Being a “mom boss” is never something I imagined for myself. I knew from a young age what I wanted to do for a career and by the time I was 23, I had my master’s degree in school counseling. For eight years, I worked as a high school guidance counselor and I loved my job. Sure, it had its challenges, but it was also rewarding. I felt fulfilled doing something I enjoyed knowing I was making a difference in the lives of so many young adults.
The transition to motherhood. Once I became a mom, everything changed. I still loved my job but I started to feel as if I was missing out on too many of the precious moments with my own children. I never considered that I would one day have the opportunity to stay home with them. My daughter was born in 2013 and the following year, my son was born. The first year of having a toddler and a newborn was a whirlwind. I embraced the working mom life and the challenges that came along with that. It is true that the days are long, but the years are short, and I soon began to realize just how quickly time was passing. Like many moms, I would always say “I wish time would slow down.” Since I couldn’t make that happen, I decided I needed a change so I could embrace life and enjoy all the special moments with my children. It was a very difficult decision to leave a job that I loved, but I felt my heart was at home with my kids.
From working-mom to stay-at-home-mom to boss-mom. Over the next couple years, I worked part time at night in order to make the stay-at-home thing possible. As my kids started to get a little older, I started to think about ways I could still work but be able to spend more time at home with them. I didn’t want just any job. I wanted something meaningful, something I enjoyed doing and something I was passionate about. After considering ways to best capitalize on my strengths in planning, organization, and first-hand experience and knowledge with Disney and other destinations, the decision to become a travel planner was a no-brainer. After a lot of training and preparation, I became a Personal Vacation Advisor with one of the leading travel agencies, Magical Vacation Planner. I know this path isn’t for everyone, but it has opened so many doors for me and my family. Making this change was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Dream job. The best part about being a travel planner is that not only have I been able to help my family travel and provide opportunities for new experiences, but now I can help others plan their dream vacations and create magical memories for their family. I work with individuals and families to help them plan every aspect of their vacation. My goal is to take the stress and hassle out of planning. I specialize in Disney vacations but also work with many other destinations and cruise lines. I take pride in what I do an am honored when people trust me to help them plan their special vacations.
Hard work. What exactly does being a mom boss look like for me? It means waking up well before the sun comes up to work on getting a quote together for a new client, always being accessible on my phone to be able to answer questions, sending emails from the carpool line, staying up late to help a client create the perfect itinerary for their vacation and always trying to stay up to date on the latest travel news. But more importantly, it’s making my own schedule so I am available to be there for my kids. Finding a balance is something I struggle with, but I have to remind myself that my kids are the reason for it all. I can still be doing something I love but be able to be there for field trips, soccer practice, volunteering in the classroom or just playing and being silly with my kids.
Make memories. As a travel planner, I hope to educate, inspire and encourage others to explore new things and to make traveling a priority for their family. I truly believe the most valuable things you can give your children aren’t things, but rather experiences and memories. Life gets busy, stressful, and chaotic. Take the time to get away and reconnect. It is good for your marriage, for your children, and for your family.
Anything is possible. Not everyone has the flexibility or desire to stay home and plan vacations. Let’s face it, moms (and dads) are busy but it's important not to miss out on creating special moments for your family because you felt you didn’t have the time to plan. I would love to help you make your dreams a reality. Your children are only little once. Make the most of it. Traveling and exploring new places is probably the best gift you can give your children. Whether it’s a quick weekend away to the mountains, a day trip to the beach, enjoying a magical vacation at Disney World, getting away on a relaxing cruise or exploring a new country or city...embrace life and take the trip.
Don’t let finances get in your way of your dreams. Yes, vacations can be expensive, but with proper budgeting and planning, your dream vacation can become a reality. Take the time to sit down and really see where you are spending your money each month. Since deciding to leave my full-time job, my husband and I have worked hard to cut extra expenses and maintain a budget, but we have made sure to maintain a vacation fund as part of our budget! I know families work hard for their money and my goal is to help families get the best value for their hard-earned money. One of the greatest things about being a travel planner is that it doesn’t cost families anything to work with me!
Although life can be pretty hectic as a mom-boss, it is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things I have ever done. Being able to spend more time with my family AND helping others plan vacations to make memories with their families is truly a win-win. It is not always easy, but it is so worth it.
For more information on my free travel planning services, contact me at e.burns@magicalvacationplanner.com. For the latest travel news and tips or to keep me in mind for future vacations, follow me at www.facebook.com/erinburnsmvp
