Crayons & Careers

✨ Introduction:

If you are like me, you’ve dreamed of being a mother since you were little. Yet, there was a part of me that has always loved a challenge. I don’t know that I ever specifically characterized it as work or a career but ever since I started doing odd jobs at a young age, I also enjoyed creating and fixing. Maybe it’s because I’m the oldest daughter but having a career was also fulfilling. Yet, I had no idea how I could do both. In fact, I can remember being told that I couldn’t, that I needed to choose.

In both life and business, coloring outside the lines isn’t about rebellion—it’s about intention. It’s about choosing a path that reflects who you are, even when it doesn’t look like everyone else’s. While it took me two decades to really understand what this meant, I hope you find this and these tools helpful in charting your journey outside the lines.

Let’s talk about what that looks like—and why it’s a valid, powerful way to live and work.

“You have to color outside the lines once in a while if you want to make your life a masterpiece. Laugh some every day. Keep growing, keep dreaming, keep following your heart. The important thing is to not stop questioning.” – Albert Einstein

🎨 What “Coloring Outside the Lines” Really Means

For working moms, entrepreneurs, and anyone building a life around their values, coloring outside the lines means:

• Redefining what “success” looks like
• Saying no to hustle culture and yes to meaningful work
• Working odd hours, freelancing, building side hustles, or pivoting careers
• Blending work and family in ways that feel messy—but authentic

It’s not about being reckless—it’s about being real. Go back and read that quote again and the statement I made above. Yes, it is ok to color outside the lines. You don’t have to meet anyone else’s expectations other than your own. Strive for what makes you happy, feel fulfilled and know that no matter what, you are enough. Life is really about crafting a life that aligns with your values, energy, and seasons. It’s easy to hear the expectations of others above your own. There is no set path but there are clues that can help you get there!

💼 In Business: Don’t Be Afraid to Blaze Your Own Trail

The work of today doesn’t have to reflect the traditional careers of your parents. Here are a few creative and empowering ways to find a little more balance and fulfillment in your career and in this season of parenthood.

• Create a hybrid career path with your current job
• Build an entrepreneurial business around your schedule
• Freelance with skill sets you already have. Everyone has them!
• Lean into remote or flexible work
• Work while your kids nap, play and/or learn
• Make motherhood part of your brand
• Involve your kids
• Outsource with intention
• Redefine success
• Acknowledge your mindset roadblocks
• Network and be creative with other moms
• Acknowledge you are a work in progress

👩‍👧‍👦 Live Life on Your Own Terms

Maybe you have toyed with an idea for years that you are passionate about but you are scared of what others will say. Maybe you already have a side business that you want to make more of a full-time gig but are afraid it won’t work. Or you read the list above and think well of course, that all sounds great but I can’t do that and it’s too hard. Yes, I get it. I’ve been there and there are days and weeks that I still get stuck there. Do you know what I’ve learned the secret is?

Let go of others’ expectations and just start. There is no one perfect path but when you lean into what works for your family and your calling, things will start to click – even in all of the chaos. Understand that this is not all about hustle though, it means choosing rest when it’s needed, asking for help, setting boundaries, and defining enough for yourself. Your plan doesn’t have to be perfect, your website doesn’t have to be perfect, your contact list doesn’t have to have a hundred people on it. Just start and consistently build on it. That may initially be only two to three hours a week. That’s ok, that’s more than a week ago or a few months ago!

🌟 Make Your Own Masterpiece

Coloring outside the lines may look a little messy—but it’s also vibrant, bold, and uniquely yours.

You’re not behind. You’re not broken. You’re building a life that reflects your heart—and that’s a masterpiece in progress.

💡 What Now?

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