If you don't know me. I am a reporter. It is how I've defined myself for 25 years. I was a national news correspondent for one of Canada's top networks. It was the type of career that didn't allow much space for anything else. Most mornings I'd get out of bed and have no idea what I'd be doing that day. I could be reporting on a political scandal, or a trial, or I could be on a plane heading to another city to cover breaking news.
This career has been chaotic and stressful, but it has also given me a front seat to history. I have met exceptional people, I have traveled across my beautiful country and the world, and I've worked with some of the most talented news anchors, reporters and production teams in Canada and beyond.
As a domestic news reporter, I have spent decades in front of a camera, but this year that all changed. Restructuring. Lay-offs. For now, I am Chief Correspondent at home.
"The struggle is real. The juggle is real." - Sara Blakely
Like so many of you, I have juggled my career and motherhood. I would rush to work to report the news and then rush out to attend my son's volleyball game or my daughter's school play. Many late shifts ended with a stop at the grocery store for next-day lunch supplies, or a last-minute load of laundry. It wasn’t a 10-7 job, it was a 24-7 job.
Years ago, a friend and colleague called me after she found out she was pregnant. She asked how she would manage being a foreign correspondent and a mother. My response, "You will just do it."
We have become the ultimate multi-taskers, but truthfully there is no balance. I did my best. You are doing your best. We are all making this crazy working-mom-wheel spin... somehow.
"There is no way to be a perfect mother, and a million ways to a good one." - Jill Churchill
My babies are now teenagers. I blinked and a decade passed. I see how independent they are, and smart. They have watched me and my husband work hard in our careers, and at home. That work ethic and dedication has helped shape our kids into these amazing young adults. Now, I see them slowly starting life without me, just as I finally have more time to give. That makes me a little sad. But change has led me here. and change is good, right?
I still want to write, and I want to do news, very local news (from my house). I have created The Domestic Reporter as my outlet. A blog for other working moms. Watch for great family recipes, and stories from home and beyond, as I take pieces of my life and share them with you. Welcome to my kitchen!
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This is wonderful. Great idea! Who knows where this will take you next. Enjoy the ride!
Life after broadcasting does exist! This looks great.
Congrats Jill.
Paul W.
I love it! So glad that you have found another way to share your voice. Looking forward to seeing what you post next!
Natalie P.
You've managed to segue into a deliciously-new, chapter in your life. Sounds like so much food and fun! Can hardly wait to watch.
You have always been an incredible women, mom and sister and now anyone can follow you and see for themselves.
Proud of you and love you.
Love this. My kids thought I was a flight attendant I travelled so much.
So excited to see this blog! This is going to be amazing!
Shawna
Hello Jill! Thank you for launching this and inviting me into your life! If your recipes and conversations are anything like your national stories, I'll be captivated and enthralled from beginning to end result! - Nicole