Boss Babe vs. Boss Baby

I run into women launching new businesses, and looking to advance in their careers all the time, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “I can’t imagine how do you do all this, with a baby (or small child)?”. In my mind, my answer is always, “I’m actually better at it, because I have a child.” I am more organized and focused than I’ve ever been.

There is a stereotype of some sort that makes career-oriented women incompatible with being a mother.  Meanwhile, no one is questioning how men with children are able to remain committed to their work. We don’t always discuss or admit, that being a working mom is much different from being a man.  It comes with its own set of challenges (and rewards). At no point, is it easy to try to being a boss mom.  You know how the saying goes, to whom much is given, much more is required!

Being a mom has taught me to cut out the waste, because time is of the essence. Being organized and aware of the time I commit to projects, appointments, and activities is likely the most important factor in balancing it all. Being aware of my time, allows me to prioritize time with my daughter, as well as time in the business. As a business owner, I am able to schedule meetings that are convenient for myself and my client, and still commit to activities like tennis and dance. Often times, I rely on planning tools, to assist me with staying organized.

Furthermore, working a corporate job provides structure in knowing, for these 8/9 hours, I need to be in this location and doing these task.  The time outside of working hours, is the time that must be managed, and still planning is key to making the most of it.  Basically, you have to plan for tomorrow, today!

During my time in Corporate America, my team would have weekly huddles, and we’d discuss the possibility of things that could go wrong in our operation.  One thing I can almost guarantee is, with motherhood, everything that can go wrong, WILL!  Nasty diapers, sick babies in the middle of the night and/or day, and unplanned visits to the doctor, all occur at the most CONVENIENT (sarcasm) time. Therefore being a mom has taught be to be adaptable, and to plan for things that can and will go wrong.

Aside from how motherhood is shaping me out to be a better entrepreneur, working at home is directly influencing my daughter’s idea of what work requires.  When she and I go on library dates, she’ll want to take breaks from reading, to “work” (which is essentially her pretending to type on one of the library computers).  She takes play work calls and signals for me to be quiet while she’s working. There also times when she’ll ask if I have to do work tonight, and if my answer is yes, she’ll attempt to work with me (to avoid bedtime). So, she’ll someday transition from a Boss Baby to a Boss Babe, like her mom.