Work, Life, and the In-Between: A Working Mom's Handbook for Career Transitions
In eras past, working mothers often navigated uncharted waters, their ambitions clashing with societal expectations. Fast forward to today, and we find a landscape where mothers are not just striving for success in the professional realm, but also rewriting the rules. From homemakers to CEOs, the journey is awe-inspiring.
This blog dives deep into this journey, unraveling stories of triumph and tribulation. We'll explore the strategies that empowered these women to bridge the gap between career transitions and nurturing families. Join us in celebrating the spirit of the mom-boss-person, a symbol of resilience, strength, and the art of harmonizing life's most cherished roles.
Before you begin, remember that our professionals are always here to help
A brief history of the mom-boss-person balancing act
From legendary matriarchs who ruled their households with an iron fist and a loving heart, to the modern-day warriors juggling boardroom meetings and bedtime stories, a shared history paints a vivid portrait of resilience and change. To illustrate the change bit of that, we’ve created a timeline to take you through the journey on fast-forward.
1920s - Flappers and Forward Strides: Women embrace newfound freedoms, with the 19th Amendment granting them the right to vote. Flappers challenge conventions, setting the stage for changing norms.
1940s - Rosie the Riveter: World War II sees women stepping into traditionally male roles, proving their mettle as 'Rosie the Riveter' and contributing significantly to the war effort.
1960s - Breaking Boundaries: The feminist movement takes root, fueling discussions on gender equality and women's rights. The birth control pill offers more control over family planning.
1970s - Trailblazing Professionals: Women surge into previously male-dominated fields, shattering glass ceilings as CEOs, astronauts, and politicians.
1980s - Superwoman Era: Juggling career and family becomes the new norm, as women emulate the 'superwoman' ideal, often shouldering immense responsibilities.
2000s - Work-Life Integration: The focus shifts to achieving work-life balance, as technology enables remote work and flexible schedules, offering mothers more options.
2010s - Intersectionality and Advocacy: The spotlight widens to include issues faced by women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and marginalized communities, promoting a more inclusive conversation.
2020s - Reshaping Narratives: Women continue to challenge stereotypes, using social media and platforms to amplify their voices, advocate for change, and redefine success on their terms.
What are the signs you need a career transition?
After looking at the history of womanhood in such a cursory list, it’s hard not to hear the whispers of change on the wind of your own whims. So, how do you know it's time for a career transition?
Listen closely to your heart and life's cues. Here are the signs gently nudging you:
You feel restless- as if your dreams are withering like that succulent you bought and forgot to water.
The monotony of every day feels like sludge in your veins and keeps introducing more snooze cycles to your morning alarm. You’ve totally lost your zest for your work.
If your growth curve resembles a flatline, and learning has become a rarity, you might be craving fresh challenges.
The Sunday night dread looms larger than life, and the weekend's joy is eclipsed by the impending workweek – your heart may be seeking a change.
Change is scary, but it might be helpful to hold on to remember that change is an ally, not an adversary. These whispers invite you to explore new paths and embrace your evolution. Your journey, your rules.
Is it possible to have it all when you’re a working mom?
Amid the juggling act of motherhood and a career, this question lingers- particularly ahead of change. The path to this delicate equilibrium is personal and evolving. It's about finding what truly matters to you and your loved ones.
Some days might be a seamless flow, while others could feel like a balancing act. Embrace the victories, both big and small, and remember, having it all doesn't mean perfection – it means nurturing a fulfilling life that aligns with your values, dreams, and the life goals you wish to cultivate.
Thriving Through Transitions: Strategies to help you cope with change
With your overflowing to-do list and fabulous dreams in mind, we’ve identified a few ways you can help de-stress the change process, and amplify your confidence in yourself in 4 different areas of your life.
In daily routines
Start Small: Gradually introduce changes to your daily routines. Small shifts allow you to adapt without overwhelming yourself.
Prioritize Self-Care: Amid change, self-care becomes even more crucial. Carve out moments for relaxation, mindfulness, and activities that bring you joy.
Flexible Planning: Embrace flexible routines that accommodate unexpected twists. Having a loose structure provides stability while allowing room for spontaneity.
In your home life
Open Communication: During transitions, family dynamics may change. Maintain open and honest communication to ensure everyone's feelings and needs are acknowledged.
Delegate and Share: Dividing tasks and responsibilities eases the load. Encourage family members to pitch in, promoting a sense of togetherness.
Create Rituals: Establish new rituals or traditions to anchor your family in times of change. These shared moments can bring comfort and a sense of continuity.
In your career
Set Clear Goals: Define your career objectives during transitions. Having clear goals helps you stay focused and motivated amidst change.
Skill Enhancement: Transition periods are ideal for skill-building. Invest in learning opportunities that align with your new career direction.
Networking and Support: Reach out to mentors, peers, and professional networks. Their guidance can provide valuable insights and connections during your career shift.
In general
Embrace Adaptability: Flexibility is your ally. Approach change with an open mind, ready to adjust your approach as needed.
Patience and Self-Compassion: Transitions can be challenging. Practice patience with yourself, and remember that it's okay to experience a mix of emotions.
Focus on Positives: While change brings uncertainties, it also ushers in fresh opportunities. Shift your perspective to focus on the potential benefits.
These strategies offer a compass to guide you, helping you steer through that busy schedule without losing sight of your hopes and dreams along the way. If you need any extra support for the transitions and change inserting its way into your life, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Luna Joy and we can help you get connected to a therapist or coach in your state.
