Living, not leaving!

While I could write about work-related topics like Power BI or data analysis or leadership etc, today I’ve chosen to share something more personal. I want to shed light on what it’s like being a mother of two—a teenager and an 8-month-old boy—while also navigating the demands of a professional career in a leadership role. It’s a journey filled with unique challenges, constant juggling, and important lessons that often go unnoticed in typical workplace discussions..

Living, Not Leaving: Balancing Life as a Manager and Mother

Being a professional is demanding. Being a mother is too. But when you’re both a manager and a mother of two—one a teenager and the other an 8-month-old toddler—it often feels like you're walking a tightrope. Every day is filled with challenges, decisions, and responsibilities that stretch from boardrooms to bedtime. Yet, through it all, I’m learning to live in the moment rather than think about leaving either aspect behind.

• The Work-Life Myth

The concept of "work-life balance" gets tossed around a lot, but I’ve come to realize that balance isn’t about giving equal time to work and home. It’s about being present and focused wherever you are. On some days, work takes priority. On others, my role as a mother comes first. It’s about recognizing that balance isn’t static—it shifts based on needs, deadlines, and the unexpected demands of both a toddler and a teenager.

• Embracing Flexibility

Flexibility is the key to survival. With a toddler's ever-changing nap schedule and a teenager's evolving needs, I’ve learned to become adaptable. As a manager, flexibility also translates into trusting my team, delegating tasks, and empowering them to take ownership. While I oversee major decisions, I’ve realized I don’t need to be involved in every tiny detail—whether it’s at home or at work. This has been a crucial lesson in letting go of control and learning to trust those around me.

• Asking for Help Isn’t Weakness

In both my professional and personal life, I’ve learned that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. At work, I lean on my team when the workload becomes too much. At home, I’ve come to rely on family, friends, and sometimes, yes, even technology to keep things running smoothly. Whether it’s sharing tasks with my spouse or utilizing work collaboration tools, I don’t hesitate to seek support when I need it.

• Boundaries: The Real Key to Success

Setting boundaries is not just about saying “no” to certain tasks; it’s about creating a space for yourself to succeed. As a manager, this might mean setting specific work hours where I’m fully available to my team. As a mother, it could mean reserving uninterrupted time for family, especially during lunch or dinner time. Boundaries are essential for maintaining mental health and preventing burnout. They remind me to focus on what truly matters in that moment.

• Learning from Both Roles

Being a mother and a manager isn’t about compartmentalizing these roles; it’s about embracing the lessons each one teaches. Motherhood has made me more patient, more empathetic, and better at managing stress—skills that translate directly into my career. Conversely, my managerial experience has taught me to be more organized, strategic, and forward-thinking, traits that help me guide my children through their own challenges.

• The Power of Self-Care

In the midst of managing two very different worlds, self-care often feels like a luxury. But it’s far from that—it’s a necessity. I’ve come to prioritize small moments for myself: an early morning walk , reading a few pages of a book, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea or just hangout with friends on weekends. These moments of self-care allow me to recharge, making me more present both at work and at home.

• Living, Not Leaving

Ultimately, my journey as a manager and a mother has taught me that you don’t need to leave one part of your life behind to thrive in another. It’s not about choosing between work and family, but about living fully in both. There will always be challenges and compromises, but learning to embrace flexibility, set boundaries, and lean on your support system can make the difference between surviving and truly living.

Message for Fellow Working Mothers

To all the women out there who are balancing their careers while raising children—whether you’re managing a team or managing a household (or both), know that you’re not alone. The challenges you face are real, but so is your strength. It’s okay to ask for help, to set boundaries, and to take time for yourself. You don’t have to choose between being a professional and being a mother.

You can do both, and you are doing both. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Embrace the flexibility, trust in your abilities, and keep moving forward. You are living, not leaving—and that’s something to be proud of every day.

Wish you a happy Friday & a nice weekend!