How to succeed in being a working mum (TED Women)

I found this video by Sheryl Sandberg at Ad Broad and it really resonated for obvious reasons.

I am now three weeks into being a working mum and despite loving my time on maternity it's actually great to be back at work. Great to be sharpening my brain and ordering my thinking, but also great to be able to read an article, send an email and think -  or just share a coffee and have a gossip with friends without a tiny hand constantly trying to pull at my leg or bash at the keyboard or in fact trying to eat the keyboard. There have been a few days when I have left the house and he's asleep and I get home and he's asleep and that's hard but I know for me at this moment in time I don't want to be a full-time mum, so getting that balance of baby and work is hugely important to me (though I certainly raise my hat to those women who do - hardest job in the world!) I am sure that on the days and the times that I am with Felix I am a better, more attentive mum and the times that I am at VCCP I work so much harder than I have ever done before as I really want/need to get home while the little one is awake.

So this video connected and as I hadn't seen it before thought it was a good one to share.

 

I think her insight into the way in which women and men operate in the workforce is spot on and her analysis of whether women can be successful and well-liked is fascinating (albeit depressing) Her advice about how to succeed at being a working mum is to be make sure that the job that you are in is rewarding, challenging, interesting before you even think about having kids otherwise it's pretty tough to go back and leave your little one! I think that she's right. Many years ago my mentor at WPP told me over a fish and chip lunch to remember that "no-one will care about your career as much as you do." That was great advice, tough but bang on. No-one does care as much as you do. Why should they? It's your job, your career, your life. Remembering that has always helped me think about the roles that I want to play at the places where I work.

Hope that this video is useful or interesting to women (and men) thinking about combining parenthood with a career.

Comments

[Bmcmichael]

Am also 3 weeks into the return from mat leave and love your post! Off to watch the video. Becks

[Deb Khan]

Excellent post, lovely to have you back. I empathize so much with where you are at. It can be tough, tedious & lonely when they are tiny. the contrast of an exhilarating job with smart, receptive people is seductive. I believe I'm a better mum for working. And VV. I've also learned that it's not static & the needle jumps, regularly. It's subjective & transitory. I just say this is right for me, now. I have to be flexible & fortunately created a career where flexibility was central. All could change, tomorrow.

[Deb Khan]

oh & let's remember if we have the luxury of choice re working/being a mum, we are incredibly fortunate. The vast majority of women don't have that choice

[Shailendra Kumar]

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Thanks
Shailendra Sonu

[Liz]

Such wise words! Years away from the really tough stuff but great advice to keep the foot on the gas pedal.