For Jessica Erwin, balancing her career as an athletic trainer and motherhood is no easy feat. Even still, she manages to find a rhythm that works. Working at local high school Glenbard South, Erwin spends her days treating student-athletes for sports-related injuries while her mornings and nights are dedicated to her daughter, Brynn. It is a delicate dance between her demanding job and the responsibilities of motherhood.
“Typically, I spend the mornings with Brynn,” Erwin said. “I’m able to play, put her down for a nap, and then head to work in the afternoon.” Her evenings, if she is fortunate enough to get off early, are spent with her daughter during her bedtime routine. Sundays, however, are fully reserved for family time, allowing her to recharge for the week ahead.
Erwin’s work schedule poses one of her greatest challenges, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. “I work late on Fridays and leave early on Saturdays, so there are often over 24 hours where I don’t see her,” she explained. This sacrifice is one of the most difficult aspects of balancing both roles.
But this difficulty does notjust come from time away from Brynn. The constant worry of exposure to sick students and bringing illness home adds another layer of concern. “It’s a big part of the work-life balance, especially when you’re trying to budget time and care for a young child,” she said.
Becoming a mother has profoundly influenced how Erwin approaches her job. She believes her newfound empathy and patience make her a more compassionate healthcare provider. “I feel like I can connect more with parents and sympathize with them when their child gets injured,” she reflected. “Even though Brynn isn’t old enough for that yet, I still understand the protective nature parents feel.”
Erwin is fortunate to have a strong support system. Her colleague, Anna, is flexible and understanding when Erwin requires adjustments to her schedule. “It really helps to have co-workers who are compassionate and make the work environment easier to navigate as a parent,” Erwin said.
The balance between family and career is never easy. Sometimes, Erwin has to prioritize her job over family, particularly during those tough Friday and Saturday shifts. However, her advice to other working mothers is simple yet profound: “Have a great support system at home and at work. Prioritize your time wisely.”
For self-care, Erwin carves out time by planning her schedule in advance. “I rely heavily on my Google Calendar to organize my time,” she said with a smile. Her employers could make life easier for working mothers like her, she suggests, by offering more paid maternity leave and additional PTO. She also envisions a future where more childcare options are provided in workplaces like hers.
Motherhood has also taught Erwin valuable life lessons that have transferred to her role as an athletic trainer. Patience, time management and compassion top the list. “I thought I had good time management before, but now I’ve really learned to prioritize what’s important.”
Despite the long hours and the sacrifices, Erwin’s story is one of perseverance and dedication. She seamlessly blends her professional life with motherhood, ensuring her daughter is cared for while meeting the high demands of her career as an athletic trainer. Erwin’s journey is a testament to the strength of working mothers who handle multiple roles with grace and determination. Whether she is tending to an injured athlete or comforting her daughter after a long day, Erwin continues to prove that it is possible to find balance in even the most demanding of jobs.