Sunday, January 13, 2008

Thinking about the work-life balance

I survived my first full week of work since returning from maternity leave. Things went better than I expected, although I wouldn't say the situation was stress-free.

Before I returned to work, I was unsure about my ability to manage home and office responsibilities. I had coffee with one of my mentors and sought his advice about the situation. He told me how he and his wife handled the work-life balance and he advised me to put my thoughts in writing to help me crystallize my ideas about what I want to accomplish both at home and at work.

Now that I have had a little time to reflect on things, I see that I underestimated myself. The juggling act isn't new to me, or to any other mom; it's always been there. Multitasking is something I am accustomed to doing - it's something I think most women just do. The only difference now for me, though, is I have an infant at home. I was already a working mom before Nolan arrived, but now I have two little boys who need me.

I've told people at work that I will need to take things one day at a time as I'm still very attached to the baby and want to make sure he's getting enough of my time and attention. I'm also conscious now, though, that I am capable of doing more than I thought I could do. I have a strong support network that includes my husband, my parents, my husband's family and lots of friends.

Whatever happens will work out, I know.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Since Nolan stays up till MIDNIGHT, I am fairly certain that you are getting your quality time with him!

Of course you can do it all. You're a super mom! But just make sure you are HAPPY doing it all. If you are not, then it's time to make new choices.

Bash said...

A strong family-support network definitely helps the world go round with fewer trips and spurts :-)... I'm definitely looking forward to being in the middle of that support system again :-).

When I'm a mummy, whenever that is, I'll exchange notes and get a tip or two :-D.