There’s a quote I love that says, “God doesn’t always call the qualified, He qualifies the called.” And looking back at my journey – from teenage worker to stay-at-home twin mum to Senior Operations Manager – I can honestly say, it was his hand guiding every step.
I’ve worked since I was 16 (I’m now in my early 40s). Earning my own money was always important to me, and I’ve carried that work ethic right through my career. But everything shifted when I had my beautiful twins. I went on maternity leave with every intention of returning to work, but the childcare costs were eye-watering. It just didn’t make financial sense. Coupled with the terrible treatment I received by my employers back then – I made the decision to stay home.
When the twins were about six months old, I felt a pull to do something for myself – something creative and fulfilling that could fit around naps and feeds. So, I started a blog. It became my outlet, my community, and my connection to the outside world. I found this incredible online network of mums who lifted each other up, and it was honestly one of the happiest times in my life.
But life, as it does, took an unexpected turn. When the twins were 18 months old, their dad and I split. Overnight, I became a single mum. Suddenly, blogging for passion wasn’t quite enough – I needed to think practically, especially financially. That’s when I discovered the Digital Mums course, which trained mums like me in social media marketing. It was a lifeline.
Freelancing followed, and for two years, I juggled client work with parenting and blogging. I absolutely loved the flexibility, but with freelancing came unpredictability. One of my major clients began delaying payments regularly, and the risk started to outweigh the reward. I needed stability – not just for me, but for the twins too.
That’s when I remembered an opportunity that had come my way a couple of years earlier. A brand-new startup (through the Digital Mums network) had offered me a role. At the time, I’d said no – I was committed to making freelancing work. But something in me said: reach out. So, I did. And just like that, I was hired.
The flexibility was incredible. The workload was manageable. The training, even as a start-up, was thorough and supportive. What started as a contractor role turned into a permanent position. Eventually, I became Senior Operations Manager, and I still work there today – 7 years later.
Yes, there have been hard times. Plenty of late-night and weekend working, and the usual mum guilt that sneaks in now and then. But I’ve been blessed. I see God’s grace in every step of my story – how each chapter prepared me for the next.
This past year has been another gift as my role changed. I now work Monday to Friday, 9 to 5:30, which has allowed me to reclaim my evenings and weekends. The twins, now older and more independent, are thriving, and so am I.
Work-life balance as a single parent isn’t always easy – but it is possible. And sometimes, the path doesn’t look the way you expected. Sometimes, it’s winding and bumpy. But when you keep going, keep believing, and trust in God’s timing… amazing things can happen.
To all the working mums out there – whether you’re in an office, at home, freelancing, or building something new – you’re doing an incredible job. Keep going. The laptop and the lunchboxes, can coexist beautifully.
I’ll be sharing more about my career journey here on Raising Twins!
