How Comma Supports Working Mothers (Brooke's Story)
I won a writing award for a third-grade masterpiece about a girl-turned-bunny—and from then on I dreamed of being a writer. I read quintessential teenage girl magazines like Seventeen and Teen Vogue from cover-to-cover, imagining what it might be like to write for one of those publishers in a New York City skyscraper.
Yet when it came time to apply to college and choose a major, reality sunk in. I’m a little ashamed to admit it now, but ultimately, decisions about my future career were set in the framework of “something to do until I get married and have kids.”
I assumed that I couldn’t both write for a magazine and juggle a growing family at a young age; so I figured I’d better have a career back-up plan in case I couldn’t find anyone to marry. Journalism, then, was the obvious choice.
Balancing Motherhood and a Writing Career
While I did get married and have my first child within a few years of graduating college, I continuously pat my past self on the back for selecting a major I had genuine passion for.
The life of a stay-at-home mom was certainly not the picture-perfect vision I had in my mind as a young girl. I realized that in addition to raising children, I also wanted to work — to contribute financially, to scratch my creative itch, and continue growing in my career.
Yet I also dreaded the thought of leaving my darling new baby girl with a stranger all day while I went off to work in an office. I didn’t enjoy the 9-to-5 marketing agency job I’d just left behind — wasn’t motherhood my chance to avoid that monotony?
Eventually, I struck a balance as an independent contractor, writing from home in those in-between hours: in the darkness of early morning, during that precious mid-afternoon naptime, and at night when my kids are finally breathing deeply in their beds.
I feel profoundly grateful every day to work doing something I love, earn good money, and never miss out on all the simple moments of my kids’ lives.
How Comma Empowers Working Moms
I’m only able to live out this dream by finding flexible writing work that fits into the slivers of time I have throughout my stay-at-home mom life, and Comma allows me to do just that.
Comma has cultivated a company culture that empowers mothers in a host of ways. In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoom meetings with children in the background are both normalized and expected. Managing editors are understanding if a writer occasionally needs to skip a meeting due to a sick child or family-related event. Assignments are given out well in advance, allowing busy moms to write on a flexible schedule.
Best of all, these accommodations never compromise the quality of work delivered to Comma clients. Comma writers are respected as experienced professionals who are worth paying well. Clients expect thoughtful, impeccable writing, and those expectations are clearly conveyed by team leads and managing editors.
A Work Culture that Celebrates Mothers
Comma’s founder and president is a driven and accomplished mother herself. I love that Crystalee Beck takes the time to get to know each new hire and learn about their career goals, interests, and current lifestyle.
As soon as I started working at Comma, it was clear to me that she had my best interests in mind and would do everything in her power to help me achieve my personal and professional goals. She showed through words and actions that Comma exists in part to help mothers who want to work have a rewarding and flexible avenue to do so.
Being a stay-at-home mom can certainly be isolating at times. As a women-led business, Comma serves as a welcome outlet for connecting with other women in the same position. The company is full of mothers who support their children and fulfill their career ambitions. There are countless ways to network and interact with clients and fellow writers, from Comma’s virtual book club to company retreats.
Comma gives mothers all the tools they need to succeed, including monthly training meetings with professionals in related fields. In less than a year of writing for Comma I have learned about filing taxes, starting an LLC, and other tips that empower me as an independent contractor.
Coming “Home” to Comma
My love of words, grammar, and punctuation has always guided my career decisions, but figuring out how to balance that passion with motherhood hasn’t always been so clear. I’m forever grateful that I found Comma at a time when I was ready for change and growth in my career.
Working for Comma has felt like a homecoming of sorts. Whether a mother or not, each Team Comma member contributes to a community of individuals who inspire, teach, and lead in ways that enhance my everyday life.
Written by Brooke Kunz as part of the Comma culture series. Want to join our team? Check out our hiring page.
Brooke Kunz is a copywriter, ice cream connoisseur, and avid thrift shopper who lives in the Central Valley of California. She is a mom of three and can often be found hiking, baking, or getting lost in a great book. Find her on LinkedIn.
