My career has always made me proud—from an article being picked up by CNN and a campaign that humanized trucks (“Some Heroes Wear Capes. Others Wear Hard Hats.”) to growing a product list, launching a virtual product amidst a pandemic to help thousands of students and instructors, and earning Marketing Manager of the Year. That all seems somewhat minuscule now…
This year, I became a mother. I had no idea how it would change me. This little boy, our pride and joy, has been the biggest catalyst for change in my life. Honestly, I never thought I would be a mom because I was so late to the game! I met and married my perfect mate, turning 40 three years later. Now, here we are. Every day is a new challenge, but also a triumph.
I used to burn the midnight oil working on emails, projects and reports. Now, I have to sleep (I envy those parents whose babies sleep through the night at six months!). Before motherhood, I would take advantage of any and every trip—work or personal. Now, I can’t wait to just stay home. And, then there are also the days of a fever or ear infection that pop up and I can’t work because I have to stay home and care for my child.
Amidst all this change, becoming a mother has taught me more about my career than I could have ever imagined. The same skills in motherhood can be applied in my day-to-day work. Here are some things I’ve learned and consistently strive to put into practice personally and professionally.
Stay Organized and Focused. This little boy has given us a run for our money when it comes to sleep and ear infections, so time is limited when you’re not sleeping, doing daycare drop-offs/pickups, and fitting in doctor appointments. We all have 24 hours in the day, but it’s what we do with those hours that make a difference. I may now not spend as many hours behind the computer screen as I used to, but I’ve learned to focus on the task at hand, manage my to-do list and focus on the most important priorities.
Master the Balance. And a routine! Babies love a routine. Apparently so do mamas. I’ve discovered I am better able to balance the work/family priorities when things are departmentalized. Early morning, I spend cuddling and playing for a short while before daycare. Then, it’s coffee and work time! (Workouts will hopefully exist in this routine one day again.) Early evening is dinner and then what I call the three B’s—bath, book and bed. If baby gets out of this routine, bedtime is rough. Oh, and let’s not forget about the multitasking—that’s truly an act of balance!
This time has also helped me understand the balance of work and family. A huge milestone, one-year-old birthday, will take place simultaneously as a work event. Although I felt guilty, I am proud of the decision I made to choose this milestone, only-happens-once event, over a work opportunity. (Thankfully I have a wonderful work culture to support family first!)Be Committed. We do what we have to do as mothers. Is there really any other choice? If there is, I would never make it because on that day when little Vincent was brought into this world, I was fully committed. Committed to feeding, holding, raising and loving on this little human.
Work, although to a lesser extent, is a commitment. It’s a choice to do the best I possibly can every day. Deliver on promises, show up to meetings on time, choose to say ‘yes’ (or ‘no’ when necessary), meet with reps, customers and colleagues. Always take one more step and repeatedly give it my all.Be Creative. I’ve always loved arts and crafts. Having a little one means there are lots of outlets to make things! Thinking of sensory play, listening to more music, and games to create. I’m also learning to get creative with healthier foods and planning the days. It has also opened up so many more emotions that lead to me writing more in this career blog and thinking outside the box for future campaigns.
Be Intentional and Enjoy. Every minute counts. It’s crazy to enjoy even the most “not fun” things that come with being a parent: bottle washing, laundry folding, cleaning up after eating (my least favorite), and messy diaper changes. Every wonderful thing has drawbacks—we can’t enjoy every little part of our job or every single challenge that comes with family—but in the big picture it’s your attitude that makes the difference. It’s a choice. And each day I choose joy in my parenting—and I choose joy in my work.
