We recently hosted a contest with our readers asking them to share videos on how they balance work and home life. The winner received gift cards, a Bibs & Business mug and a profile in the magazine. Here is our winner, Kelli Fairbanks and her interview on finding balancing as a working mom.
Profile: Kelli Fairbanks
Realty Specialist
Background
Born and raised right in Norfolk, Va. Kelli is in the second set of twins my mom and dad had. She attended Norfolk State University (NSU) for her undergraduate studies, receiving a BS in General Business and she attended Colorado Christian University for an MBA with emphasis in project management. Kelli has worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for 17 years and works as a Realty Specialist. She the program manager for a program called Leased Government Housing. In this position she is responsible for finding houses and apartments for Military families who qualify for the program. She also manage leases for Military Recruiting facilities across Virginia as apart of a Recruiting Facilities Program.
Many moms find comfort and support in their faith as they take on the roles of wife, mom and career 
woman. “My faith and relationship with Jesus Christ is such a vital part of my life,” Fairbanks explained. “It keeps me grounded and sane! As a mom I’m often reminded through my faith how God handles me and how I should attempt to handle my kiddos. I’m in my career because of my faith. God led me to an elective course in real estate while at NSU. At the time I was working for the Corps but in the Public Affairs Office as an intermittent student. I literally heard the Lord tell me that Real Estate would be my field of work. I remember going to my pastor at the time and having her pray over me to agree with me because I felt it so strongly. I was offered a position in the real estate office right after graduation all do to taking the elective… no experience.”
Arian Moore: What are some steps you take daily to balance life as a working mom?
Kelli Fairbanks: One thing is adding EVERYTHING to my calendar. I also keep a routine so everyone knows what’s supposed to happen even if things get crazy, as they tend to do most often than not.
Moore: Do you set aside me-time? if so, what does that include?
Fairbanks: Yup! I set some me time in about two times a week. Our house shuts down at 9pm, no ‘ifs”, “ands” or “buts” about it! This gives me at least two to three hours to do nothing, relax or enjoy the hubby. But at least twice a week I do something for me. Relaxing in the tub, watching the ID channel or eating some special treats.
Moore: How flexible is your employer to your needs as a mom? Was there a conversation that initiated this flexibility?
Fairbanks: God has given me such favor on my job. Even as a young single mom when I first started at the Corps, my supervisor at the time was very understanding and accommodating. I could change my schedule to fit school and home. Now things haven’t changed much at all. I’m able to work from home if one of my children is sick or if the schedule is crazy for the day. I earn annual leave and sick leave so I can take off as needed. Credit hours and Overtime are also a great benefits offered by my employer and help with flexibility as a mom.
Moore: What are the most challenging aspects of being a working mom and how do you overcome them?
Fairbanks: I would say my most challenging thing as a working mom is having the age difference between the kids. Our oldest is 16 and then there’s the 7 and 8 year olds. Our 16 year old is a girl and has Volleyball, extensive projects, work, church activities at times and of course a social life. The younger two are boys and are getting interested in sports, they also have school work and church activities. Sometimes these schedules are in direct conflict and mom has to sort them out, which can definitely be a challenge. Thankfully , my husband, mom, family and friends are there to support me with it all.
Check out her winning
video!
Are you a working mom balancing it all? Send us your info for a feature.
This was a great article! Some of the things discussed in this article I was able to relate to. This article confirms for me to continue to strive with balancing my role as a wife and a mother, while working full time as well as taking my “me time” to not only be a blessing to my family, others, and myself, but overall to continue to strive to bring glory to God in all of these things.