"Balancing" Work and Motherhood: A Journey of Growth and Gratitude
Since I became a mother back in 2023, there hasn’t been a day when I stopped reflecting on the “balancing act” between my professional life and motherhood. Both roles are integral to who I am, and navigating the challenges and triumphs of these dual responsibilities has been a journey of growth, resilience, and gratitude.
I have always been captivated by the dynamic environment and the opportunity to solve complex problems. The energy and demands of the role were thrilling, but even before having a child, achieving work-life balance often felt elusive. Becoming a mother to my now 18-month-old child added a new layer of complexity to this ongoing juggle. Suddenly, I had two very different but equally important worlds to navigate: the boardroom and my toddler’s playroom.
Balancing these roles hasn’t always been easy. There have been moments when I hung up on a Senior Managing Director in the middle of a conversation with a very to-the-point message “Gotta go!” because my nanny was leaving and I had to switch to 'mom duty' immediately. At other times, while I was physically with my child, deliverable deadlines, unexpected meetings, or time zone differences with my team can sometimes pull my focus away, leaving me feeling stretched thin and less present in those precious moments.
I’ve come to accept that work-life balance isn’t something to be solved; it’s a continuous process of juggling priorities and it is always about “making choices”. Some days, work takes precedence; on others, my child’s needs come first. In those times, I’ve leaned heavily on my support system - both at work and at home. My family and colleagues have been a source of strength, and I’ve been fortunate to work at a company that values flexibility and inclusivity. This culture has empowered me to continuously grow, albeit in baby steps, in setting boundaries, prioritizing what matters most to me, and showing up authentically in both spheres of my life.
One of my junior female colleagues once said to me, “Fan, I don’t know how you do it.” Honestly, I don’t know how I do it either. The truth is, it often feels like a work in progress, not an achievement to be perfected. After all, this is not that different from our consulting projects – sometimes we don’t know the answer, but we always figure it out along the way. For anyone considering becoming a working parent, I encourage you not to be daunted by what may appear as an “impossible facade.” You are the one who decides whether you can or want to take on this dual role - no one else’s verdict matters.
One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of open communication. Whether it’s discussing my limited availability with my team or sharing my work commitments with my family, transparency has been crucial in managing expectations and fostering understanding. One little step forward I made this past year is embracing the fact that perfection is not the goal. Balance doesn’t mean giving 100% to everything all the time; it’s about being fully present in the moments that matter most.
At work, I’ve found ways to use my experiences as a mother to enhance my leadership style, a benefit that I did not expect. Motherhood has taught me patience (big time), calmness and empathy. Similarly, my professional life has provided me with problem-solving techniques and organizational strategies that help me manage the demands of parenting.
Another pillar of my journey has been conversations with fellow working moms, where we share experiences and/or commiserate - both work! By talking to them, I’ve found a sense of grounding and perspective. These chats have reminded me that working moms on Instagram may not be the best benchmark for success - and honestly, we’re not doing that bad! It’s a reminder that we’re all part of a growing community and supporting one another makes us stronger.
To other working mothers or those considering taking on this dual role, I want to share this: give yourself grace. There will be days when the balance feels elusive, and that’s okay. Focus on your priorities, celebrate your wins, and remember that you are modeling resilience and ambition for your children.
As I look back on my journey so far, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and challenges that have shaped me. Balancing work and motherhood is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor, but it is a deeply personal and rewarding experience. After all, balance is not about perfection - it’s about finding harmony in the journey.
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