The Warrior VO Mom:
Taming the Jungle of Life!
This blog segment is dedicated to those warrior moms (including warrior VO moms!)
who juggle so much more than just their careers. I feel ya! It’s a jungle out there! Time to start taming the jungle of life!
Embracing Change: Taking the Leap into Voice Acting
I remember the moment I made the decision to dive into full-time voice acting. I even remember my first job (can we say, anxiety attack?!), and I remember that if it weren’t for the support of my husband, I could NEVER have accomplished it all. So, hats off to those moms out there without support. For me, this was approximately nine years ago…whaaaattt???!!! Also, did I mention that I was home educating two kids at the time? My eldest….with autism.
Overcoming Challenges: Juggling Career and Motherhood
To share that I was scared during this time as a new business owner is an understatement. I was petrified! Being a mom was everything to me, yet vopreneurship (I just made that one up…LOL!) was equally important, but on a different level, if you get my meaning? You see, my desire was to help benefit my family, while simultaneously using my creativity to help others. It was also an outlet for me, in a way. I wonder how many moms can resonate with that! So, what was my top challenge, you ask? TIME MANAGEMENT, of course!
From Chaos to Clarity: Mastering Time Management
Let me tell you a truth; keeping lists was NEVER one of my things…UNTIL I became a business owner. Everyone, and I do mean EVERYONE was depending on me. I had to find ways to fit wife-ing (another made up word…), instruction and work into each day. I’m not ashamed to admit that I added crying to my list sometimes (*wink!*). There were days I felt defeated, guilty, completely stressed out AND like I had bitten off more than I could chew. However, I slowly found ways to make time for my family and my career. How in the world did I accomplish this? I stopped trying to do it like a man (insert hysterical laughter here!).
Building a Supportive Network: Connecting with Other Moms
Most of my coaches…no, actually ALL of them at the time were male. So, I began connecting with other moms. When I started this journey, I didn’t have the funds to hire a nanny to step in for me, nor could I just let the house fall apart so I could spend hours in my booth. That told me that I needed to create a space within my sphere. After all, this stubborn mom wasn’t willing to give up important moments with my family, but I COULD shift my schedule! Wonder how this might look? Here are just a few little tips.
Leaving a Legacy: Lessons for Future VO Moms
First, get up earlier! Oooohhhh!!! I can hear the moans all over the globe! Cherished rest is SUPER important to me, even now. It’s how I’m able to give my clients the best. However, that quiet time before my house came alive, allowed me to get a head start on auditions, emails and all things business.
Second, utilize your kids nap time! I originally used that time for catching up with chores, but I shifted it for work purposes and incorporated short bursts chores during the day (Timers are helpful in these instances. It also helped me feel like I wasn’t slacking). Lastly, if I had a trainwreck day (let’s be honest, we have more of these than anything! At least, that’s how it felt for me.), I just rolled with it. After all, I was still booking work, everyone was alive, and I could use my experiences in some way for future work!
Look, there’s nothing greater, harder, or more rewarding than being a mom. I never want to diminish that. It’s part of my legacy. I just want my fellow mommas out there to know that it’s OKAY! Take it one step at a time. Incorporate quiet time for your heart and mind. Remember to LAUGH OUT LOUD! What a story you’ll have to share with future VO moms out there.