Navigating your career as a working mother

An interesting aspect of my role is the opportunity I get to interact with diverse, talented women from across the world. It always amazes me to see their potential to not only pursue a thriving career, but also to lead a well-rounded life. At the same time, I often get asked what it takes for a mother to build a rewarding career.

As we recently celebrated Mother’s Day,thought of sharing my own learnings as a working mother.

?In my experience, many factors contribute to the balance between a career and motherhood, but the key among these is prioritization.

Making a choice

Often, as women, we are made to believe that we can have one or the other— work or family, a career or a marriage, a promotion or motherhood. But my journey has taught me that it need not be so. Priorities shift as we move through life, and it is necessary to assess what needs more time and attention at every step along the journey. When my son was born it was very hard to get back to work and circumstances were compelling to take a career break but I made a choice of continuing my work while I did give up growth opportunities which required relocation as that felt the best choice at that point in time.Many years later, when I was given a chance to relocate,I took up the offer as at this time it seemed right to pursue my passion with this career growth opportunity.Both instances required me to take a tough decision and to stand by it. But that’s what balance is all about. It’s not about picking one aspect of your life at the cost of the other, but rather about taking a mindful approach that helps you straddle both roles with purpose, even if that means making a choice that seems right at that point which may not be the most conventional one and stick by it.

Building a support system

?It is not always easy to make a right choice when you are at crossroads of personal vs professional priority. One has to have the freedom to make one’s own choices and the assurance to be able to stick by them.This is why it’s crucial for a woman to build a strong support system— a partner that believes in her abilities, a family that encourages her to fulfill her ambition, and a workplace that empathizes with her unique struggles. My decision to move outside home country and live away from my family was a tough one. But it was the people around me that made me believe I could do it, enabling me to take this step that proved to be invaluable in my professional journey.

Choosing yourself

While it is important for people and systems at large to be supportive of working mothers, the change has to begin with our own mind.We have a natural tendency to conform to what is considered acceptable,to stretch at all fronts and give hundred percent to balance personal and professional responsibilities and in doing so,we often de-prioritize ourselves.

?No matter what opportunity comes your way, you won’t make the most of it, unless you believe in yourself. What I wish to tell working mothers is— have conviction in your own dreams; only then will you have the courage to give your career your all and achieve your goals. I believe having a fulfilling career empowers a mother to set an example for her children, and become the wind beneath their wings. Today, when I see my son move to a different country for his career, I am able to fully appreciate and support his decision to do so, having gone through the beats myself.

?Prioritizing yourself also includes prioritizing your well-being. It is often said that ‘women are the best multitaskers’. However, while juggling multiple tasks it is important to take time off to think, reflect and look after your mental health. Taking time for myself has helped me experience life more mindfully and with more intention.

?Motherhood and a career path— both require you to operate with conviction and resilience. Having to go through either alone can be an isolating experience. Each of us have our unique challenges to deal with but trusting yourself and having a strong support system of family and coworkers can help you overcome obstacles, find a safe space, and strike a healthy balance between your career ambitions and your journey as a parent.?