Editor’s Note: If one thing has become clear during these recent historical events in our country, it’s that many people don’t appreciate the concepts of “compassion,” “humility,” “loyalty,” or “solidarity.” A Momma & Her Pen believes wholeheartedly in supporting others and championing their personal and business ventures. We all have a style, we all have a voice, and we all have a story that deserves to be shared. That’s why I’m partnering with professionals from various walks of life in a special guest column series titled “Friends With Pens.” This is a chance for these talented individuals to share their perspective and promote their accomplishments, all of which are noteworthy and amazing. The ideas, observations, and opinions expressed herein are entirely those of the writer. A Momma & Her Pen hopes you enjoy this special series.
By Amanda Foss
Growing up I was always told that “you can’t depend on a man” and “you have to go to college so you can support yourself.” It was ingrained in my brain from early on to always work hard for what I wanted. I never really knew what that was, though, so I chose what I viewed as a “safer” route: I pursued and earned my degree in business because I believed it was far-reaching and versatile.
Ten years and various corporate positions later, I’ve learned more about what I do NOT want in my professional career than what I do want. I’ve always been able to get a good, respectable job, but I’ve never developed a passion for any of them. Still, I kept working my butt off because that’s what my parents taught me growing up.
Then I became a mom, and everything changed. I discovered how much I love being a mom. It was all I wanted to do and that made going to a job I disliked even worse. I was working long hours and trying to juggle being a mother, a wife, and a homemaker, while also somehow making time for myself. I kept thinking that other people around me seemed to love their career choice and I wanted that, too. Plus, I wanted to be around more for my kids. I hated that I couldn’t drive them to school and was always rushing to do chores around the house when all my girls wanted me to do was sit and play. Each time I left for work it tore me apart seeing them in the window waving goodbye.
I began thinking of ways I could do what I love professionally and still be at home with my children. But then reality would sink in: I had a mortgage, bills, student loans, and credit card debt, and even though I hated my job, it paid well, and I knew I couldn’t afford to leave. So, I realized I would have to build up a business on the side before I could quit and focus more on my kids. That’s the moment I decided to start my own virtual assistant business. I did endless research on start-ups, completed various online business courses, and joined every entrepreneurial Facebook group I could find. I was so determined to make it on my own that I began listening to business podcasts, reading books on starting and growing a company, and aggressively advertising my services across social media.
It took me a long time, but I realize now that my passion is helping others. I love working with people to accomplish things they never thought they could achieve. I love helping them create a plan toward reaching their own personal goals when they don’t even know where to start. And watching them realize and trust in their own potential. I want that for my children, too. I want them to grow up believing they can do anything they put their minds to and knowing they don’t have to take the “safe” route. My “why” is and will always be my kids. They are the driving force behind everything I do. But I do realize that to be the best mother for them, I must also be happy, and that’s why I’m determined to pursue my dream venture. Plus, I want to show my daughters that as a mother, you can do it all.
Of course, I am still growing and learning and working to build my business, but the important thing is that I’m finally on my desired path. It’s a lot of work and time spent away from my kids, which is extremely challenging, but I know one day they will understand why I worked so hard to achieve my goals and appreciate that everything I did in my life wasn’t just for me, it was for them, too.
About The Author:
Amanda Foss is the founder and CEO of Amanda Marie Virtual Solutions, a service-based business that helps mompreneurs who are ready to start or scale their businesses gain the time, freedom, and confidence to pursue their passion while maintaining a healthy work/life balance. Amanda lives in Long Island, NY with her husband and two children. She strives to spend as much quality time with her girls as possible.
If you’re interested in submitting your own narrative or in recommending/promoting a friend, please email me at amommaspen@gmail.com. I am beyond excited to work with all of you on this collaboration project! Happy writing!