The Struggle Is Real

*This article comprises excerpts from a 1-hour conversation with the working mothers of Authentique. *??

My earliest memory of my mom is watching her put herself through college and graduate school as a single mother of two. She worked tirelessly to climb the corporate ladder while providing for my sister and me. Growing up, I did not always understand how big of a sacrifice she was making just for me to have everything I needed, while she often went without.??

According to the 2020 Census, this is a reality for more than one-third of all employed women in America. It is vital to acknowledge the experiences of these hard-working mothers and find ways to support them. Here at Authentique, I work with a group of remarkable mothers who know first-hand how difficult it can be to raise a child while chasing their dreams. I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to them about their experiences and learn how they could have it all.??

?Q: What were your initial thoughts when you found out you were expecting? How did you think your job would be affected???

?I was freaking out. I was only two weeks into my new role and didn’t even have sick time yet. Although I was married and 32 at the time, it didn’t stop me from feeling nervous and worried. I started to think about what everyone would think of me, my family, friends, even my husband. Then I began to think about how this would affect my role at work. I was so new and eager to succeed in my job. I already knew that all workplaces aren’t the same when it comes to maternity leave and that although they may have a policy in place, not everyone would be friendly towards that process. Thankfully, Jelanii was my supervisor. She assured me that I would be able to maintain my role and take this significant step in my personal life.??

?- Excerpt from Eshena Roman, SVP of Account Planning??

?Q: What is the biggest challenge you face as a working mom???

Guilt is one of the biggest things to deal with as a working mom. I work full time, and I spend much time commuting from work, which leaves less time to spend with my son when I get home at night. I try to be available for him once I get home to do everything he loves to do, like reading stories to him before bed. I also feel guilty when other people try to tell me how I should be a mother and spend my time with him. So, I am constantly battling feelings of guilt while managing people’s expectations versus knowing and doing what is best for him and me.??

- Excerpt from Tamarah Lawrence, Communications Director???

?Q: What is the most rewarding part of being a working mom???

The most rewarding part is the paycheck. That is a good portion of why I work, to provide for my daughter. Raising a daughter with special needs has taught me to value my checks differently than those around me. I like being able to provide for her therapy sessions and any equipment that can help her. It is nice to know that I can provide for her. I also feel like she is a very privileged special needs child because I am a working mom. She can get everything she needs and more, which makes me happy.?

?- Excerpt from Dominique Chargois, Assistant Manager, Growth and Operations???

Q: What piece of advice do you wish you had when you started as a working mom???

The most important advice I would give to working moms would be to set boundaries. I was the working mom who was so career-focused, because of my circumstances and wanting to provide financially for my family, that if I was working late, the playpen was set up with me wherever I went. I have realized that I am very adamant about ensuring that my daughters know that they come first. They’ve had to sacrifice so much before with all the traveling that I had to do that if they ask me to go to lunch or spend the day with them, I will take the day off without a second thought because my family comes first. I see that as a well-served day, and I didn’t think that way when they were younger. Work will be there when you get back, but your children and those memories won’t! Put your family first.??

?- Excerpt from Jelanii Reed, Chief Strategy Officer???

?Q: What benefits (work environment, company culture) matter the most regarding employment???

Flexibility is a big thing for me. We all know that moms tend to be the CEO of the household, keeping track of doctor’s appointments, maintaining the home, and helping the kids with their school projects and school activities. A lot of these things take place during the workday. I value a company that understands this and grants some leeway. If you trust me as an employee, you know that the work will get done. It will get done even if I must stay up and work after the kids have gone to bed. Like many Black moms, I am the type of person who will get it done by any means. Flexibility is a prominent issue more significant than just one company or industry; it is an issue that working moms across the US face. There is a need for the culture to shift to recognize and value the nurturing phase of the first year of the child’s life and grant mothers grace for this time.?

- Excerpt from Ashley Clark, Account Director, Client Services?

Although no two moms share the same experience, we must value the sacrifices they make every day to provide for their families. They are the matriarchs, the breadwinners, chief executors, and support systems to those close to them. Our national economy was built on the backs of hard-working mothers who do everything in their power to support everyone around them. Whether you are an employer or employee, remember to think of how you can show up and help the women who often must do it all. There is always a way to give back to the mothers who do so much for us.?

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