By definition, a competing commitment is a conflict between a goal and a value, or a goal and your deep down desire to do so.  My slightly altered definition is: A woman’s struggle with all the commitments pulling at her at one time:  It could be kids/spouse/work/friends/workout/hobbies all calling for you at the same time. In my first interview with Robyn, we learned that she changed careers from counseling to recruiting for a school for Lineman. Read her most recent interview discussing some challenges with competing commitments.

What are the two or three of your main competing commitments? 

I am the school’s only recruiter. Since I have come on to build the school up, it has grown exponentially.  I now recruit from Military bases, High school career fairs, Career centers, Veterans fairs, job fairs and trade shows. This puts a huge amount of work on my plate. I am only in the office maybe 2 days a week and having many many overnight trips. Because myself and my husband were military, we are able to make it work. We are used to being TDY or Deployed. This is not something that many people can do but it works for us. I have added so many programs to the school that I don’t have enough time to do the Life recruiting for the students.

My struggle would be to get another person to help me. You would think that building a school up everyone would be happy, however there are times when our admissions team can not keep up with our applications. Missing the hubby. Yes, we are used to leaving each other a lot, but I do miss not sleeping with him nightly.

How does it make you feel when everything is vying for your attention at once?
Overwhelmed

How do you work through triaging what comes first?

 I go and workout at the gym to clear my head and assign them as needed.

How do you work through the guilt of not being able to do it all? 

I decided not to have guilt. I have realized I am only one person and taking priority is myself. I do my best each day and never look back.

Any other thoughts or advice? 

Be nice to yourself. Carrying guilt causes stress related issues and we don’t have time for that.

What is something you’ve done that has taken you outside of your comfort zone in life?  Alternately, what obstacle have you overcome to be where you are today?
Out of my comfort zone is hard to tell. I work in an industry that is run by men. When people come to talk or do business at my school, they always overlook me and look towards the first gentleman they see. It does not bother me because as soon as I open my mouth and start talking all eyes are on me. My knowledge of the Lineman industry is enough that by the end of the visit, I get new business.

What advice can you give to women who are struggling to find their way in a career, a place of inertia. Research. No one can make you feel small if you know what you are talking about. Don’t back down and always lead with one step forward.

Lastly, Being female has unique struggles and challenges; we tend to be the “glue” of the family, we tend to be strong so our family doesn’t see us crumble. Typical women tend to work, take care of the kids, be the caregivers, the house keepers, the cooks, etc….. Knowing this, think about the questions below and tell us your perspective.. This isn’t right or wrong to fit into this mold.  We are strong and have such unique qualities that make us role models to those around us; it is a gift to be female.

What did your family unit look like growing up and how did it shape you into the woman you are today.  
I did have a traditional upbringing with dad working and mom staying home and taking care of the kids. I thought that is how you raise a family, I was wrong. Today I am completely different from my upbringing and I am happy to be self-sufficient.
What shaped you to break out of that mold.
Becoming an independent woman has helped me to succeed and the only thing that I can do is always try.

What do you and your partner do to make all of the responsibilities in life happen?
We just do it. We do not have any traditional chores, if the yard needs to be mowed then you mow it, if the trash needs to be taken out you take it out. If your child is sick you either stay home with him or your spouse does. Dinner is up to whomever gets home and cooks it. Too many women sit by ideally when there is such a big world to explore. If you want to do something, do it!