From Pajamas to Powerhouse: The Working Mom Chronicles.
By: Dana Moyano, Director of Client Experience, at Nvisia and President of WIT Wisconsin’s SE Chapter
Being a 34-year-old working mom of three crazy boys, two dogs, and a never-ending to-do list, survival feels like my full-time job. Don’t get me wrong—I love the chaos of motherhood, but there are days when I feel like a complete zombie. It’s rare that I get a full night’s sleep for many reasons. Most recently, my one-year-old decided to undo all the sleep training I spent months perfecting, leaving me with sleepless nights and a body that feels like I’ve been hit by a truck in the morning. You’ll often find me at my computer in my home office, hair thrown into a messy claw clip, no makeup, and still in my pajamas—because, honestly, who has the energy to get dressed after barely any sleep and getting three wild boys ready by 7:55 AM?
Here’s the thing: moms don’t get enough credit for the sheer amount of work we do. Many of us are working long before our “official” workday begins. As soon as daylight hits, we somehow manage to pull it together, no matter how little sleep we’ve had, and show up for our families—and sometimes, if we’re lucky, for ourselves. Because let’s be honest: we all need time for ourselves, whether it’s a workout, a quiet cup of coffee, or just a few minutes of peace. It’s essential.
So how do we manage to do it all? Be a Supermom, a stellar employee, and maybe even a MILF? Well, I don’t claim to be any of the above, but I’ve found a few key strategies that help me juggle it all with a little bit of grace—and a ton of caffeine.
Key Tips for Staying (Somewhat) Sane
Wake Up Earlier than Everyone Else
Even if it’s just 30 minutes, waking up before the chaos hits is a game-changer. A quiet, dark house with a steaming cup of coffee? That’s my version of nirvana. If I roll out of bed with the kids already running around, I don’t have any time to prepare for the storm that’s about to unfold. So, I set my alarm, wake up earlier, brush my teeth, comb my hair, pour a cup of joe, and enjoy a few moments of peace before the madness begins. Trust me—you’ll thank me later.
Live by the Schedule and To Do List (or At Least Try To)
If it’s not on the calendar or list, I’ll forget it. I organize my life using my Outlook calendar (just like everyone else) and my trusty planner. Everything that I need to accomplish goes on my to-do list—from signing the kids up for sports to booking spring break. And everything I need to be at—from work meetings to kid activities—goes on my calendar. This not only helps me stay organized, but it holds me accountable too. Trust me, no one expects you to remember everything on your own. Use the resources available to you!
A Flexible Schedule Goes a Long Way
I know this might not work for everyone, but it works for me. I absolutely love my job, and honestly, if I wanted to, I could be a stay-at-home mom with the support from my husband. But I love what I do. I’m lucky enough to have a flexible work schedule—though, it’s definitely chaotic. I attend events that often happen before or after typical work hours, and sometimes I have to cut my day short because of a sick kid or a random appointment. I’ve learned to view work as something I do when I can, because, let’s face it, being a mom doesn’t exactly fit into a 9-5 schedule. I get a lot of work done early in the morning before the kids wake up (my zen time) or late at night after they’ve gone to bed. And if I can sneak in a workout at 9:30 AM or 9:30 PM, I’m doing it. I’m also incredibly thankful to work for a company that gets it.
Stop Feeling Guilty
Who else feels like a terrible parent when they toss out the mountain of schoolwork your kid brings home every day? I swear, they come home with a binder’s worth of papers they worked on for about five minutes. I used to feel horrible about tossing them, but now I just tell my son Maverick, “We don’t have space to save everything, but we’ll keep the really special stuff.” Sometimes, I even toss little toys or knick-knacks my kids leave around. No shame. There’s no time for guilt in this house—here are a few more things I’ve stopped feeling bad about:
- Hot lunch every day because it saves me from packing lunches—CHECK.
- Letting my kid skip a game because I just don’t have the energy to go—CHECK.
- Ditching my kids on a Saturday morning to sneak in a SolidCore sesh—CHECK.
It’s okay to cut corners or put yourself first sometimes to maintain your sanity. It’s called survival, so get on board—and do NOT feel guilty about it.
Do Things for Yourself
Self-care doesn’t always mean a spa day (though that would be nice). For me, it’s about carving out time for the things that make me feel good—whether that’s squeezing in a workout, keeping up with my nail appointments, sticking to my skincare routine, or scrolling through TikTok for an hour before bed. It’s my happy place, okay? Don’t judge me. And I won’t judge you either for carving out time for yourself while you do whatever you want to do :).
Here’s to the women who are doing it all—showing up each day with strength, determination, and the real superpower of multitasking. You may not always feel like you’re doing it perfectly but trust me—we’re all killing it.
With over 11 years dedicated to technology, for the last 8, nvisia has been my professional home where I have the privilege of working directly with clients, shaping their technology solutions, organizing tech-based events and ensuring their experiences exceed expectations.
Beyond my day-to-day responsibilities, I’m deeply committed to fostering connections and inclusion within the local tech community. As President of WIT Wisconsin’s SE Chapter, I advocate for empowering young minds, nurturing collegiate ambitions and by being a champion for women in the tech workforce.
Amidst my career journey, I find balance and joy in my role as a wife and mother to three boys, Maximus (8), Maverick (4) and Madden (11 weeks). While I am currently in the trenches with a new baby, I am inspired by my family to continuously strive for excellence, both personally and professionally. In all aspects of my life, whether shaping tech solutions for nurturing future leaders, I am honored to work alongside the amazing individuals who make up our vibrant tech community. Together, let’s continue to innovate and inspire.
