Working Mama: Tara Sabo

Happy Monday! I have some fun posts coming your way this week! But before we can get into that, let’s meet our Working Mama of the week…Tara Sabo!

Tara Sabo

Name: Tara
Age: 31
Children: Hannah, 7 3/4 months
Occupation: Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Freelance Writer
Full Time or Part Time: Part Time
Work Location: A mix of both work from home and commuting to an office

Where to Find Tara

Blog: A Daily Dose of Fit
Twitter: @ADailyDoseofFit
Facebook: A Daily Dose of Fit
Pinterest: Tara Sabo
Instagram: tarasabo

How do you find time for everything you need to do? What falls off your radar?
Task lists are my lifesaver. I have to write down what needs to be done so that I can prioritize…when I know what needs to be done, I use nap time to actually get those things done, which keeps me moving efficiently. If I can get tasks done efficiently, then I can find more time to do the things that I love. Thankfully, I have a very supportive husband that recognizes my need for personal time. He’s all too willing to take over when he gets home from work. Things that fall off my radar: Currently, taking care of my plants in the yard. Ugh.

Describe your childcare arrangement.
I work at a gym that provides a nursery for the members. My daughter goes in the nursery, which allows me to work AND workout. And because I’m an employee…she does so for free. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be worth it.

What does the word balance mean to you?
Finding happiness. Getting things done without sacrificing precious time with family. Balance is being able to recognize when certain tasks are important and when they aren’t. It’s being able to admit that it (whatever “it” is) doesn’t really need to get done in this one particular moment.

What is your best time saving tip?
Make a list of everything you’d like to get done today, tomorrow and by the end of the week. When you find time to actually get things done…like I do when my daughter naps…put your focus hat on and just go to town on your list. Learn to recognize when you are distracted, and also what distracts you. This will help you make the most of your time, that’s for sure.

What is your favorite go to meal to feed your family during the week?
I make my daughter’s baby food right now, creating big batches on Sundays so that I have much to choose from throughout the week. My husband and I, we love making tacos. They can be healthy when made correctly, also cheap. And if you make a big batch, they can carry you through the week…lunches, nights you don’t feel like making anything. Mexican breakfasts. Tacos are the best.

Would you like to take a nap?
Yes
No
I’m napping right now. It’s called multitasking.

What are your top two pros and cons of being a working mom?Pro: I love going to work at the gym. It gives me a place to be social, brings in money, and gives my daughter a chance to mingle with other children her age for a while.
Con: Juggling my work schedule with my daughter’s schedule, with my home schedule, etc. Sometimes, I just can’t make it to work on time because, well…I’ve just been puked on, or someone is still sleeping, or…etc.

Did you pump at work? If so, what was your experience?
I didn’t. I’ve been able to work around that so far because my daughter is in the nursery at the gym where I work…and I’ve been able to schedule my clients around her feedings.

Do you have any advice for a new mom who is about to go back to work?
I’m only away from my daughter for a few hours every morning, and she’s under the same roof as I am, but it doesn’t make it any easier to leave her in someone else’s care. However, I know that she’ll be fine and will probably have fun with whomever is taking care of her…and any other kids that might be around her. It’s good for her to be social, and it’s good for me to be free of mommy duties for a while. It makes me love the moments I am with her all the more.

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Thank you so much Tara for participating in my Working Mamas series! Don’t forget to check out Tara’s blog and show her some love!