3 things I learned in the last year of becoming a mom in a new job with LinkedIn.

I recently completed one year at LinkedIn as a Senior Customer Success Manager and in a few weeks my little girl will turn one. This anniversary holds a special place in my heart, prompting me to reflect on the incredible journey I've been through. Did you know that pregnancy and changing jobs rank among the most stressful life events? But what happens when you tackle both simultaneously?

These are some of the lessons that I have learned while balancing these two new roles:?

• It is possible to HAVE it all and don’t let anyone else make you believe otherwise. Over the years I have always believed that I needed to chose between focusing on my career and building a family. That one or the other had to be the focus at certain periods of my life. How do you make that choice when you believe in being an independent women that has a drive and passion for advancing in her career while also being driven by family values? The decision to welcome a child into my life stemmed from a deep desire to share the life I cherished so much with another human being. This life was filled with career growth, personal development, travel, passions, and endless opportunities. I couldn't bear to let go of any of it. So what made it possible? Joining an organization that preaches and practices diversity and inclusion. I was hired by LinkedIn while I was 7 months pregnant and they made that decision because they focused on my skills and potential rather than my current situation. Yes, I had to make some adjustments - like taking a shorter maternity leave BUT this was my dream organization that I never thought I would be able to work for, let alone being hired while I was about to give birth.?
• You don’t have to DO it all (alone): motherhood comes with a lot of opinions and expectations from the entire world - other moms, your friends and family - they all have a view on how you should raise your child and how things Should be done. But no one teaches you that you CAN and Should ask for HELP. There is no price to win if you do it all alone. Seeking support and making choices that align with your needs is the key to balancing it all.There is no way I could have went back to work after less than two months if I didn’t have help and made certain choices that suited ME. I needed to feel happy and good with myself while taking care of my daughter and that was only possible with the help I got.?
• Being a mom doesn’t make you a less good employee: I would be lying if I said that I am the same person as I was before having my daughter. I am not! I've undergone a profound transformation, and I believe I've emerged stronger. Motherhood has equipped me with a list of skills that I've successfully applied in my professional life: multitasking, prioritization, delegation, emotional management, time management, creativity, negotiation, empathy, and active listening, to name a few. I've put these skills to good use with my clients and colleagues at LinkedIn. In fact, motherhood ignited a renewed passion in certain areas, leading me to become the leader of the Families@LinkedIn ERG in my first year on the job.

Being a mother in a new career can be challenging, but it's also incredibly fulfilling. This past year has been a profound period of learning for me. The arrival of our daughter has filled me with unparalleled love, determination, and resilience that have not only enriched my personal life but also elevated my performance in my new role. Yes, changing jobs and becoming a parent are undoubtedly stressful, but I've discovered that combining the two can propel you to new heights and alleviate some of that stress. I'm proud of the woman I've become—a devoted mother and a dedicated career professional—right here, right now.