Working full-time again? (Yup!)

As of January 19, 2021 (ha! I just noticed that date of 19, 20, 21… whoa) I now work for multimedia network PragerU — factual, faith-filled, free-and-brave (FAB). Yessssss! My new baby via 2020’s most unexpected & confusing metaphorical pregnancy. And just like my two daughters, this baby busted into my life in a most unexpected way too….

Late last summer, the PragerU team scouted me to do one of their famous 5-Minute Videos (we shot it in December and it will go live end of February — that’s where my new ‘free-and-brave’ acronym was born) and then a few short weeks later I was presented with a full-time job opportunity to be the personality and Director of Outreach for their new PragerU Resources for Educators and Parents (PREP) forum. Bam! JOIN PREP NOW, BY THE WAY.  That’s showbiz, baby. Except, PragerU really isn’t showbiz — it’s more education-and-information-with-an-undercurrent-of-politics-and-a-dash-of-entertainment. (Which happens to be exactly where I’m at myself right now….)

And here I thought I’d never work again in media. Thank. You. God. For. This. Shot.

So yeah, I’m now working full-time — it happened so fast. I’m still adjusting, the whole family is. It’s going fine. I’m giddy. I’m in disbelief. I’m nervous. I’m hell-bent on high-kicking and knocking it out of the park.

I’m also a mom who suddenly realized that the last time I was in a full-time work environment that had me working for a company/corporation (hi, ReelzChannel!) I didn’t have kids to think about.

How I’m slamming it all together:

• I prepared my family — unfiltered. I told my daughters and husband that things might feel discombobulated at home for the next few weeks, and that I NEEDED THEM to rise up, pick up after themselves, be team players and do what I ask with a smile on their faces and an enthusiastic “Yes, Mama!” I reminded everyone that I happily bend over backwards to help them with work, dance, school, food, laundry, homework and everything else… and that now I needed help from them or else we’d all be in for a very confused hell. I even told the dog — just for good measure. So far, so good.
• I locked down childcare — fast. My girls are old enough for me to leave them alone for an hour or so here and there, but not quite old enough to fend for themselves for 8 hours/day thanks to ridiculous distance-learning garbage that prevents anyone from attending a full school day in-person here in California (granted, I only go into the office 2 days/week for now… so, LUCKY). Also lucky: The young woman I enlisted is smart, fun, kind, accomplished, credible and trustworthy (she was a substitute teacher at my daughters’ school). With tears filling up my eyes, I pointed at her on the second day she came to my home and said “You are an angel that dropped out of the sky for me right now… I just want you to know that.” Here’s hoping she doesn’t think I’m totally unstable for getting weepy with her 2 days in. Heart on my sleeve. Always.
• I’m sticking to a schedule. Walk the dog at 8am (no excuses! except rain) on the days I work from home — or else I don’t get to it otherwise. Cook dinner on the days I work from home (no excuses!) so there are leftovers on the days I’m at the office. Go to bed by 10pm.
• I’m laying low(er) on social media & communication — just for now. Because I have a brand new situation to figure out how to best succeed at and I can’t be immediately distracted throughout the day by ‘Recall Gavin Newsom’ memes, hilarious group text chains, PTA emails or devastating articles about how too many teens have attempted suicide because of extended school closures and lockdowns [my heart can’t take it anymore — wake up, teacher unions]. There are protocols to learn, researching that must be done, systems to get used to, questions to ask, to-do lists to make, marketing plans to create and calendar and statewide harassment instructional videos I’m obligated to watch. The catch? A big part of this new job is being on social media — so, I’ll be back ASAP. Just give me a minute.
• I’m not shy to ask for help. Asking for help from anyone has never been my favorite thing to do — I hate asking for help. HATE IT. My mom’s ‘Handle It’ raised me well — too well, maybe. But I’m forcing myself to put this ingrained mantra on-hold for a few weeks: I ask the kids for help (pick up your shoes or else!), the Husband for help (walk the dog on the days I can’t!), the mother-in-law for help (pick-up the girls from dance?), the younger colleague for help (how the heck to share a Google calendar invite — don’t judge me).

So now you know. It’s all good — it’s amazing. But… it’s an adjustment for any mother returning to a career situation after working freelance or part-time or on our own terms for several years. Don’t forget that. Give yourself grace. Get the job done. Get it.

And stay tuned and stay close. Because what’s coming with PragerU’s PREP will blow your mind, mamas. We’re taking our kids, schools and communities BACK. In the name of freedom, bravery and unity as Americans. Together.