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

Hi Jessica, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Like many working mothers, I search daily for the perfect work life balance. It is easy to find myself floundering. You know, like the duck analogy. Ducks seem calm above water but below they are frantically paddling their feet to keep from drowning. I feel that one to the core. The best advice I received from a mentor was to truly prioritize. Not in the broad sense of (#1) family, (#2) friends, (#3) work. But a day-by-day, hour-by-hour prioritization. If I create a plan before I leave the office each night, it makes for a clear plan the next day. Most mornings that looks like, only taking that first hour to make follow-up calls to my business partners. Which means for that hour, I do not open my emails and read through while I am on the phone or make coffee and chit chat with co-workers. Once that task is done, I am free to move to the next with confidence that I got done what I needed, without interruptions. Reminding myself that not everything is of equal importance, helps me keep from panicking or stressing unnecessarily. Also staying focused on my nonnegotiable’s. Like maintaining a level of professionalism among my peers at the office. Making sure I have a reputation of always being on time for meetings with clients and realtor partners. Also, being sure I always make time to be at each of my children’s sporting events, field trips (if they want me there), or being home before my husband so that I can make a family dinner. Finding the perfect balance takes patience. Lots of it! I’ll be 35 this year and I still have a lot to learn. But at this stage in my life I feel confident in knowing that I have the tools, mentor-ship and support at home to manage the balance much smoother than ever. If something is important enough, we all find a way to make it work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Integrity is the foundation from which my business is built. I believe a mortgage should be about building relationships and complete transparency. Working in a sales role requires a lot of hard work, time management and a passion for people. I have learned to not sweat the small stuff, always be honest and smile! Helping with home ownership is an incredible job and I am thankful for each and every client! .

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Gilbert is our jam! We call it our “bubble.” Ha! If you haven’t, wander Downtown Gilbert. Check out all the restaurants. Our favorites are Joy Ride Taco, Liberty Market and Postino. We also love the vibe at night. When the water tower is lit up, it is quite the view. We also love all the homemade goodies from Studio 223. It is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir. Oh and Peterson’s ice cream is the perfect little stop when you have a sweet tooth.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A huge shout out to all the leaders and colleagues at VIP Mortgage Tempe! Our team is one of a kind with extraordinary work-life balance!

Website: www.jessicaarrowsmith.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessica.m.arrowsmith/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-arrowsmith-91476ab4/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmarrowsmith/

Image Credits
The Christmas elves photo: Each year our office adopts a family through the 100Club of AZ. First responders hurt in the line of duty. We deliver gifts to the entire family with Santa Claus.