As Mother’s Day approaches here are some life lessons from a working mom.
First, I find myself thinking about the amazing mothers in my life: my own mother, grandmother and mother-in-law; the women in my family who are mothers; and my friends and colleagues who are mothers. They inspire me every day, and I’m constantly learning and seeking advice from them.
As a Senior Account Manager, Recruitment at SCG Advertising + Public Relations, and the mom of a vibrant 3½ year old girl, I find myself in a constant balancing act between my job responsibilities and career ambitions, prioritizing quality time with my daughter, taking care of my own well-being, household obligations, and finding time to sleep. Over the last few years, I have come to realize that there are surprising parallels between my business life and parenthood, and the valuable lessons I’ve learned apply to both areas of my life.
Here are seven lessons for parenting and business life:
- Ask for Help
There is a tendency to try to figure things out ourselves, maybe for fear of admitting weakness. But as the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child, and at times, relying on friends and family for advice, support and even babysitting, can make a difference. At work, there are times we need to collaborate, ask questions, and work as a team to provide the best solutions.
- Know When to Say “No”
Clients and children are both demanding. Whether it is an unreasonable request or a project that is out of scope, we need to understand that sometimes, it is ok to say no. In parenting, kids need to learn boundaries and that not everything is attainable, in order to grow and learn in a safe environment.
- Life is Unpredictable
With kids, much like in the fast-paced advertising world, we face unexpected challenges. Whether it’s a last minute request from a client or a sudden fever in the middle of the night, learning to roll with the punches, adjust on the fly and find creative solutions is essential. And the more prepared we are from the start, the easier it becomes to adapt as needed.
- Patience is a Virtue
Whether you are waiting out a persistent toddler or sending the ninth follow-up to a client, patience is essential to success. In both areas of my life, being patient helps me understand my client (or child’s) needs and make better, more informed decisions.
- Cut Yourself Some Slack
I admit it, I have closed myself in the bathroom and cried over my child. There are days when it feels like I can’t do anything right, both at work and at home, but then I remind myself that I’m doing the best I can and we don’t have to be perfect to be a good mom or good at my job.
- Try a Different Perspective
Sometimes the easiest way to peacefully end a tantrum is to redirect – offer a different toy, sing a song, or go for a walk. The same is true at work, as there are times I find myself stuck on a project or having writer’s block, and I find the best approach is to take a step back and try a new perspective.
- Carve Out Me Time
My child comes first. But in order to give her the best version of myself, I need to take care of myself as well, whether that’s finding time to exercise, relax or pursue a hobby. Work demands and schedules can make it difficult but it is still important and necessary to achieve work/life balance to recharge.
As a working mom, I’m proud to have the opportunity to care for my daughter and help provide for my family. I want her to grow up seeing firsthand that you can achieve as many things as you want in life. And at the end of the day, I shut down my computer and enjoy the moments with her. I know they will fly by.
