Jugglers Workshop | All About Time
Juggling Workshop
Working Moms' Q & A
The daily tug-of-war between your career and your kids can leave you torn between the two worlds. Where do you turn? The Juggling Workshop! Ask questions and share suggestions about juggling work and family.
This month's question:
My problem is the opposite of Kellie's. I have been working in the high-stress, demanding world of advertising for many years. Despite the pressure, I loved my work and thrived in it. However, since the birth of my son six months ago, I have decided to "checkout" for a while, working freelance from home while mothering him. Well - I cannot believe the flak I'm getting from women (with and without kids) who work in the industry. I know these women are highly ambitious, and so am I, to a degree, but I had no idea this was such a prickly issue. How do you recommend I respond to these pro-daycare women who believe I'm flushing my career down the toilet? I'm starting to second-guess my decision.
-- Janice
Janice,
The most important thing to remember is it's your life, and you should do
what you feel is right for you. Most women who have opted to continue to
work full time after their children are born feel a certain amount of guilt,
and feel even guiltier when one of their colleagues "check's out" for a
while. Sometimes they relieve that guilt by criticizing the person who is
doing what they didn't do.
That said, a lot of how much a hit checking out will put on a person's
career depends a lot on that person's skills, personality, contacts, etc.
If you are getting freelance jobs and keeping in touch with clients, etc.,
you're off to a good start. Many women I've interviewed have changed the
way they work after they have a baby. They still are successful, but by
freelancing or setting up their own businesses, they have created lifestyles
that give them more flexibility. In almost every case, their skills and
their relationships were their bargaining chips, so to speak.
Hope this helps.
Working together we can make a difference.
-- Cathy
Janice, Don't let the reactions of other
women deter you from doing what you feel
is best. Your decision is for you as
well as for your child. If you are going
to freelance at home, you will still be
keeping yourself connected to your field.
Also, since you do have brains and
ambition, these qualities will serve you
well when you do decide to return to work.
You will make it happen! Trust yourself
regardless of how others respond. Best wishes
to you and your baby!
-- Teri
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