Focusing On Women in the Workforce: How to Empower Your Employees

In a male-dominated workforce, women often feel left on the outskirts of conversation. In fact, just two years ago, a picture of a women's bathroom at a tech conference went viral after it was shown to be completely empty. But times, they are a-changing: according to recent studies, college-educated women will officially overtake the number of college-educated men in the workforce this year. According to Inc., 57% of undergraduate students are currently women. This is the first time in history that the number of college-educated women beats out the number of men in similar positions. That means that countless businesses are looking to craft more women-friendly environments in order to make way for the tide of femininity coming their way. While many might say this should have been … [Read more...]

Calling All Maryland Moms!

Juice in the City is looking to launch in the DC Metro area. If you are looking for a nice way to bolster your income or just earn a bit of extra cash then this might be a good opportunity for you. Yes, really. When you apply you already state how much time you can put into the job and what hours work best for you. It's nice to have that information up front. Another great point is that this job helps local small businesses. I'm all for supporting them whenever I can too. It is a great way to bolster your community and its local economy which is needed especially these days. Want to know more? Have Fun, Work From Home and Be a Local Hero!Moms, take note! There's a great company (founded by moms) called Juice in the City coming to Bethesda/Chevy Chase! Juice in the City offers great … [Read more...]

So is that like, uh a real job?

It is always when I'm about to go to an event with a lot of our friends that I begin to feel the 'I' word. Insecure. I didn't always feel that way. Nope. It only started when I quit my 9-5 job and decided to make a go of this whole writing thing that I felt these pangs of insecurity. We go to an event and the topic of work comes up. No one asks me about my job anymore. I'm left out of the conversation unless I shoehorn my way in. When I would begin to talk about a particular project I could see the judgment. The "HA! Yeah right! You don't really work anymore, you just stay home." It has been said to me more than once. It has gotten to the point that now I don't even talk about work. Even if I'm really excited about something or something big is coming up I just find something else to … [Read more...]

The Price of the Pump- That Old Boob Dilemma

Cross-posted from October 2007 DC Metro Moms. If you work outside the home and you plan to breastfeed after the birth of your child then there's a good chance that you probably already know what dilemma I'm talking about. Pumping. Will you be able to pump at work? Has your company made sufficient accommodations or are you going it on your own? When I gave birth to my daughter I knew without a doubt that I would breastfeed and it went off without a hitch. She was a natural. I was lucky. She was also colicky. I tried to persevere but even after I had already paid the rental fees on the pump for the next few months, I knew my days were numbered. My boob dilemma was rearing its ugly head. How was I going to pump at work? I had a cubicle without a door. Sure the walls were high but anyone … [Read more...]

Overheards- Avis Edition

Words you never want to hear from the car rental representative-"Ma'am are you sure you want to return this car?  Maybe you might want to check to see if your flight is still going out today?  Now, ma'am, why are you looking at me so funny?"I made it home.  That's all that matters.  The trips are done.  I am relieved. … [Read more...]

They Have Computers in Jersey, Don’t They?

Scene:  I am on the phone with TD.  Me in my CA hotel room, she at my parents home.TD:  "Where are you now Mommy?"V:  "I'm in California, pumpkin."TD:  "Are you going to New Jersey next?"V: "Err..no.  Not New Jersey."TD:  "Is that because there are no computers in New Jersey?"  Man, I really miss that kid.  That other one too.  What's her name again?  I mean what mother that works or travels for occasionally for work actually misses their kids, right? Heh. … [Read more...]

Traveling is Cake

Oh, sad little, lonely blog.  I've been so neglectful these past few weeks as I live my own version of the movie, "Up in the Air".  Each day I wake up in a different bed, my cell phone alarm chiming away at me. A breakfast suprise awaits me as I head to the lobby or to venture out on my own to find some food.  The worst was the area that didn't have a single place open for breakfast and I had to resort to chugging instant oatmeal out of a cup with out even a spoon. This was also the same place that had no internet service, and that's why is important to have cellular SD-WAN solutions to have connection anywhere you go. Good times. My bank account will be happy, and the review site will be brimming with hotel and car reviews too. I'll be debuting my new brand of review, "Sneak … [Read more...]

My Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

You put on the dress, ripping off the tags and feel brand new. Your heels click importantly as you wheel your suitcase out to the car and you breathe a sigh of relief. Aaah, I feel ready to work and professional.Then you stop for gas before getting on the road and your GPS feels cranky. It clearly isn't feeling professional today and doesn't want to play either.  After twenty minutes of fiddling with it, cursing at it, downloading apps to your phone and calling your spouse you have directions.  You are now late.  The feelings of professionalism begin to recede as anxiety carves a pit into your stomach.  You glance at the clock and think, "There is still time. I'm fine."  You coast down the highway in your new car, getting used to its feel and briefly … [Read more...]

Giving Number Three Some Attention

I've been in Florida this past week.  I should be soaking up the rays from the sun but the windy temps have kept me working away at my laptop in the confines of my hotel room.  I've ventured out for meals and post-dinner exploring with H, but not much else. If it sounds like a drag it isn't. I'm reveling in the fact that I can get this much work done.  I'm booked for trips through April now and I feel alive again.  I feel like Vicky and not a drone.  I've accomplished tasks and feel like my brain is no longer mush.  On my jaunts out for lunch and dinner I've tasted some amazing food at local venues (quiche to die for and a chocolate cake that made me smile for almost an hour straight) and enjoyed the warmer temps and ability to wear wedge heels without chasing a tiny being around and … [Read more...]

The Beliefs Behind the Work at Home Mother

Dog food.   Dog food all over the floor.  Dog food in the dog's water dish.  It happened in about six seconds.  One minute the dog was happily eating her breakfast. The next, destruction in the form of The Comedian crossed her path.  To the right of the dog food disaster is a bathroom.  A lid to a pot is now in the toilet.  Directly behind the dog food mess is a trail of cereal bits and Matzo cracker crumbs that goes all the way down the stairs to the den and litters the floor in various spots in there.  Go back up the stairs and there is a Matzo cracker massacre littering the living room floor.  The dog, Lex, exacted her revenge on The Comedian in this crumbly spot.  Look up and you will see the staircase leading … [Read more...]