2 Moms with Multiple Jobs Break Down How They Juggle Work, Kids and a Tiny Bit of Self-Care (Exclusive)

Yahoo

11-05-2025

Two moms share how they balance multiple jobs and family life.
They both rely on strong partnerships, careful scheduling, and small moments of self-care to stay grounded.
Despite exhaustion and long hours, they remain focused on building a better future for their families.For hardworking parents, balancing work, children, school, and time for themselves is a daily feat — one that requires grit, sacrifice, and a deep well of love.
For Cindy Dionicio, a 25-year-old mother of one from Delaware, days often start before sunrise. She's not just working to get by, but to fulfill her dream of buying a home.
Dionicio balances two jobs while also running her own cleaning business. Her schedule is intense, but her motivation keeps her going strong. 'When I am scheduled to work at Dunkin, it's a 4 to 7 a.m. shift,' she tells PEOPLE exclusively. 'Then I head to my 8 to 5 at the dental office as a receptionist. Thursdays are my long days because I work for my cleaning business as well.'
She started her cleaning business in 2023, inspired by her aunt and a love of independence. 'That was one of my very first jobs since I was 15,' Dionicio shares. 'I love to clean and I like being independent.'
Her husband plays a critical role in keeping the household balanced. 'My husband is very supportive and we both work together to manage our times and be there for our son,' she reveals. He takes over when she's working late, making dinner, helping with homework, and ensuring their son's routine stays on track.
Tuesdays and weekends are Dionicio's rest days — time for errands, family, and a moment to breathe. 'By Fridays, I am tired,' she admits. 'I usually sleep in on the weekends and get enough rest. I try my best to be calm and not stress about anything.'
When asked about what helps her unwind during the madness, Dionicio's answer is simple and relatable: 'Taking a hot shower or a bath – that's the time I use to rest and relax!'
Despite the pressure, Dionicio sees the bigger picture. 'I see myself at a different path in the future,' she says. 'I'm working hard right now to one day just have one job or do social media full time and be a SAHM. I also plan on continuing my cleaning business.'
Then there's Ashley Jones, a 36-year-old Pennsylvania high school teacher and part-time server with seven children — including three stepchildren she and her husband have full custody of.
'For me, a typical day is honestly nonstop,' Jones tells PEOPLE exclusively. Her day begins with a 6:30 a.m. departure for her hour-long commute to her teaching job. 'My husband and I work opposite schedules, so he is coming as I am going. I am helping get the kids situated for school, then he takes over.'
After a full day of teaching, it's another hour home and straight into the evening rush — homework, chores, and kids' activities. Her husband handles most of the cooking, and together they tag-team parenting duties. 'Our kids are all very active…from dance, to karate, soccer, track, baseball, etc.'
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Jones has been serving since she was 18 and picked it back up when her husband left restaurant management in 2021. 'We needed the additional income, especially with a large family,' she explains. Now, she teaches Monday through Friday and serves Friday and Saturday nights, with the option to pick up extra shifts during school breaks.
Critics online have questioned her ability to be present for her children, but Jones is clear: 'I spend a lot of time with my kids. I only do 17-hour days on Fridays. That being said, my children are all in school full time. So, while I am teaching, they are getting an education.'
They also have family support nearby. Jones' mom and her husband's parents help out when needed. Still, the fast pace can take a toll. 'I was really burnt out for the period where I was working 7 straight days,' she says. 'It started to affect my physical health… so I cut Sundays out of my serving schedule.'
Now, Sundays are sacred. 'I use that day to catch up on household chores, hang out with my family, and do things that make me happy — like my weekly Aldi runs and staying in pajamas until noon.'
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Despite the chaos, she's found small ways to recharge. 'Honestly, my commute is my alone time. I really use that time to decompress before I get home after a long day.'
Every three weeks, she carves out time for a manicure, and she and her husband try to sneak in date nights. She also loves to read. 'Reading pulls me out of my own world and allows me to escape and relax,' she reveals. 'Shout out to Emily Henry!'
And though it's demanding, Jones sees no immediate end to working multiple jobs. 'As long as working two jobs keeps a roof over their heads, food in their bellies, and the ability for them to participate in all the activities they want, this will be my life,' she says.
From Dionicio's early-morning shifts and entrepreneurial hustle, to Jones's 17-hour Fridays and marathon weeks of teaching and serving, both moms show that whether you have one child or seven, being a working parent is a full-time job — and then some. But for both women, the sacrifices are rooted in love, partnership, and a shared goal: building a better future for their families.
Read the original article on People