Pulling Back the Curtain: Why SJM Coaching Is My Passion Project

Today, I want to get personal. I’m pulling back the proverbial curtain to share with you a bit of my journey—one that’s shaped SJM Coaching and why career coaching is so much more than just a job to me. It’s my passion project.

As a child, I was what you’d call a "latch-key" kid. I spent a lot of time watching my mom navigate her career—juggling work, health struggles, and everything in between. Growing up in a low-middle-class family, I never had the luxury of a stay-at-home mom. I saw firsthand the struggle of building a successful career while dealing with the constant pressure of chronic illness, particularly diabetes and its complications.

I vividly remember the days when she lost both of her parents, just a year apart. And then, the news that she’d have to retire early due to renal and liver failure at the age of 47. Her life—and mine—changed in an instant.

At that time, I was entering the corporate world. I had just graduated with my bachelor’s degree, and I was curious about how my mom’s health and career journey would shape mine. Little did I know that I was about to face similar challenges.

The Struggles of Being a Professional Woman with Family Responsibilities

Fast forward a few years, and I had built a successful career of my own. I had met and married my husband, living my own life and career. But then, the real challenge began. I had to step into a caregiver role for my mother, who was preparing for a double organ transplant. Suddenly, I was juggling the demands of a corporate career while helping to navigate medical appointments, all while trying to maintain the facade of a "normal" life.

I worked long hours, constantly proving myself worthy of promotions and new roles. I put in twice the effort, knowing full well I’d face scrutiny from colleagues and managers whenever I took personal days to care for my mom.

Then came motherhood.

For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of being a mother. I didn’t care about playing with Barbies as a child; it was the baby dolls that caught my attention. And when I finally became a mom, it was like my entire brain chemistry shifted (trust me, Mom Brain is real, and here’s an article on that if you're curious: Mom Brain.

With my new role as a mother, I began wrestling with some tough thoughts: "I want a promotion, but how can I manage that with everything I have going on at home?" And slowly, I started to retreat into myself—questioning everything.

How could I possibly manage more responsibilities when the 24 hours in a day already felt like they were never enough?

The Realities of a Working Mom: Juggling It All

As a working mom, my day starts long before 6 a.m. It begins with making breakfast and lunch for my child, getting her dressed, and ensuring she’s packed for school. Then, it’s off to work. At 3 p.m., I’m back on the clock, picking up my daughter from school, balancing work deadlines, helping with homework, and managing our new puppy (yes, the one who is still learning to stay out of trouble!).

And that’s just the start. There’s dinner to think about, followed by sports or youth programs. By the time the day winds down and it’s bath/bedtime, I find myself exhausted, with a million other thoughts racing through my mind. And if you’re wondering, yes, I’m also the sole guardian of an adult family member—navigating their medical appointments, finances, and the challenges of a broken social work system.

So, I get it. I truly do. I understand the guilt, the overwhelm, and the constant tug-of-war between wanting to advance in your career and feeling like your personal life is already "underwater."

Why SJM Coaching Exists: The Balance You Deserve

This is exactly why SJM Coaching exists. I want to show you that it’s possible to have a fulfilling career and a meaningful personal/family life. But it’s about more than just "working harder"—it’s about working smarter.

At SJM Coaching, we help professional women like you:

• Overcome people-pleasing tendencies and learn to set clear boundaries
• Master time-blocking and efficiency techniques that will make your life easier
• Build the confidence to self-advocate and take control of your career without guilt
• And ultimately, give you the tools to align your career with your life’s priorities

You don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. You can have both—a successful career and a fulfilling personal life.

Let’s Make It Happen

If any part of my story resonates with you, and you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed, I would love to help you find clarity and confidence in your career and life. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation, and let's talk about how I can support you in this next chapter of your journey.

Thank you for being here. Together, we can create the balance you've been seeking.

Warmly,

Jennie Abrahamson

Founder, SJM Coaching