Motherhood and the Workplace

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL WOMEN!

This weekend we celebrate Mother’s Day in the U.S. and Canada. I should point out that even women who didn’t give birth to children could be considered mothers in different ways.

When we think of mothers, we associate them with women who are caring, loving, and responsible. However, we sometimes forget that some are also businesswomen, teachers, healers, leaders, politicians, doctors, and heroes. As women, we should support the sisterhood that connects us to other women, whether they are career women or not.

Working full-time while raising a family has always been a delicate balancing act for working parents, but more so for women. While it may be a daunting challenge, balancing the roles of a mother and a working woman is not impossible. If I may set myself as an example, I can humbly say that I turned out to be a good mom and businesswoman. My children and clients tell me so.

As women, we have choices. Some choose to be mothers, some choose to be career women, and some decide to be both, like me. There’s no right or wrong; it all depends on the individual family dynamics. No matter what role you choose to play, make sure you release the guilt so you can be the best at your chosen role.

I am both a mother and a career woman. However, I’ve always planned and managed time. I prioritize and reset expectations. I allot time for my family without disrupting my work schedule. I love being a mom, but I am also passionate about my career and the importance of hard work. Keeping a work-life balance keeps me focused on what’s important. I decide how to manage my time and not the other way around.

As a woman, I remind myself that I can do both roles as long as I am kind to myself. I also practice daily gratitude and self-awareness. Doing so keeps me real, so I extend this practice to my female clients. This, in turn, will help them enjoy their responsibilities at work as well as being fulfilled. I want my circle of women, my sisterhood, to understand they can be happy and proud doing and committing to both roles without feeling guilty. I know some working mothers worry that parenthood can negatively impact their careers. In fact, it does the opposite, as joggling both roles teaches them to prioritize, focus, be committed, and recognize when to play each role while still keeping them fulfilled.

Although many working mothers may struggle to find a healthy work-life balance, it’s not impossible to succeed at both. Whether you’re a single or married mother, practicing gratitude, self-awareness, and self-love can help you function at your best while providing for your family.

Remember, mothers are also working women and should be celebrated all year round, not just on Mother’s Day.

How are you celebrating YOU this Mother’s Day? Do you have a work-life balance? Do you support other women?