson at Citi-habitats (#1 rental brokerage in Manhattan). I wanted to be a realtor since I began business school in 2005. Everyday, I learn more about the industry and just when I think I know it all, I learn something new. My goal is to become a real estate tycoon like Donald Trump. Very ambitious I know but I believe I can accomplish this. You see, all relationships, whether they are related to career or family require work - in order to succeed  we have to build and balance. We have to become a better, stronger, and wiser mothers, wives, and workers. Having this thought process helps me balance work and family (including 1 glass of moscato at least 3 times a week). That helps too. And although I am a simple person, I am also complex, there are aspects of my life that I can't explain with only one blog post. But hopefully I have told you enough for you to understand or even relate to me in some way. How do you find balance? Comment or Share.