It’s been interesting adjusting to my new life as a mother. Before having my daughter, I was a case manager for several years where I was constantly in face-to-face meetings. On average I had about 20 clients whom I needed to speak with at least once a week by phone and meet with them and their team once a month. A whole day in my cubical was unusual and a day without any conversations with another person were extremely rare. Then, I became a stay-at-home mom while on maternity leave.
My new venture of blogging as my job is very different from my old job. I spend most of my time behind a screen and talking to others through text. It can be lonely and frustrating at times. Most of the time it is perfect so that I can stop and be mom for most of the day! I wish I could adhere to a more formal schedule on some days; however, with an active toddler it is difficult to do much work while she is awake. So, I thought you might be interested (and maybe surprised?) at what a typical day looks like around here.
Our mornings start off with the usual mom/kid stuff: change diaper, get dressed, brush teeth, and have breakfast. Since I have difficulty using my laptop while my daughter is awake, I try to utilize my phone as much as possible throughout the day. While we are eating I skim emails and social media alerts. It’s nice that Skype has an app that I can use on my phone. I can see who’s online, chat, and participate in free Skype calls.
If it’s not a day that she has a class (like story time or tumbling) then we play together and do some light housework such as unloading the dishwasher or a load of laundry. Lunch time is similar to breakfast where I scan my email and updates between bites. Sometimes I can tap out a few sentences for a blog post. While we play or color, I am able to do quick checks on my phone as well. I try to keep an eye out for any urgent emails so I can address them as soon as possible.
Once naptime come rolls around, I take out my laptop so I can interact with fans, catch up with fellow bloggers, and work on posts and pitches. Skype provides an easy way to participate in a group chat or video call and still be able to keep an eye on Facebook updates. I’m already guilty of having too many tabs open at once, it’s nice to condense some of that! I do like the free calls with Skype because I don’t always like giving out my personal number to others I don’t know very well. However, when collaborating on a group project, being able to get together and chat is so beneficial. It’s also nice just to chitchat with friends too!
It’s time to say more and stay human. It’s time for Skype.
Work gets put aside for dinner and our evening walk. After my daughter is asleep, then I usually for a couple of hours before going to bed myself. If I have a call scheduled in the evening, my husband will keep an eye on my daughter so I can participate without (as many) interruptions. She just can’t resist the keyboard and wants my headset all the time! I do hope more of my colleagues begin to use Skype for conference calls. I don’t like the ones where you have to call into on your phone. Maybe it’s because I’m a multi-tasker when I’m on my laptop? I find it so hard to multi-task when I’m on my phone.
As I look through Skype’s features, I keep wondering if I should set up a phone number through them that forwards to my cell phone. That way I can give out the Skype number without worrying as much. I’m also looking forward to trying the screen sharing when someone asks for consultation about how to use a program I know well. Talking someone through this over the phone is not ideal (though I’ve done it many times!). I usually have to be going through the motions on my own computer to make sure I’m telling them exactly what to look for and where.
I know my daily life isn’t too glamorous, but I wouldn’t be able to do it in a personal fashion without great products like Skype!
How do you stay connected? Comment in the discussion box below for a chance to win gift cards and other fun prizes!
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Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Skype via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Skype.
Darcy is the founder of “Life With Darcy and Brian,” where she combines her love for education, board games, and crafting to create engaging learning experiences for kids. Her creative projects and writing have been featured in outlets like The Toy Insider, CafeMom, Mom.com, Parents.com, Country Living, and The Pioneer Woman.
melissa
Monday 9th of July 2012
I use Skype all the time. WIth my parents being very far away, it is the only method I rely on!! I love SKYPE!!
Tahlia B.
Monday 9th of July 2012
Right now the only way I really stay connected is with FB. Nobody I know uses Twitter or Skype, so there's no real reason to utilize them. Plus, I don't really have time to use them when my daughter is awake. Some days it seems I don't accomplish much, but I must have if I feel exhausted! Even with one at home, it's a full time job. I catch up mostly via my phone or when the baby is napping/in bed, on the PC.
Darcy
Monday 9th of July 2012
It is a crazy juggling act for sure! My parents just started using Skype for the video calls with us otherwise most of my Skype contacts are fellow bloggers.