How to build your dream career..

?...10 years ago today, ?I got dressed, fed my 4 month old baby, then got him ready before heading to work.? I was a new mom and looking forward to a few days off with my husband and baby for the holidays, but I only had 3 weeks of vacation so I opted not to take the extra days off.? When I see these flashback photos of myself, I get a little sad.? I loved my life and my career.? I truly enjoyed what I was doing and who I was doing it with.? But I was missing out on some essential parts of life. ?I didn’t quite understand how these things would shift and change my perspectives on life and being a working-mom.? I just wasn’t ready to let go of my hyper driven personality or to relax into motherhood.? So now when I look back at these photos that’s what I see: someone a little stuck, someone giving up part of the best pieces of their life for mis-prioritized goals.??

The beautiful thing though, the thing I am really proud of, is how much I have lived and learned since then. ?And I have realized that you CAN build your dream career, in every season of life.? You just have to stay open to possibilities, and be true to what is in your heart.? The hard part is, to be true to whats in your heart, you have to get really raw and honest with yourself and being willing to change.??

So how do we craft this killer career alongside motherhood??

For us, as women and mothers, our career takes a unique turn with the introduction of tiny footsteps and the melody of lullabies. ?This often brings an evolution of our dreams and desires, and we have to be open to what resonates with these changing aspirations.??

For some, like me, it may take years to see the path that is most aligned.? For others, the ambitions we held pre-parenthood quickly morph into a beautiful symphony with the responsibilities and joys of raising our children. And others still may exchange corporate decision making for full-time diaper changing.? Whatever it is that feels right for you, It's not a shift to be feared; it's an evolution to be embraced.? Because the most important thing we can do for ourselves, and our families, is ensure that our visions of success are aligned with what is in our hearts and souls.??

Redefining Success: A Mother's Guide to Changing Priorities

Motherhood is a profound journey that reshapes our entire perspective on success. In the corporate world, success has often been synonymous with climbing the hierarchical ladder, achieving financial milestones, and garnering professional accolades. However, as mothers, our definition of success undergoes a metamorphosis. It transcends the traditional metrics and delves into the realms of personal fulfillment, family well-being, and the meaningful legacies we leave for our children.?

Aligning our career with the ever-evolving tapestry of motherhood requires a conscious effort to stay connected to our core values. Success is no longer solely measured by promotions or salary increments but is intricately woven into the delicate balance between professional achievements and the quality of moments spent with our families. It's about recognizing that each decision in our career journey has a ripple effect on the lives of our children. To stay aligned, we must prioritize roles and positions that resonate with our values and contribute positively to our overall life satisfaction.?

Staying in the corporate world as mothers means cultivating a heightened awareness of our priorities and continuously reassessing whether our current career path aligns with our evolving aspirations. This involves making intentional choices that foster a supportive work-life balance, nurturing environments that acknowledge the multifaceted nature of our identities as professionals and mothers. In this awakening, we find the courage to pursue positions that offer flexibility, understanding, and a culture that respects and values the unique perspectives mothers bring to the table. It's about carving a space where success is not just a destination but a journey intertwined with the joys and challenges of motherhood.?

I could wax on and on and on about how much more amazing the corporate world would be if we created better/more aligned positions for mothers at all stages of motherhood and aspirational goals, but that isn’t what todays newsletter is about.? Its about creating a career that works for you, whatever stage of life you are in.??

And most important piece in doing that, is in:

?(1) understanding your deepest desires.? then,

(2) recognizing that there is a time and place for everything.??

Shifting gears today does NOT mean that you have completely sidelined yourself.? Staying home for 1, 2, or even 3 years does not mean you are out of the game.? Do not let fear dictate these huge life decisions.? Its not an either/or…..you truly can HAVE IT ALL.? But you have define what HAVING IT ALL is to you, and then really understand the timing of that.??

The Rise of the Mompreneur

One way that working moms are crafting their own career is through entrepreneurship.? Since the pandemic, there has been an unprecedented surge of entrepreneurship, creating a dramatic economic shift, and its ushering in the “Mompreneur Era”. ?We already wear multiple hats, why not add CEO to that?? ?This is just one example of how woman can take their work-life balance into their own hands, carving out the schedule and time that works for them.??

Life will prepare you for your purpose. Just as motherhood transforms you and you are never the same again, so too does building a business.? Why not you?? You have something unique to offer.??

Corporate Careers – Driving the right balance

But you’re a corporate woman.? You WANT to keep climbing that ladder, but it seems impossible to make it work.? Its not.? You have to find the right role, the right company and the right leadership for you!??You get that?? There are really 3 key components:

1. The right role
2. The right company
3. The right leadership (or boss)

Flexibility means being able to shut it down at 3pm when the kids come home, and pick it back up when you can.? It means some days you may work 5 hours and the next your work 10.? Its about not tracking hours, but getting the damn job done.? It can be really nerve-wracking to consider asking about these things in an interview and I never suggest doing that right up front, but you’ll definitely want to dive into those specific pieces as the process goes onward.??

For me it also means being able to pop to the school for activities, volunteer to oversee Hands on Science, and not having to take PTO to do so (unless its volunteer hours!).??

Not every company will allow this, and even in some that do, not ever team/boss will allow it.? You have to be bold and brave in finding something that works.? But fear not, because this is a truly win-win.? When you are able to carve out a spot that works for you, you will be that much happier, more productive, and loyal as an employee!??

Moms on a Mission: Crafting Careers and Raising Futures

We're on a mission, a mission to build careers that align with our values and aspirations. Careers that not only pay the bills but also contribute to the legacy we are building for our children.?

Let's celebrate the changing seasons of our lives and craft careers that grow and evolve with us.?

Join me on this journey of evolution, empowerment, and excellence.?Here's to us—warrior women, mothers, dreamers and achievers.?

With love,

Crystal?

P.S. Share your thoughts on how your dreams have evolved as a mother and the steps you're taking to align your career with these evolving goals. Let's inspire each other! #MotherhoodEvolution?

P.S.S. Because I KNOW that part of your goals, either immediately or in the near future, has to do with MONEY, be on the lookout for a HUGE pre-launch special for my new course SalaryWise.? The most comprehensive, game-changing salary negotiation course available, empowering YOU to own your worth and get paid what you deserve.? ?If you can’t wait for the announcement, feel free to DM me and I’ll send you the discount EARLY!?