The launch of the Women on Their Way online community was a long time coming and I am just so excited that it's finally here! I really hope that women start to view this website as a resource for exploring ideas on new places to go, fun things to do and ways to reconnect with their loved ones. As the community continues to grow, we can really start to have some great conversations on the site. Good stuff!
Women on Their Way is a really big project for me - I almost feel like I've given birth to "Baby 2.0" ... but now that the community is launched, it's almost time to focus on the new life that will be coming into mine in just mere weeks. Working Moms - I am reaching out to you!
It's hard enough to adjust to coming back to work after the birth of my first son, but now to add a second to the mix?! Our family adjusting to an entirely new routine, figuring out how to support two kids in daycare and feeling like you're missing out on something ... everything! And, let's not forget pumping at the office, or while traveling for work. That is not something that I'm looking forward to at all.
As with everything else in life, there is a flip side to going back to work. You get to be an individual again, you are able to have conversations that consist of full sentences and that make you use parts of your brain that you were afraid may be gone forever. You get to go to the bathroom without a companion and to enjoy being in the car and listening to something other than Laurie Berkner or Veggie Tales. Hey, sometimes it's the little things.
I will admit, however, that this time around, I'm really stressed out about going out on maternity leave. With so many fantastic projects, programs and announcements in the works and great people to support the efforts, I feel like we are really gaining momentum on sharing with the world just how great of a company Wyndham Worldwide is to work with, stay with and earn with. It's an exciting time and I hate to miss any of it.
Yes, I will love every second of being home with the new addition and the wee one. However, I think that when you're a working mom, you are always juggling those hats. When you're at work, your mind wanders to your child and what you might be missing out on (though I will admit that because I know the wee one loves daycare and hanging with his little friends, that happens less and less) and when you're at home, there are always emails waiting to be answered, new ideas on the latest project that keep calling your attention away from coloring, or playing trains or making dinner.
I do believe that women can have it all. I also believe that our expectations of what "all" means has to change a little bit when we do make that choice to be a working Mom. What do you think? How do you make it work as a working Mom? Or, did you decide to stay home because it was a better choice for you?
Let's put these great web 2.0 tools to work: what do you think?
April 12, 2009 6:38 AM | Reply
I personally wouldn't want to not work....to work a little less hours would be nice but unfortunately finances do not permit me to do that!
I think I might go mad if I stayed home all day anyway, theres only so many times you can watch kids tv, make buns, play with diggers and make play doh dinosaurs!
As much as I love my 3 year old I need to go to work to spend time with other adults and use my brain. Its also an excuse to dress smartly without the chance of being covered in yogurt!
I am sure my son Lucas would get bored of me if I was the only play mate he had, he loves to go to Nursery school and play with his little friends. He also spends time with his grandparents while I am at work and I am sure he benefits from their renewed patience.
When I am at home I need to be very orgainised so that I can keep on top of the cleaning, washing and ironing etc so evenings are quite often spent behind the ironing board. I am lucky also that my husband is very supportive and helps out whenever he can.
I too believe women can have it all, with a little support from our families everyone can benefit!
April 22, 2009 3:56 PM | Reply
The Professional Mom's Lament
To "have it ALL", guess I'd have to say, is subjective and varies with each passing day. While I constantly strive to be ALL that I can... my life's best described as a project plan. A VISIO timeline depicted my day with perpetual meetings, each new takeaway. Seemed the harder I work towards having it ALL the further behind, in my schedule, I'd fall.
I made up new task lists, I checked many things off, but the sage peers around me continued to scoff. "We've all been where you are", I'd hear them say "and had wished for more hours extending our day. But take heed my good friend or else you may rue that your quest to have ALL becomes what defines you. To have ALL can be costly.. a dear price at that and in most cases just means you have gained a new hat.
Since you've only one head, lose the hat, go with shoes. There are countless more options from which you can choose. There are dress shoes, and work shoes and flip-flops for fun, heels, flats and sneakers, for Moms on the run." Shoes symbolize balance - complete your attire. And if you choose wisely can help you aspire to achieve your objectives, your mission in life be they business professional, mommy, and wife.
Life's full of laughter, many reasons for tears, aspirations, some guilt and occasional fears....having it ALL's just a mere a metaphor, infers life can be better, if we only had more. This brings me around to the point I shall make - Value ALL THAT YOU HAVE, for goodness sake.
Maintaining perspective's now my personal rule. And for me, well I choose to see my life's glass half full. For you less optimistic, who guffaw and harass, I'd suggest that you look for a much smaller glass. See the measure of fullness in life's up to you...your purpose, direction, who you are, what you do. When you maintain perspective, those around you will see you possess great potential with no boundary.
Perhaps a tad bit too much rhyming with undertones of Dr. Seuss or a greeting card emerging. However I'm a staunch believer one must maintain a sense of humor, take our work seriously and ourselves lightly. For example, I have recently come to acknowledge that having a career concurrent to pregnancy and raising a family, has given new meaning to stretch goals, both personally and professionally.
Thank you for the opportunity to share via this blog and for your giggle. Must confess I initially thought you were speaking about a morning workout at the gym, when you referenced "pumping" at the office. See, it's all in one's perspective. Enjoy your family and best wishes on your Great Expectation.
Mom to the 2nd power