There are a rollercoaster of emotions that a mother goes through from the time she jumps out of bed, until the time she collapses into slumber. When it comes to our children, the spectrum of emotions that we feel whilst at work, gnaw at us throughout the day. Especially so if they are in care with others or at school. Or, like I've personally experienced, I've actually forgotten that I'm due to do pick up and then left riddled with guilt whilst fighting traffic! These up's and downs in our day, whilst managing your paid role at work is exhausting, right? You see, after working with so many talented women over the years, some of which are mothers too, I came to realise that you never truly clock off from being on 'mum mode'. Would running a double marathon compromise our professionalism at times?
I'm sure you have heard the phrase "If you want something done, ask a woman", however if you want someone responsible to boot, choose a mother. In my years, I have always found that women, especially mothers, are engaged and efficient when it comes to their professional careers. They are their own worst critics, hold themselves to superior standards (often unfairly so), and act with care and compassion in the work place. Most are extremely invested in their career as they deem it as solely theirs (well, because as soon as the strip changes colour, your body, belongings and time are truly never yours again). Lastly, some hold onto their roles with such tenacity because of the fear of being replaced or toppled over, by someone who doesn't have as much external responsibilities as they do.
Yes, we can become distracted by our babies, big or small, even when they are no where to be seen. We can turn up to work late, frazzled, sleep deprived, malnourished, hair not fabulously blowdried, with one eye unlined. We can make silly mistakes, take a few extra personal days because our kids are unwell, and not be able to make every social committee event outside work hours. But why should that diminish our professional reputation? Well, it depends on your workplace culture and values. It depends how it aligns with you and your families needs. Sometimes, post baby, the work place that once felt like home, is no longer there. Post baby, your values, and priorities change. That is nothing to be ashamed of, that's called growth. It's change.
Feeling overwhelmed or challenged, as you try to balance work and motherhood, is often experienced and a phase in which it is beneficial to find additional support. Working directly with your managers and communicating your needs to maintain your work responsibilities is always a good place to start. Sometimes you need to re-evaluate your role to manage your maternal duties (and that is ok too). However you choose to deal with meeting professional standards, it is important to create a series of checks and balances which you require to help maintain your sanity as a working mamma.
If it's time to get serious about your work life mamma, book a complimentary Introductory Session today: http://www.metamorphosiscollective.com.au/bookings-checkout/introductory-sesssion
Vanessa is a professional & business coach with experience in marketing & communications, small business operations, organisational culture & learning. She is currently undergoing further training & qualification with the LCA Australia and the International Coaching Federation. Vanessa has recently completed certification as a Wellness Facilitation Coach. Most importantly, she is a mother of two, teaching them to see the world with compassionate eyes and to act in kindness.
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