We don’t say working dads…..

Before I became a mother I had a career, so why does having a child mean you have to choose one or the other? No one ever asks Dads whether they’ll continue with their career, so why is it one of the most frequently asked questions to working mothers? If you want to be a stay-at-home mum to take care of your kids, you’re called “lazy” however, if you want to continue working after your baby’s born, you’re labelled a “rubbish mum”. This isn’t even something a man would have to think about - choosing between his family or career. They are either hard-working bread earning good husbands or, if they help with the kids - amazing dads!

I returned to work 14 months after delivering my son and have been juggling both family life and career for the last 4 years. Is it hard at times? YES. Do I feel mum guilt sometimes? Yes. Am I a good mum? Yes. And am I good at my job? YES.

Did my husband have to think about whether or not he would return to work after we had our child? NO. Does he feel dad guilt? NO. Does he ever get asked why he chose to work rather than stay home to raise his son? NO.

I am still shocked that in this day and age women have to justify their decisions – I personally feel its archaic. The fact is, I am doing this for my family, even though at times it doesn’t always feel like it. From earning money that contributes to my son’s education, to setting an example as a woman in the workplace and feeling fulfilled because I love my career, to relishing every moment that we do spend together. I now refuse to feel guilty about it, no matter how much society likes to make me try.

Having just started my own company, I am very much looking forward to the flexibility of being a business owner. The set-up has been long and stressful however, I’ve still managed to be more present of late and do things that perhaps I couldn’t have done as an employee. 

My point is I believe if you want to (and have the support to) do both, then you absolutely CAN! You can be a good parent and have a successful career all at the same time just like Dad’s do!