Society has often portrayed parenthood and especially motherhood as having a bad influence on your career, and it's high time we changed that narrative.
Balancing motherhood and a career can be challenging.
Yet, it also brings valuable opportunities for growth. The idea that personal development stops when you become a parent, could not be further from the truth. Motherhood encourages self-reflection and a deeper understanding of yourself. You may discover strengths you never even knew you had or run into new challenges.
The demands of parenting may push you to confront your own fears or problems, leading to new personal breakthroughs. This journey of self-discovery is so valuable, allowing you to grow into a more authentic and fulfilled version of yourself.
Johanna Spiller, the CEO of multiple companies, notoriously said, "I would always bet on a mom." And she’s right, mothers are powerhouses in the workplace. Why? Because they don’t have time for nonsense. With a packed schedule that includes both career and family, moms know how to focus on what really matters.
Mothers (biological and non-biological) are known for being some of the most hardworking people in the work field. They are highly motivated not only to provide for their families but also to set an example of perseverance and success for their children. Motherhood shapes you into a more capable, resilient, and empathetic professional.
So, how can motherhood promote your professional growth?
Time management
Having good time management skills is crucial for mothers balancing family and work. Juggling responsibilities like school runs and deadlines can be overwhelming, but effective time management can help with prioritising tasks. Try not to bring work back to your home after a long day at the office. The pressure you feel to be perfect at both home and work can be a lot and is simply unrealistic.
It is important to plan ahead, create a clear schedule for you, your family and work, make sure you book enough time in for everything. Write down what you want to get done and the time you think it will take. Add half of that time on top of that, this way you always give yourself wiggle room and space to adjust things later. Know your limits and learn how to say no and when to say yes.
Emotional intelligence
Motherhood is a remarkable journey that enhances emotional intelligence in many ways. For starters, it creates more empathy as mothers deepen their skills in recognising and validating their children's and others' emotions.
On top of that a mother has to navigate her own feelings along with those of her children, they become skilled at identifying and articulating emotions more clearly.
Through the ups and downs of parenting, you will develop patience and resilience, providing you with the skills to manage stress and respond thoughtfully to life’s challenges.
Communication
Interacting with your children, who constantly ask questions, will show you the importance of using familiar words and ideas to make your explanations clear. This works the same for adults, explaining things simply and listening with patience at home, can give you clearer communication skills at work. It is really important to keep in mind the other person’s background, knowledge, and experience regardless of someone’s function.
Focus on knowing the perspective and avoid assumptions, ask questions instead. This will help ensure that the other person feels safe and creates space for open communication. Building strong relationships at work is important, but it doesn’t mean sacrificing your boundaries. It’s not your job to make everyone happy or to always ensure their comfort.
Make time for self-care
You simply cannot pour from an empty cup. Finding time for yourself where you can truly relax is often a big challenge for working mothers. To avoid burnout and avoid feeling really stressed, try to schedule moments dedicated just to yourself. This could be anything from a spa day to spending time with friends or enjoying a hobby. Even if your schedule is packed, aim to schedule at least 10 minutes a day to unwind, free from work or parenting interruptions. Because mother or not you need to prioritise taking care of yourself first.
All of this might sound like allot, but the most important thing to remember is not be too hard on yourself, if you miss some important moments with your kids due to work. Remember, there is no such thing as a perfect parent. Regardless of if you work outside the home or if you are a full-time caregiver. Focus on your strengths and aim for improvement wherever needed. Set realistic expectations for yourself, your partner, and your children. If you're starting to feel overwhelmed, let your inner circle know.
Acknowledging your limits doesn't make you selfish; it shows that you value your well-being.
So, to whoever is ready, let's change the stereotype on motherhood and career growth together! We can inspire each other to embrace our strengths and redefine what it means to be a working mom. Remember, you are not just raising children; you are also cultivating a remarkable skill set that enhances your professional life.
It's perfectly okay to be everything all at once: mother, colleague, manager, and human. You don’t have to choose one over the other; you're allowed to embody them all.
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