Do you feel like you should be with your kids when working, or that you should be working when with your kids?
How to ‘do it all’ is a question that’s been troubling women since they were called upon to join the labor force during World War II. [Okay, there were probably some working mums before 1939 but our resident historian is, er, off sick].
What’s interesting is that women got a taste for the “hard yakka” (probably in some cases they realised hubby had it easier at work than they did at home) and, according to one American study, 75% of women wanted to continue working despite huge government-funded propaganda campaigns aimed at getting them back in their houses.
Well we’ve come a long way since then, baby… unfortunately the verdict is still out on exactly how to do it all successfully, and stress-free. That’s because every individual’s method of madness – sorry – management is really just a trialed and tested combination of stuff learned from others: mothers, sisters, friends, colleagues, even nosy neighbours!
So we want to hear your working-mum tips (leave them in the comment box below) and to kick it off are Natalie, Angie and Sara; three young mums about to launch their own online business dedicated to the work/family balance; www.bubsabouttown.com.au is set to launch early February, 2009.
Natalie, 28, has an 8-month-old
“Before becoming a mum I worked full-time as an Early Intervention Teacher. My husband works full-time and I now work part-time teaching, plus my part in handling development of the website for bubsabouttown.
The best bit of advice I’ve heard – although admittedly I still struggle to put it into practice – is from my mum. She told me, ‘You don’t have to do it all, let the little things go and concentrate on the most important ones; like enjoying the moment because time is precious and it all goes too quickly’.”
Angie, 31, has an 8-month-old
“I had spent six years working in the corporate recruitment sector when I had my daughter. I intended to return to work this year but when we came up with our business idea I decided to dedicate myself full-time to that.
A child and family health nurse gave me some advice I found invaluable in the early days; ‘it’s so important that mums take time out occasionally to do something for themselves away from their babies, you really do owe it to yourself and return refreshed feeling a better parent for doing so.’
Sara, 29, has an 8-month-old
“Both Angie and I moved to Australia from the UK; when we became pregnant we wanted a more relaxed lifestyle for our future families. My husband works full time as a Clinical Specialist with a Medical Company and I’m casual teaching two-days a week in local schools, in addition to developing the website. I really struggled with the thought of daycare for my 8-month-old but having no family support in the area there was no other option. My own guilt was further compounded by other people’s judgment and comments but my mum gave me the best advice: ‘Accept that you are a good parent who is doing what has to be done to provide a secure future for your family’.”
Tell us: who has helped you along the way? And if the advice was really good, please don’t spare ANY details!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Cool site, loved the info and I will continue to check back for updates.
Great post; I know the work/balance issue is one that plays on a lot of my working mum friend’s minds.
There’s a positive side to the juggle too. Having your own business can creep into the 24/7 zone very easily. Kids provide a compelling reason to switch off the computer, down tools, and stop to smell the roses. Literally. When they’re not driving you crazy, they can be a source of amazing energy and revitalisation!
P.S And for those days where it all seems too hard; “The days are long, but the years are short”. I love this quote because it puts it all back into perspective.
Wonderful quotes. Being a Stay At Home Mum building my internet marketing business from home, similar emotions are felt, however, I get to pick and choose how my time is divided. My hubby and I made a conscious decision to sacrifice our “DINKS” lifestyle in order to raise our son. He is truly a blessing. We have struggled but managed to get bye on very little without actually living like cavemen : -)
Yes, I believe you can balance work and family to a certain degree, meaning, the scales always tip toward family with work a distant second. I see that as balance. I always measure this on the happiness of my husband and son. Constant communication and plenty of laughter is key for us.
I take my hat off to all mum’s doing their best to put their family first.
Firstly the sheer amount of online businesses conceived / devised and run by “work from home mums” (me included!) is amazing. I think nothing short of a mini revolution is going on. So go girls!! There are lots of upsides – flexability, working from home and not having to commute, paying less on childcare, being around your children more, not having to watch mindless tv at night ….The list goes on. But there are also downsides. With three children under 5.5years and the youngest 11months and not in childcare yet I have to say I do find it a bit of a challenge sometime especially when you have to make a “professional” phonecall and your children just want your attention RIGHT NOW. Having said that I would love to see something like – http://www.hubworking.net/ – operating in every major city across Australia but with one important addition – childcare. A work from home mum could then confidently go into the city for an important meeting or to work quitely for a few hours quitely meanwhile her little ones could be looked after. Then again maybe someone knows of something like this operating already in Australia?
Wonderful quotes. Being a Stay At Home Mum building my internet marketing business from home, similar emotions are felt, however, I get to pick and choose how my time is divided. My hubby and I made a conscious decision to sacrifice our “DINKS” lifestyle in order to raise our son. He is truly a blessing. We have struggled but managed to get bye on very little without actually living like cavemen : -)
Yes, I believe you can balance work and family to a certain degree, meaning, the scales always tip toward family with work a distant second. I see that as balance. I always measure this on the happiness of my husband and son. Constant communication and plenty of laughter is key for us.
I take my hat off to all mum's doing their best to put their family first.