Jackie Hernandez | From Attorney To Non-Profits And Making Work-From-Home Work
by Neha Ruch
In today’s post, Jackie Hernandez shares about achieving her dream career as an attorney and how that changed in motherhood when presence for her children became part of the dream. By way of her blog, Moments of Musing, Jackie confidently pivoted into a work-from-home communications role for an anti-violence not-for-profit to make room for family life and more meaningful work alongside. Hers is a path to draw inspiration on allowing yourself that creative outlet because you never know where it will lead and navigating the realities of working from home while loving this period with little ones.
1. Many women in the Untitled Community studied and practiced law and are curious about what shifts are possible to make room for family life. Can you share more about your path?
I dreamt of attending law school and becoming a lawyer for as long as I can remember. I dreamt of making a difference in people’s lives by helping to advocate for and protect their legal rights. To have such a dream realized is indescribable. The thing is, that was my dream...then.
Once I became a mom, so much changed. Simply put, being more present with my young kids became a big part of my dream, too. That is why in the fall of 2019, I transitioned from my attorney career to a work-from-home career in the communications field within the same anti-violence nonprofit organization. Much of my career shift could be attributed to my blog and creative content work. If it weren’t for my blog and brand, Moments of Musing, I don’t think I would have had the idea to even ask for the communications position I currently hold—nor the confidence in my ability to do it well.
While the unknowns of a career change can be nerve-wracking, as it was for me, I encourage others to explore what other creative outlets and career paths are available to them because what awaits can be so much more rewarding than you could have imagined.
2. I love your pride in how motherhood actually helped you transform your career. Many women feel trepidation at the juncture of making such a big change - in your case from being an attorney to work-from-home communications - what helped you navigate that change?
Thank you. It's true. Motherhood transformed me and my career goals, and empowered me to take a leap of faith and diverge from my linear career path. Believing in myself and my decision, as well as having the support of my family and employer, were the biggest factors that helped me feel confident in the shift.
3. How do you structure the typical week between your work on communications projects, editorial work and blog, and raising your two children (while pregnant with your 3rd - congratulations!)?
My work week is mainly structured around the kids' schedules and our activities together. On Mondays, I have staff meetings 10AM-12PM and then try to devote the rest of the day to homeschooling and spending time with the kids. On Tuesdays - Fridays, I typically wake up, check my emails, publish blog/social media posts, make breakfast, continue working until about 11AM and then devote time to homeschooling and spending time with the kids. I complete work tasks as needed throughout the afternoons.
4. You were working from home pre-pandemic - do you have advice for making that work well for you and your family?
I wish I had concrete advice but my biggest advice is to find what works for you. For me, it's being okay with allowing some screen time for the kids, while trying to not feel overwhelmed with all there is to do on a given day. Admittedly, my work schedule and my superiors are very flexible (i.e. I do not have to be by a computer during set hours every day) so I feel very fortunate in that respect.
5. Positivity is a practice and you really exude that across all you do and create - what tools help you maintain that vibe across parenting, your various work and life in general?
Ah, yes, positivity is an ongoing practice (and not to be mistaken for toxic positivity). I have to admit at times, i.e. during the NY stay home order and civil unrest after George Floyd's murder, it has been harder to practice recently than at other times but part of being human is feeling a wide array of feelings.
What helps me to generally maintain a positive vibe is reminding myself of all there is to be grateful for and that I have two little people watching me and counting on me. As their mom, I feel as if it's my duty to not only protect and guide them, but to also model healthy practices, one of which is practicing positivity.
Quick Chit Chat:
+ Product you'd gift every mother:
There is not so much a product I’d gift every mom (aside from a coffee/tea mug perhaps) but rather a piece of advice, which is to trust their instincts and to make space for themselves.
+ Favorite family ritual or routine that keeps things smooth:
bath time — whichever parent is not giving the kids a bath preps their pjs and lotions ready, it sets them and is as parents up for a smoother/relaxing night
+ Most meaningful marriage advice/learning:
“It takes two”— marriage and parenting with a partner requires mutual love, respect and effort.
+ 3 Instagram accounts that inspire you
@latinxparenting @theconsciouskid @biglittlefeelings
You can follow along with Jackie at Moments of Musing or on Instagram.
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