Working mother's guilt....can we have it all, at the same time???

In 2010 I arrived home in Australia as a single mother with two children. I’d? been on a career high in London, but my marriage had failed. Suddenly I was responsible for private school fees, a renovation, juggling school, and extracurricular activities for the children, while working in a demanding full-time production role. ?I quickly became intimately connected with mothers’ guilt.

During our first week back in the country, as my daughter began her journey at a new school, I received a photo from another mother capturing my daughter in a sports carnival. She stood out in her full school uniform among other children dressed in sports attire - I had totally forgotten about the sports carnival, not only did I not attend but I did not send her in the correct uniform. This was her first week at a new school and I caused her embarrassment and distress with my mistake. The first of many as it would turn out.

There were moments of hiding in the bathroom away from the chaos to take client calls. Or the evenings I didn’t make it home until way after they were in bed. There is no doubt I prioritised work over time with my kids, which not only cost me precious memories, but it also cost me four years of a relationship with my daughter, that only repaired when she was 18. That price was way too high to pay. So, is there a way to achieve balance?

Before I moved to London, when my kids were toddlers, I worked in production for an employer who allowed me to be flexible with my hours ( Alastair Stephen who was way ahead of his time supporting working women in the workplace). This worked both ways because he received additional value from me. So appreciative was I for the flexibility that I would work late into the evening after the kids were in bed (often not charging for those hours). The work got done. But I was also home to bath and feed my kids. This dynamic allowed me to be fulfilled in my career while also being actively?involved in my children's lives.

As a business owner, I've consistently championed the cause of working mothers, recognising the inherent value they bring. The natural skills of multitasking, effective time management, and adeptly handling diverse personalities are remarkable attributes that mothers possess.?

Presently, I'm thrilled to be working once again with Lara Allen (photographed with her gorgeous daughter Scarlett above), an accomplished Senior Producer who was a part of my team years ago, prior to her becoming a mother. I entrust Lara with overseeing high-profile and demanding projects,?knowing that she is able to run those projects (that are public facing and require evenings and weekends onsite)?with her usual diligence?while still being available for her daughter's needs. This setup underscores how effective work arrangements can lead to positive outcomes for employees and the business as a whole.