How Parenthood (or Grandparenthood) Can Help Your Career

Parenthood is a journey that changes your entire perspective on life, love, and even your career. Recently, I had the privilege of welcoming another grandchild, a beautiful baby boy, into our family.

Reflecting on this precious time in my family, it has struck me how much the experiences of being a parent and grandparent mirror the work I do as a career coach.

Both roles are built on nurturing, guiding, and supporting those we care about through life’s many challenges.

This article explores the powerful connections between parenting and career coaching, and how the lessons from one can deeply inform the other.

The Marvel of Life and Stepping Back to Reflect

As a parent and now a grandmother, one of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is the importance of stepping back to appreciate the marvel that is life.

In the whirlwind of daily routines, it’s easy to lose sight of just how miraculous these moments are. Watching my daughters grow into strong, capable women who are now mothers themselves fills me with immense pride.

Similarly, in career coaching, taking a step back to reflect is often necessary. Whether you're navigating a job change, setting new career goals, or dealing with professional challenges, pausing to assess where you are can be an invaluable tool.

Just as I cherish the quiet moments with my grandchildren, I encourage my clients to reflect on their professional journey and appreciate how far they’ve come.

Family as a Source of Strength and Support

One of the greatest joys of parenting and grandparenting is being there for my daughters when they need me.

I do my best to be like a lighthouse, providing safety, offering guidance, support, and love, without taking over their responsibilities. It’s about shining a light on their path when the waters are rough and being a source of strength when they need someone to lean on.

In my career coaching practice, I embody the same philosophy. Coaching is not about giving people all the answers but empowering them to find their way.

Like parenting, it’s about being there as a source of strength and support, helping them navigate difficult decisions, build resilience, and find their own path to success.

Nurturing Independence in Both Life and Work

As a mother, my goal has always been to raise my children to be independent, responsible adults. Now that they are mothers themselves, I find joy in seeing them step confidently into that role.

Watching them take care of their children, manage their households, and pursue their careers is a reminder of the importance of nurturing independence.

As a career coach, I aim to do the same for my clients. My role is to provide the tools, guidance, and encouragement they need to make decisions that align with their goals.

Just as my daughters have grown into self-sufficient women, I want my clients to feel empowered and capable of achieving their career ambitions on their own terms.

The Importance of Asking for Help

One of the key lessons I’ve learned as a mother and grandmother is that it’s okay to ask for help.

No matter how strong or independent we are, there are times when we need someone to lean on.

Whether it’s a grandparent stepping in to care for the kids or a career coach providing guidance during a job transition, asking for support doesn’t make you weak, it makes you wiser.

I remind my clients that they don’t have to do everything on their own. Just like my family knows they can count on me in times of need, my clients know they can rely on me to provide the career support they need to succeed.

We all face moments when we feel unsure or overwhelmed, and having a trusted coach to turn to can make all the difference.

The Power of Balance: Family and Career

Balancing the love of family with the demands of work is no easy feat. But it’s one of the most rewarding challenges we face in life.

I am constantly reminded of the delicate balance between being present for my family and pursuing my career. The joy of spending time with my grandchildren is unmatched, but I also find fulfilment in helping my clients reach their professional goals.

In coaching, I often work with clients who are also navigating this balance. Whether it’s figuring out how to return to work after having children, managing a demanding career while raising a family, or simply finding ways to maintain self-care amidst it all. Career coaching helps individuals find the balance that works for them.

Empathy: A Shared Skill Between Parenting and Coaching

Empathy is the cornerstone of both parenting and career coaching.

As a parent, I’ve learned how important it is to listen, to understand, and to offer support without judgment.

These same skills are essential in my work as a career coach. I aim to create a safe space where my clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to take the next step in their careers.

Whether I’m comforting one of my daughters, grandchildren or helping a client through a career transition, empathy guides me in everything I do. It’s what makes me a better parent, grandparent, and coach.

Final Thoughts: Love and Support in All Forms

I am also reminded that love and support come in many forms. Whether it’s helping my daughter with her new baby or guiding a client through a tough career decision.

The bond of family and the care I provide as a coach are deeply connected. Both roles bring immense joy and fulfilment, and both are rooted in the desire to help others grow and succeed.

Balancing family life and career isn’t always easy, but it is possible, and can be incredibly rewarding.

?

How do you balance the love of family with your professional life? How have your experiences as a parent, grandparent, or caregiver shaped your approach to work? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

NEED CLARITY IN YOUR CAREER?

To assess where you’re at in your career right now, get my Career Reflections Journal . It’s a 15-page workbook that guides you through the self-assessment process.

WANT TO READ MORE?

How to Navigate Your Mid-Career Crisis

5 Steps to Raise Your Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Jane Jackson is a career management coach who specialises in Career Transition Coaching. She is the author of best seller, NAVIGATING CAREER CROSSROADS and host of YOUR CAREER Podcast .

For help in your career visit www.janejacksoncoach.com and book a complimentary exploratory chat.

For Jane's self-directed Career Success Program which included fortnightly group coaching calls conducted personally by Jane, visit www.thecareersacademy.online

The CAREER SUCCESS PROGRAM is the most affordable professional career support option available to get you back on your feet again without breaking the bank!

#CareerTransformation #Empowerment #NeverGiveUp #CareerCoach #parenthood #lifelessons #careergrowth #careers