Name: Kristen Wheeler
Location: Colorado
Company: Rocky Mountain Region of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Professional Industry: Foundation/Non-Profit
Job Title: Development Manager
WIXII-ISM™ FROM KRISTEN:
“Work-life mix once seemed like an untamable beast in my life, until recently when I realized that there is no such thing as a perfect mom, wife, or employee for that matter!…I stayed at home for a few months when we moved to Colorado at the beginning of 2013. During that time I really gained perspective on what staying at home vs. working full time meant for our family specifically. I had the ‘perfect portrait’ of what I thought a mother should be, and that was staying at home with my kids, having fresh baked cookies for them when they got home from school, and having three course meals each night for dinner! While those things are very admirable goals, I realized that my working had not damaged my kids like I thought it would…in fact, they didn’t even know that I wasn’t going to work each day when I dropped them off at school! That was so encouraging that my kids knew I was there for them, and released me to be able to go work and pursue a passion of mine.”
KRISTEN’S STORY:
Meet our featured Wixii™, Kristen Wheeler. She is 30 years old and mother to a 9 year old daughter and 8 year old son. She currently Development Manager for the Rocky Mountain Region of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. Kristen describes herself as a fundraiser by day, mom, wife, musician and baker by night!
KRISTEN’S CAREER PATH:
My husband and I have been in ministry together for 10 years, and I have always had a heart for non-profits because of our work in the Church. I began working for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 2005 as a temp, helping with administrative duties and other odds and ends. I was hired as full time staff in 2006 as their Administrative Assistant, and worked my way up to Executive Director within three years. After my husband received a job promotion that moved us from Central Texas to Denver, Colorado, I had planned on being a stay-at-home mom, but suddenly found myself applying for a position with JDRF, where I am now serving as the Development Manager for the Rocky Mountain Chapter. I thoroughly enjoy working within my community and building relationships with those I meet through the work of organizations like MDA and JDRF.
KRISTEN’S MINDSET AND WORK-LIFE MIX:
I am forever a hopeless optimist, and I always try to have a positive attitude no matter what situation I am in! I am definitely a perfectionist when it comes to almost all things – making lists, planning, more lists, more planning, and trying to stay organized by making a few lists about how I can be organized (ha!)…although you wouldn’t be able to tell by looking in my purse. It is always a wreck! I am learning to enjoy life more, being “present” in the present! I read a quote the other day that said, “Wherever you are, be all there.”
Work-life mix once seemed like an untamable beast in my life, until recently when I realized that there is no such thing as a perfect mom, wife, or employee for that matter! Having that mindset has really helped even with my day-to-day schedule in the midst of 40+ hour work weeks in the office, cheer practice and competitions, band practice, Cub Scouts, and Taekwondo. My wonderful husband helps taxi the kids around to school and extra-curricular activities, save for a few business trips every other month or so. In those cases the kids stay in a before/after school program or with friends until I can get home. I keep a cleaning schedule in my house, and everyone is responsible for doing something each day. I am forever making lists and organizing calendars to keep all of my work and family dates straight! Somehow I find time to read, have some quiet and devotional time each morning, and do just a little exercise, although I wish I had time for more!
How does your current mindset/attitude empower and/or frustrate your ability to thrive in your work-life mix? How has your mindset/attitude toward life changed over time?
I stayed at home for a few months when we moved to Colorado at the beginning of 2013. During that time I really gained perspective on what staying at home vs. working full time meant for our family specifically. I had the ‘perfect portrait’ of what I thought a mother should be, and that was staying at home with my kids, having fresh baked cookies for them when they got home from school, and having three course meals each night for dinner! While those things are very admirable goals, I realized that my working had not damaged my kids like I thought it would…in fact, they didn’t even know that I wasn’t going to work each day when I dropped them off at school! That was so encouraging that my kids knew I was there for them, and released me to be able to go work and pursue a passion of mine. There is still “mommy guilt” sometimes, but I see that my kids are OK, and that I can hopefully teach them more about doing what you love and working hard for what you have.
Please share your favorite efficiencies and timesavers.
Always find time for yourself! I set aside Sunday nights to pamper myself a little bit with an at-home facial, bubble bath, long walk with my husband, etc. It refreshes me and prepares me for the work week ahead. In case you haven’t noticed…lists are my FRIEND! Grocery lists are huge time and money savers. Additionally, menu planning works well for us. I post our menu each week and the kids know what to expect. They even help with the prep a little! And always plan for a pizza night! I have a daily schedule of things I need to do at home. For example, on Mondays I pay bills, Tuesdays I vacuum, etc. I don’t always follow it to a “T,” but it helps to prevent me from getting overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done. Another good rule of thumb for me – stick a load of laundry in right when I get up in the morning and put it in the dryer before I leave for work. It has been a huge time and space saver!!
