I as a single mom of 5 made it!

It took me some time to realize my full potential. Nevertheless, all of my hardships had made me progress towards a destination that, once was far fetch. After all, this is the story of me being sick and tire of feeling overworked and underpaid. Unti, I had a lightbulb moment, and I ran full force with my opportunities and potential. And finally, as a single mom of 5 made it out successfully.

Success is defined differently by everyone- This is how I made it!

For some reason, each and every one of my moves in life have all started as a vision. As a matter of fact, I dream about what’s next to come. Important to note, I found myself single with 4 kids in the peak of the Corona Virus pandemic. At any rate, it was not an easy decision, but one that had to be done. Read all about my narcissistic entanglement journey here. In conclusion, I was determined, and I made it out successfully.

All in all, it was 5 of us in a one bedroom along me fighting for my freedom, peace and sanity. At the same time, it was a very dark, shallow moment in my life. At that point, all I knew was that I wanted safety and no longer repeat the same cycles. Balanced against that I needed healing from all of childhood traumas that were hunting me still. And that my friend was enough motor for my DRIVE and DETERMINATION!

I can vividly remember, the moment it happened (Because my birthday was just days away). It was a pivotal moment, because I knew I was going to push. At the same time, this PUSH felt different, like I have never done so before. Along with my personal chaos, I was tired of feeling overworked and underpaid. One thing for sure, I was determined and made it as a single mom!

I was once again in a job with bad management and little employee care

All in all, my job was a 2hr commute with heavy traffic, many responsibilities that were not in my offer letter. Including being under paid and with a manager that only cared for herself. Balanced against the fact that not having 1 soul to help me out with childcare. Import to realize that I made it in a new city without help.

It was a small team of 3. Basically, it was the manager (which she is a very self-centered individual), and a co-worker. All things considered; my co-worker was the right individual that I needed at that moment. Unquestionably, that co-worker helped me make it to where I am today. As a matter of fact, she passed along wisdom, encouragement, and many opportunities my way. All along she believed that no matter the circumstances, along with my determination I was going to surpass the hardships.

As a matter of fact, 8 Months in the job, things took a turn for the worst. Simultaneously, both my personal and work life synchronized in chaos. As the job was becoming unbearable, snowstorm hit was in the works for that winter. Indeed, one that only come across my area every 10 years. Coupled with the effects of the pandemic making everything worse.

The night before the storm everyone including the manager left work early. As you can imagine, she just told me to figure it out with my non-existent PTO bank. Yes! you hear that right!! In addition, I was underpaid and because of me being under the 1-year period, I didn’t qualify for PTO during emergencies like the one I faced.

When all is in full darkness, remember that the sun rises!

Above all my coworker begged me to please find shelter and prioritize myself and children. As a result, I messaged the manager once more and for the last time, explaining the situation at my current location. And as expected homegirl didn’t respond till the morning of the disaster. As a matter of fact, she gave the vaguest response in this universe.

That morning, I understood that not only I have self-worth but also that better things will come my way. In the mist of the storm, I kneeled, and my prayers were a bit different than usual. This time around I ensured to relay all of my troubles to the ALMIGHTY. As well as for him to take all control and shower me with the empowerment that I so desperately needed to play out a bigger, better plan. Even though my prayers were not answered right then and there. Concurrently, I gained self-trust and inward awareness of my full potential.

Important to realize, I’m an active reader. To include, I read everything and at all times. In hindsight this has been my POWER. In summary, the ability to learn and adapt to new things. Given these points, knowledge is something that no one can take away from you!

During the entire pandemic I came across articles of how others were changing careers, uprooting and starting over. I remember reading multiple articles and even books on increasing your income. There is one article that I came across, where I said out loud- ‘ what in the world- can do exactly that’ – and boy I started writing out my plan.

As someone who loves a challenge

in 8 months, my prayers and all of my hard work came to light! OH, IS HE POWERFUL! First and foremost, it was a process that started with discarding all the distractions. This included deleting all social media accounts. Also take into accounts I did a /friends/and family members cleansed. Which wasn’t hard as I only had very few left anyways.

Followed by reading/researching as much as possible. I wrote down about 5 possible plans. One of which was to find 2 remote jobs that will pay about $30-40 pay range. And I went to action- this included springing into action and applying to multiple jobs. Please note that this process was not only time consuming but very draining.

Including updating all of my resumes. Continuously updating those resumes based on the movement of the job market. In total, I applied to 250 jobs (yes, I know crazy!!)). All within the entire 8 months period. But I was seeing positive results thanks to my perseverance.

HOMEGIRL/HOMEBOY I hit jackpot!! I had 8 interviews (back-to-back) and received 4 job offers. I jokingly, told a friend- ‘I want to work them all!!’- ‘How cool that would be.’ He reminded me of my actual story (the one where I told myself that if I worked 2 remote jobs, they could add up to 120k+). He said, ‘now is the time, pick 2 and go with it. I believe you can do it!” and as crazy as I am, I chose 2 of the 4 options.

And indeed

I started this journey in June 2020 with just a spoken thought. Finally gave in and fully sprang into action in February 2021. Finally with all my hard work, succeed in October 2021! My friend, If I can so can you!! Let’s write our own narratives!

At the beginning, it all started with 4 children and somewhere between all of the twists and turns, I added 1 more to the clan! Yes, during the storm you might not be able to see the blessings. Most definitely trust the process.

This time my plan is bigger! the vision is bigger! and if you don’t know it yet, I’m going for more. My potential is all mine and for me to put into action, and because of it I no longer need to be validated. Know your self-worth and with it your self-esteem will increase.

Nunca dejes que nadie te defines! El No, se cambia a SI. Si, tu puedes! Creetelo y lo viviras. El tiempo vuela y haci de rapido te llegara tu oportunidad.

-Niam Lewis