A Cuban mother who emigrated to the United States three years ago with her daughter has touched many on social media after sharing her story of hard work and sacrifice as a single mother in a foreign country.
In a video posted on TikTok, the woman (who identifies as @mavelmarketing), a resident of Houston, Texas, shared the challenges she faced in her early years in the U.S. “During the first year, I worked so much that I could barely see my little girl, who was 3 years old at the time,” she continued, adding that many immigrant mothers may relate to her situation.
However, her perspective changed when her daughter started pre-kindergarten. “I decided to leave my job when my daughter began pre-kindergarten so I could spend weekends with her. Childhood goes by so quickly... We need them, and they need us,” she explained.
To balance her time between parenting and work, she chose to become a DoorDash delivery driver, a decision that allowed her to better organize her schedule and be present in her daughter's life. “This job gives me the freedom to drop my daughter off on the bus in the morning, pick her up almost every day, and work while she is in school. If something happens and I need to stop working, I don't have to ask anyone for permission; I just run to where my daughter is,” she shared.
Over time, she took on another job: cleaning a house once a week, which allowed her to earn extra income without sacrificing time with her daughter. "This is how a single mother without family in the United States balances her time to work, take care of her daughter, manage school tasks, and run a household," she expressed in her heartfelt testimony.
The woman emphasized that, although many immigrants come to the U.S. seeking job opportunities, it is also essential to spend time with family. “Even though we are in this country looking for opportunities, we also want to be with our children,” she stated.
In her relationship, she emphasized that the sacrifice is not just financial, but also emotional. During her first year in the country, the heavy workload prevented her from spending time with her daughter, which led her to reconsider her lifestyle. “I know many moms will relate because here you have to work very hard to get ahead,” she expressed.
The video generated supportive comments from other mothers facing similar challenges, highlighting this woman's bravery in overcoming difficulties in a country where immigrant life can be a constant struggle.
"You are a warrior. I am also a single mother in the U.S. and I know how hard it is, but our children are worth everything."; "Here, nothing is given to us, but what matters is that you are raising your daughter with love and effort. Stay strong, mom!"; "That is the reality for many immigrant mothers. I had to work double shifts and barely saw my children. Now I understand that time with them is the most valuable thing."; "I admire you for finding a balance between work and your daughter. It's not easy, but you are doing it!"
The story of this Cuban mother in Houston reflects the sacrifices of many immigrants who seek to build a better future for their children, demonstrating that with effort and determination, it is possible to move forward without losing sight of what truly matters: family.
@mavelmarketing Life of a single mother in the USA. #singlemother #housecleaning #mompreneur #lifeinusa #gigeconomy #guajiradepojabito Inspirational - neozilla
Frequently asked questions about the work-family balance of immigrant mothers in the United States
How does a Cuban mother in the United States manage to balance work and family?
The Cuban mother in the U.S. balances work and family by becoming a DoorDash delivery driver, allowing her to organize her schedule to be present in her daughter’s life. Additionally, she works cleaning a house once a week, which provides her with extra income without compromising her time with her daughter.
What challenges do immigrant single mothers face in the U.S.?
Single immigrant mothers in the U.S. face both economic and emotional challenges. They often work long hours to ensure a better future for their children, which can limit the time they spend with them. However, many seek ways to balance work and family life, such as choosing jobs with flexible hours.
Why do immigrant mothers prioritize time with their children despite economic hardships?
Immigrant mothers prioritize time with their children because they believe that childhood is a crucial period that passes quickly. Despite economic difficulties, many mothers feel that being present in their children's lives is essential for their development and emotional well-being, and they seek ways to balance their work responsibilities with their family obligations.
What impact does the experience of emigrating have on the lives of Cuban mothers in the U.S.?
The experience of emigrating has a significant impact on the lives of Cuban mothers in the U.S., as they face the challenge of adapting to a new country while seeking opportunities to improve their families' lives. Emigration requires both economic and emotional sacrifices, but many mothers find in this experience an opportunity to provide a better future for their children.
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