How would you best describe yourself?
Mum, wife, daughter, sister, friend! Living my best life one day at a time.
How has becoming a parent changed your perception of work and career and what surprised you the most?
Working mums are the best employees. They know how to manage time & are kick-ass employees. Unfortunately, companies don’t always recognise this. I’m lucky my current employee values me & my role – both as a mum & as an employee.
What advice would you give your younger self about starting a family?
You can do both – don’t be scared!
What has been your biggest challenge in motherhood to date? How have you overcome this?
Pregnancy – proving yourself to your colleagues that you can still do the job well, even if you feel like crap. I just powered through…
Â
Maternity Leave – taking a break from work – not necessarily your colleagues – but the job itself.
Â
Returning to work – Managing time! Not so much during working hours – but logistics of collecting children, after-school activities etc. Using your contacts & support system – you can’t do it all on your own.
What are your strategies to manage the juggle of career and family?
- Using my time efficiently – when I’m at work – I’m at work
- Home time – I try & focus my energies on my kids, family etc. Not having work emails on my phone as helped immensely.
- Meal planning, utilising husband & friends/family with pick up/drop off
About the Author: Carina O'Brien
