I raised my hand to co-lead Advantage’s Our House employee resource group for working families to encourage everyone to have honest conversations about work and family."
Like most moms — and dads — I’ve found becoming a parent is a continuous learning experience. Shortly after the birth of my first child, I realized I needed to prioritize not only my new baby, but myself, too.
One thing I’ve learned is working and being a parent simultaneously is personally satisfying. I’ve also learned I’m a better mom and colleague when I pursue what’s important to me.
Work/life balance is an evolution and I’ve come to realize it’s never going to be perfect — and that’s okay. I can be my best self when I focus my energy on things I love to do. But to do this, I have to be very honest about my priorities. What commitments will I protect? What am I willing to let go? I have learned to give myself grace when I cannot be all things to all people. There will be things I can’t do, but many things I can!
I raised my hand to co-lead Advantage’s Our House employee resource group for working families to encourage everyone to have honest conversations about work and family. I know it can be scary to talk with your work team or manager about juggling work and family. It’s hard to ask for what you need when you think others may not understand or care. But you can’t expect people to understand if you don’t bring it up! Furthermore, it’s difficult to balance family and work obligations without saying, “Hey, here’s what I need.”
When you share what is happening in your life, you’ll be amazed at how people open up and connect. Since 2020, more than 300 people have joined Our House ERG to share stories, get support and — maybe most importantly — laugh. Whether you are expecting a new baby, prepping teenagers to leave the nest or caring for aging parents, we get it. We can support you and make you smile. We offer inspiration, encouragement and practical solutions for this work/family balancing act.
With others’ support, I know I can do what is truly important to me — be a great mom and a great colleague. That’s the example I want to set for my children.
