Amanda R. / RR079

Name: Amanda R. 
Year Started at R.Riveter: 2016
Position: Remote Riveter, Liners
Military Affiliation: Air National Guard
Current Base: Arlington, VA


 
About myself? 
I am a fairly private person until I get to know you.  I love to travel, especially love warm weather.  Living in the north with the cold weather is something I will never get used to. 
 
Why did I join R.Riveter?
I was looking for a way to work part-time but still stay home to take care of my kids and family.
 
How has being a military spouse affected your journey and your career? 
Being a military spouse takes a certain strength and type of person.  I am proud of my husband and who he is and what he does.  His career does put mine second.  What am I saying?  What career?  The first 12 years we PCS'd 8 times.  I have multiple degrees but no career.  Certainly not the way I thought my life was going to go but I wouldn't change the travel, experiences, and family for it.  We are now out of active duty and in the Guard. We are relatively settled but my resume looks like swiss cheese and my last degree is already over 10 years old.  Job hunting is discouraging and stressful. 
 
How has R.Riveter affected your life? 
I feel like I can have the work/life balance I want.  I want to take my kids to school and pick them up and not feel I have to choose between them. R.Riveter gives me that opportunity.  My husband works long hours and is TDY or deployed a good deal of time.  If I worked outside the home my kids would never see either parent. R.Riveter fills that void that military spouses have when we want to have both family and work but can't do it by traditional means.
 
What do you love most about what you do? 
I love sewing and creating.  I have been sewing for 20 years and love holding something in my hands and saying I made this.  I also love setting my own hours.  Most of my sewing gets done late at night when everyone else is asleep except me and the cat.
 
What is one of your most proud moments at R.Riveter?
I feel proud to tell people that I have a part-time job and work from home.  It may seem small but that makes me feel proud of myself for working, being productive in the world outside of my home.
 
Favorite part about working at R.Riveter?
Being part of a company that supports military spouses and our way of life. 
 
Favorite R.Riveter handbag? Otto!!  I love making them and carrying them! 
 
Fun Fact about yourself? 
Every year I make sure I do something new, that I have never done before. Skydiving, shooting a gun, riding in a helicopter; anything to make me feel alive and takes a break from the daily routine of life. Usually, I try to make it around my birthday but that doesn't always happen.