Meet Maeve Mitchell

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maeve Mitchell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maeve, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I am fortunate in my work that my organization prioritizes work life balance. They are flexible with hours when needed and understand that our families come first. One of the ways they help us achieve this, is by allowing us to primarily work from home.

With that, the burden of creating that balance falls on the individual. When I first began, finding it was easy. I was able to work productively throughout the day but take breaks as needed to run errands or go to appointments. However, as my workload and responsibilities increased, I noticed more of my time was spent working. When we entered busier seasons, I found myself logging in after I was “done for the day.” By the end of the week, I was exhausted and eventually realized my current habits were not sustainable.

In order to regain some balance, I needed to acknowledge that there will be busier times, in both my work and personal life. Preparing for that, whether it be scheduling some PTO or spending an evening doing something I love, helps me reset and refocus.

Another thing I have done (or at least try to) is listen to myself when I feel I need a break. It’s easier to hear when my fiancé or friends tells me that I am working too hard, but it’s another (sometimes seemingly impossible) thing when I feel physically and emotionally tired. I remind myself as often as I need that I am the expert on myself and can determine what is too much for me at any time. It’s empowering and exhilarating to do that.

I see the balance as an enhancer to my beliefs and passions. When my personal life is fulfilled – whether it be doing chores around the house or spending time with loved ones – my work is better and more purposeful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have the unique experience of being on almost all sides of Big Brothers Big Sisters. I am an alumni Little and Big and now serve as a staff member. Because of this, I know the impact our program has as well as the challenges that can come with it. When I share my story with others, I can better advocate to the power mentoring has on everyone involved – it’s not just empty words.
Admittedly, my passion for our program gives me a bit of tunnel-vision, and I sometimes fail to see where we can improve. I also consider myself an expert on BBBS. Which, in a way I am; however, everyone’s experiences are different, and I need to remind myself that while I do have first-hand knowledge, there are different experiences. I have also learned that the world is a bit different than it was when I was a Little. Mentoring and volunteering now requires a different approach and an open-mind on my part.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There is so much to do in the area – it’s hard to do it all in a week! I’d definitely take them to downtown Fort Worth and Sundance Square. It’s one of my favorite places to be! There are unique shops, like Coleccion Mexicana, great restaurants, art galleries, and fun bars, one of the best being Wines from a Broad (I am biased, that is where I got engaged at!). There are of course the Stockyards, which truly do feel like you are going back in time. I also would be remiss if I didn’t bring them along Trinity Trails with coffee from Rio Dulce or Press Cafe.
I’d happily go on a BBQ and Tex-Mex tour and hit up Panther City BBQ, Joe T’s (a classic!), Hurtado, and Esparza’s.
Although Fort Worth has it all, I would bring my friend to Grapevine. Walking up and down Main Street with a few stops in some wineries, like Bingham and Messina Hof, is the perfect way to spend a day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Is it cliche to say my mom? She has been my biggest supporter in all I do. She inspires me to hold fast to my beliefs yet be open to new ideas. I think I’d be remiss if I didn’t shoutout my fiancé, Kolbi. He helps me put things into perspective and has taught me how to better advocate for myself. As it relates to my work, my biggest shoutout has to be my Big Sister, Shelley. When we were first matched, I immediately saw myself in her. I can credit how I perceive myself to how much I admire her.

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