Being a working Mom is NO JOKE!

Back in the day before I had a kid, I was incredibly driven by the corporate ladder, always looking and seeking ways to get to the next stage in my career. I say that not as a bad thing or judgement on myself, but it was my reality. I LOVED IT!

Then I had my kid in 2013 and my world was forever changed. Everyone says when you have a child your life is different, but I honestly can say I did not have an appreciation for how much it would change specifically relating to my career.

Growing up I was taught you work hard, show up, ask for more, get better. That is brilliant advice for the corporate world, but when it comes to raising a little human PLUS working...well that's a different story all together.

Once I had our little dude, I didn't even think about not coming back to work. I was driven by that coproate ladder remember, so that was my "life". After returning to work after 3 months (yes only 3...rethink that momma's and daddy's if you have more paternity/maternity leave available - take it all!!!), we hired a nanny, got right back to work and thought I've got this.

I decided to breastfeed, and thank goodness for working from home, because ladies, that is the worst thing EVER to pump your breastmilk and put it in a pouch and freeze it. I know it's good nutrients for our little ones, but whoever invented that thing was a masochist. And I totally obsessed over how much, how little...and remember now...I'm working fulltime so I have my "job" to be present for, pumping, be available for our nanny...you get the jist.

At about 3 years into our little dudes life, I realized, this work/life balance thing is real and I do not have a handle on what that looks like so I sought out some advice/help. I think that is the one thing I really stink at is asking for help. Part of my up bringing is to figure stuff out and not ask for help so this was a very big deal for me. Once I did let down my guard, ask other moms working or not working what works and what doesn't or didn't work for them my lightbulbs starting to go off.

I can work and be a mom, but my kid and my hubby have to come first. If I don't make them a priority, this whole work thing is just that a thing that will end at some point. I want to make memories with my little family, be present, understand what's really improtant in their lives. I heard recently from a TED Talk about the importance or lack thereof in being "too busy". This talk provided me perspective on putting my priorities in order and asking my family what's important to them, don't assume, you might be surprised :)

I have now successfully (sometimes not so gracefully) been working fulltime and raising my kid with my hubby (who by the way is AWESOME!) for the last 5 1/2 years. It's not perfect and somedays are better than others and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm really passionate about helping other working moms and am incredibly proud to work for Microsoft where I bring my real self to work and get to work when I work at my best! It's no joke - this company is supportive, provides incredible resources for moms and the best part - I get to write about it and be open about my expereinces!!!

Cheers to all my moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles that are raising little ones and working. It is NO JOKE but one punch line I wouldn't trade for the world.