WORK HARD PARENT HARD
I hear the objection- “I/we don’t have time” a lot. The truth is, parents either don’t want to make any changes to how they operate, or they don’t think investing in themselves is a priority. For organisations it’s much the same, support for their parents isn’t a priority for their organisation.
flexibility is essential for working parents. Pick ups/ drop offs, appointments for you, appointments for your children, there are so many things needed to squeeze into a week and if you don’t have flexible work arrangements it can make it so hard. It’s still a big learning curve for many, but flexibility is the future of working and the more we can implement this, the more parents can return to the workforce and it’s essentially a win win for everyone.
Welcoming a new member into the family undoubtedly reshapes our lives, especially for parents who still want to have a career. The transition back to work after becoming parents is often challenging, as it requires reevaluating priorities, adapting to new routines, and finding a balance between professional and personal responsibilities
There is a pervasive stereotype that flexibility is primarily aimed at women, particularly working mothers, as they are seen as the primary caregivers for their children. This is a stereotype that needs to be challenged and ultimately eliminated, as we modernise the way we live and work, men and woman are wanting to become much more equal.
When I reflect on my life, there are some really amazing stand out moments where I have problem solved something under pressure. NOTHING compares to the problems you solve as a parent.
Being a working Mother can be a real juggling act. Life can feel like utter chaos and trying to fit everything in can sometimes feel like a huge Struggle.
Being a parent is one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences you can have. Add a career to the mix, and you have a recipe for a very hectic, demanding life. I had a coffee meeting the other day and the man I met has 3 older daughters and he asked me- “How on Earth do you do it all with 3 Children under 4?”. Well let me tell you…
When it comes to gender equality there is a lot of support for women. How women can increase their confidence, what we need for women in the workplace to thrive and enable flexibility etc. I am a HUGE advocate for all of this. As a working mum of 3 young children, if I didn’t have the flexibility I have at work there is just no way I could make it work.
But what can Men do to help support this further, and assist with bridging the gap?
If you have the right mindset and you have the right approach to it, you can absolutely balance being a mother and your career successfully. There are a few elements that must be in place though, and I’ll start with the most important at the top!
So many of us have been there. You find out your pregnant it’s super early days and you don’t want to tell anyone just yet- especially not work.
© 2023 Work Hard Parent Hard
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