From Diapers to Deadlines: A Mom's Career Insights

It’s been four weeks of chaos, cuddles, and learning as a new mom of two boys, and let me tell you—life has never been more unpredictable, exhilarating, or filled with surprises. Between diaper changes, juggling nap schedules, and finding lost pacifiers, I’ve had a crash course in the art of patience, flexibility, and resilience. But what surprised me most? How many of these lessons translate directly into the workplace.

Here’s what four weeks of managing two tiny humans has taught me about thriving in the professional world:

Mastering the Art of Multitasking

If I thought I was good at multitasking before, managing two boys has taken it to a whole new level. One minute, I’m soothing a newborn, and the next, I’m building a Lego tower with my toddler—sometimes, I’m doing both! This constant juggling act reminds me that we often have to wear many hats professionally. Whether managing multiple projects or balancing the needs of various stakeholders, multitasking with grace and efficiency is key. The secret? Prioritizing what matters most in the moment and staying calm in the chaos.

Adaptability is Everything

If motherhood has taught me anything, plans are meant to be broken. Just when you think you’ve got a routine down, the baby refuses to nap, or your toddler has an unexpected meltdown. Flexibility is a must. Similarly, the ability to pivot quickly and adapt to change is essential in the workplace. Projects shift, client needs evolve, and the best-laid plans sometimes go awry. The quicker you can embrace change and adjust course, the more successful (and less stressed) you’ll be.

Patience Really is a Virtue

Anyone who’s been around kids knows that patience is not just a virtue—it’s a survival tool. From soothing cries to handling sibling squabbles, patience has become my new best friend. Professionally, whether navigating a challenging client or waiting for results on a big project, exercising patience allows you to think clearly, strategize effectively, and avoid rash decisions. Great things often take time, and patience can be the difference between a quick fix and a long-term solution.

Communication is Key

In my house, clear communication is everything. Whether it’s with my toddler (“Use your words!”) or trying to decode a newborn’s cries, I’ve learned how crucial it is to express needs and listen carefully. This translates directly into the workplace. Whether you’re leading a team or collaborating with colleagues, clear and open communication can prevent misunderstandings, streamline processes, and create a more cohesive and productive work environment. Speak up, listen actively, and always be open to feedback.

Celebrate the Small Wins

In a world full of diapers, feedings, and sleepless nights, sometimes the smallest victories feel like the biggest accomplishments. (A two-hour nap? Pure gold!) This mindset is essential in the workplace, too. We’re often so focused on big goals that we forget to celebrate the small wins along the way—every step forward—no matter how small—is progress. Recognizing and celebrating these moments keeps morale high and momentum going.

Resilience is Built in the Tough Moments

There are days when it feels like everything is going wrong. The baby is fussy, the toddler is acting out, and I’m running on fumes. But I’ve learned that these tough moments are where resilience is born. The same applies professionally. Setbacks, challenges, and difficult situations are inevitable, but how you rise from them defines your success. Building resilience means facing challenges head-on, learning from them, and coming out stronger on the other side.

Ask for Help

This one has been a biggie for me. Learning to ask for help, whether it’s from my partner, family, or friends, has been a game-changer in my life as a mom of two. It takes a village, and the same goes for work. No one can do it all alone, and asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. Lean on your colleagues, seek out mentors, and build a network of support to help you succeed.

Embrace the Mess

Let’s be real: life with two boys is messy. Toys scattered everywhere, dishes in the sink, and endless laundry. But I’ve learned to embrace the mess because perfection is overrated. The same goes for our professional lives. Things won’t always go perfectly, and that’s okay. Sometimes, progress looks a little chaotic, but as long as you keep moving forward, you’re doing just fine. Embrace the imperfections and focus on the bigger picture.

Final Thoughts

Motherhood has been a whirlwind of lessons, but the most surprising revelation has been how much of what I’ve learned applies directly to my professional life. From multitasking like a pro to embracing change with open arms, the skills I’ve honed as a mom are helping me thrive in every aspect of life.

Whether balancing kids and a career or simply navigating the challenges of the workplace, remember that resilience, flexibility, and patience are your greatest tools. And sometimes, it’s the smallest wins that make the biggest difference.

Ash Serrano is a marketer with nearly 15 years of in-house and agency experience and a knack for creating engaging written and creative content that performs. She has worked with major brands like Amazon, discovery+, Gensler, HGTV, Hulu, KPMG, Mondelez, Pizza Hut, Sugarbear Hair, Synovus, and the Kardashians. She specializes in executive personal branding, creative direction, and influencer marketing. She also owns a career services company, Fairy Career Mother, geared toward getting more women of color into leadership positions.

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