As moms, we love to get advice (on our own terms) about sleep schedules, lunchtime routines, the best babysitters, and how to answer all the existential questions that come up on car rides. For many, there’s still one piece of advice we’re still seeking: How do some moms seem to “do it all” with their family while still having a meaningful career?

We called on three moms in different circumstances and stages of their lives who are killing it in their Stroll Area Director role and community – all while forming schedules around their family’s needs. We’re about getting answers to life’s great questions, so if you’ve ever wanted some useful #momcareeradvice without having to ask how they “do it all,” here you go:

Mandi Wilke, Area Director in Wisconsin

Mom of three (pre-teen to teens)

What currently motivates you in your publication business?

I’m not too shy to admit I am money motivated. I am the sole provider of income in my home and having the same quality of my life for my kids before the divorce, if not better, is my priority.  As selfish as it sounds, I also love being successful, being a respected business owner, and being known in our community. After 15 years of being a stay-at-home mom, I feel I have a bigger purpose and place in our community and my career and I want to keep that!

Are there certain characteristics that moms have that make them well-suited for this role?

Patience, persistence, organization, trustworthiness, confidence, and multitasking.

What would you tell a mom thinking of getting back into the workforce or looking for a new work opportunity right now?

If you’re looking for purpose and fulfillment, you will find it within this organization. If you want flexibility, success, and being a present parent (after ramp-up of course), this is a perfect fit! You can have it all once you get established. Your desires are your potential in this business!

Macy Knoble, Area Director in North Carolina

Mom of two (under 2)

Are there certain characteristics that moms have that make them well-suited for the Area Director role?

Multitasking, working efficiently, time management, compassion, empathy, setting proper expectations, and management. Taking care of your business and clients is like taking care of your house and family.

What would you tell a mom thinking of getting back into the workforce or looking for a new work opportunity right now?

There truly isn't a better time to do it. Because of COVID-19, the workforce has significantly changed and is tailored to those working from home. With proper time management, you can stay home with your kids and build a business for your family.

If you were to make the case that being a mom is the toughest job in the world, what would your argument be?

When I think of the word ‘tough,’ there are a few synonyms that come to mind: strong, resilient, gritty, solid, and powerful. I do think that being a mom is the toughest job in the world because you have to be tough to do so. It's not all fun and games. Even though their squishy cheeks and sweet hugs make it all worth it.

It's teaching someone how to be a human being. It's managing emotions when they themselves have no idea what they are feeling or how to express it. It's caring for another life. It's wearing your heart on your sleeve day in and day out. You have to be strong, resilient, gritty, and powerful to do this. The only thing that I would argue against would be that being a mom is not a job – it's the greatest honor.

Raegan Sowders, Area Director in Kansas

Mom of two (ages 2 and 5)

Are you motivated any differently in your business now that you have children?

I’m a lot more efficient with my time when I am working.

What are the positive aspects of your Area Director role that work well for you as a mom?

I don’t have to choose between making a living and being a good and present mother. My family always comes first and I like that I can, if need be, stay home with a sick child without repercussions. There are always pros and cons to every situation or work environment, but I like to be able to control my work environment.

What you put in is what you are going to get out. I don’t let my schedule run me. When things outside my control pop up (and with kids they always do), I just bob and weave. It’s all about being flexible and having a ‘what’s most important for me to accomplish today’ attitude.

Are there certain characteristics that moms have that make them well-suited for this role?

Of course, we are all multitaskers. As moms, we are used to juggling a lot on our plates. It’s no different as a mom with a career outside the home. We are focused, driven, and nurturing.

What would you tell a mom thinking of getting back into the workforce or looking for a new work opportunity right now?

I had to work to get to where I am today. You don’t just start off working part-time and expect everything to align into place and make a great living. It takes time, hard work, and consistency.

When you get to a good place, you can allow yourself some freedom as a result of your efforts. If you put in the work, you can adjust your schedule and make it what you want it to be.

You already have the toughest job: Mom. Being a mom has given you all the qualities to help you succeed in a role where you control your schedule, take meetings from home (or the carpool line), and earn what you deserve while doing it. All three of these rockstar moms are tackling the Area Director role how they see fit and when it works for them. Why not give it a try?