PowerToFly’s Post

🌟 Embracing the Journey: Navigating the Complexities of Working Motherhood 🌟 Last week marked March Break in Ontario, a cherished time for families to unwind and reconnect. While I aimed for a full week off, reality had other plans. However, a wise colleague whom I trust and admire, Dana Singleton, offered invaluable advice: Carve out your workdays in the city and devote yourself fully to your family when you’re away together.  I’ll give myself a passing grade on this with room for improvement! 😆 Amidst this break, I indulged in some much needed "me time" for an afternoon at a nearby inn and spa. Yet, instead of diving into my book over lunch, I found myself captivated by the conversations in the cafe—maybe it’s the social researcher in me. 😊 I observed women discussing the intricate balancing act of managing work and motherhood.  They debated quitting their jobs or putting their careers on hold.  They convinced each other to stick it out. Their stories resonated deeply, echoing the universal struggles we face. The constant tug-of-war with guilt is perhaps one of the toughest battles. Guilt for not being present enough, for missing moments, for not excelling on all fronts—at home and at work, simultaneously. Yet, amidst the guilt, we find solace in celebrating the small victories – those fleeting moments of connection and accomplishment—again, at home and at work. Time management becomes an art form when you're a working parent. Every minute is a precious commodity, demanding a level of organization that borders on miraculous. Yet, somehow, we find a rhythm, making the most of the time we have. Self-care, though essential, often takes a backseat amidst the chaos of daily life. While I made strides in scheduling moments for myself that afternoon, prioritizing them remains a work in progress. But as they say, baby steps, and I'm committed to trying again. Reflecting on those conversations around me at the inn, I'm reminded of the power of our networks. I didn’t give a high-five or a “you go girl” to the women next to me at the cafe, but I wanted to.  Support systems are invaluable on this journey. Whether it's a partner, family, friends, or understanding peers, surrounding ourselves with a strong network makes all the difference in navigating this journey. To all the working moms out there, I see you. I admire your strength, your resilience, and your unwavering love for your families. Together, let's continue to navigate this journey with grace, courage, and a whole lot of love. 💖 Now, I’m going to my do-over tomorrow 😉 #WorkingMom #MomLife #MotherhoodJourney #Strength #SelfCare #Balance #Empowerment

Becoming a parent can be a huge identity change. The impact of parenthood on day to day working patterns and overarching career plans is just one aspect of this. I caught up with Dr Annabelle Painter on all things career/ baby balance. Here are the highlights from our chat. https://lnkd.in/eN_4cUj4

Working parenthood isn’t easy. It’s a big, complex, emotional, chronic, and sometimes all-consuming struggle. But as with any challenge, the more you break it down, the less daunting it becomes. With a clearer view of the issues you’re facing, and with specific strategies for managing them, you’ll be better able to succeed at work—and be the mother or father you want to be at home. https://lnkd.in/dqxMZkk3

👋 Meet Annabella Smith, a qualified life and executive (career) coach who specialises in helping working mothers find the right balance between work and home life. If you struggle with mum-guilt or you're fed up with the societal pressure around motherhood, she's here to help you have the confidence to break the mould and live a life you're genuinely fulfilled by. As an ambitious "working mum" of two, Annabella understands first-hand the challenges of juggling responsibilities while trying to stay true to your values. During and after each maternity leave, her mindset and priorities shifted. The lack of support available and the lack of knowledge around matrescence only make you feel inadequate and question all your decisions. There's already enough mum-guilt around, so she's here to help empower other mothers to feel fulfilled and confident in their decisions, create a work/life balance that's right for them, and rid themselves of mum-guilt and societal pressures. Annabella's coaching style is rooted in empathy, positivity and honesty. Using her unique FOCUS framework, Annabella can help you stop caring what other people think and do what makes you happy. 😄 💡Interested in overcoming mum-guilt and finding your balance? Learn more about Annabella's FOCUS framework and how she can empower you by booking a FREE discovery call via her profile page at Careering into Motherhood. https://lnkd.in/eAcDrU5w

Balancing motherhood and work is a myth. As a working mom, I can vouch that it’s a constant juggle between the two roles. My work as an entrepreneur can be chaotic, especially in the event management industry which is an unorganized segment. The unpredictable nature of the work, with calls and emergencies popping up outside regular hours, makes it challenging. Unlike the regular 9 to 5 job, my daughter cannot tell someone that I'll be back at 6 pm. Maintaining a boundary is difficult as an entrepreneur and that’s when the “mother guilt” sets in. How many working mothers have felt this? But, when it comes to parenting, I embrace the concept of gentle parenting. It's been a joy to watch my teenage daughter blossom into a confident woman who looks up to me as a role model. She is independent, bold, and brave. Another lesson I’m continuously learning is redefining the role of men in our society. My husband works from home, but I wouldn't say he's "helping" me. He's taking on his share of the workload, just as I am. He is not helping the women in the family, rather he is doing his work. When a mother works at home, she is doing her work. It is equal. Managing a home is a work that must be shared. A shift in perspective is essential. How do you juggle work and family responsibilities? #motherhood

Balancing Motherhood & Career: A Personal Journey 🌟Hello LinkedIn community,I wanted to share a bit of my personal journey as I navigate the beautiful chaos of balancing motherhood with a professional career. 🤱👩💻Being a mother has been the most rewarding role of my life, filled with love and joy beyond measure. At the same time, pursuing a career that I'm passionate about has always been important to me. Finding that balance, however, hasn't always been easy.There are days when I feel like I'm juggling a million things—meetings, deadlines, school pickups, meal prep, bedtime stories—and wondering if I'm doing justice to both my family and my work. But amidst the challenges, I've learned a few valuable lessons:🌷 Prioritize and Delegate: I've become a master at prioritizing tasks and delegating where possible—both at work and at home. It's okay to ask for help and share responsibilities. 🌷 Set Boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries has been key. Learning to say no when necessary and carving out dedicated family time has helped maintain a healthy balance. 🌷 Embrace Flexibility: Flexibility is essential. Some days are unpredictable, and being adaptable has been crucial in managing the unexpected. To all the amazing mothers out there who are also pursuing their professional dreams, I see you. You are strong, capable, and resilient. Let's continue supporting each other and sharing our stories.What strategies have you found helpful in balancing motherhood and career? I would love to hear your experiences and tips!#WorkingMom #Motherhood #CareerBalance #ProfessionalWomen #WomenInBusiness #LinkedInLife

Mom vs. Work: When Reality Hits Hard ! The Moment I Realized I Couldn't Keep Up When I returned to work in 2022 after maternity leave, I felt anxious about balancing work and motherhood. It's a whole new world as a mom; your child's safety and needs become everything. Those initial three years demand constant attention, knowing any moment could be risky. One year ago, after a tiring day at work, I prepared for a trip with my 1-year-old daughter.  While shopping, I bought her first toothbrush, eager for a milestone moment. But as I turned away for a moment, something terrible happened, leaving me stunned…. In the next instant, I saw a pool of blood. Rushing to the hospital, my daughter underwent surgery for a mouth injury.  Though not severe, witnessing her pain and the hospital procedures shook me deeply. It's not about working; such accidents can happen to anyone, stirring immense emotions and a sense of vulnerability as a parent. It's a reality that the emotional toll on mothers is significant.  Statistics show that working moms often carry a burden of guilt, leading many to consider quitting their jobs. It's a real struggle, touching the hearts of countless mothers as they try to balance work and family with all their love and dedication. Each mother's journey is personal. It's about setting priorities and finding balance. This experience solidified my commitment to work and family. Both are important, I just need to learn to draw a line between two. What's your tale? Drop it here; it could ignite millions! Your narrative might be the fuel someone's seeking. #WorkLifeBalance #WomenEmpowerment #EmployeeWellBeing