Working Mom’s Connection
By Sabrina Barton
Working Mom’s Connection was established on November 2nd, 2017. While still fairly new, Working Mom’s Connection has some pretty big goals to provide additional much-needed resources to working mothers.
While talking with working mothers there is often a word that sneaks into many conversations. And, unfortunately, that word is guilt. We love our children but we love our job too. Both give fulfillment on different levels. Levels that we want and need. But sometimes it almost seems like it’s too much or like you have to do it all, which is so, extremely overwhelming.
Although my husband loves and cares for our daughter tremendously, and is way better at coming up with adventures for her superheroes and stuffed animals to go on, he doesn’t ever feel it the way I explain it. Sure he misses her and yes he’s bummed when he has to miss out on something, but he doesn’t ever express that same gnawing feeling that I have when dropping my baby off and heading to work.
I often wondered why it was that women have a much harder time separating their feelings when compared with their counterpart coworkers and spouse. Men seem to say, this is my home life and this is my work life and they are different but I have both. When asked what we have going on as women, however, we tend to list out two or three (or seventeen) things that impact our life. More often than not the only common thread between these things is that we’re the one doing them. The list often includes things your children are involved in, your job, a vacation you’re planning, things in your community or church, housekeeping responsibilities, the vet appointment, and the list goes on and on.
This reminded me of a conversation I had with a couples and relationship therapist, who is now a university professor. He noted that men are very good at compartmentalizing. Everything is stashed in these little drawers with dividing walls that can be opened and closed whenever they need to be. When it’s family time, they’re happy to play with the kids. When they head off to work, they reach into the drawer that says employee. And we all know of the drawer that has a sexy-time label on the front; they can open that drawer up real quick! And if they’re relaxing, that’s what they’re doing; relaxing! Then once they’re done, they slide that drawer back into place and move on to the next thing. Not all, but many men see a beginning and an end to an event and like to see it through without interruptions. It’s often hard to break their focus and when they start something they are completely consumed in that activity.
In major contrast, women’s thoughts and minds are more like a giant tote bag. (The crappy kind with no pockets!) Everything is piled in there and when you reach in to grab something, you often pull out 3 other things that come along with it. As a mom, everything in our life and world is interconnected. This is why it’s so difficult for us to just forget about the laundry we left in the washer while we’re at work. Or not to worry about the dirty dishes that need to be done when our spouse starts getting frisky. And we can’t just stop thinking about how our children are doing on their school projects or if they are making friends at daycare. It’s all connected. It’s weaved together with passion and worry and we’re constantly multitasking even when we try to focus. When something is off, it affects almost every aspect of our lives, not just the little area or category that it actually “belongs” in. But when I’m happy and satisfied and fulfilled, that also spills over into every aspect and I can perform my responsibilities in tip-top shape because I feel good. I finally feel happy!
This is where Working Mom’s Connection comes in. They are a Non-Profit working to provide additional resources to help busy moms juggle it all. The truth is, there are lots of programs to help women begin careers, and to help women further their careers, but hardly anything to help them with their careers after becoming mothers. Working Mothers Magazine is one of the best online resources available today. Working Mom’s Connection will be providing additional resources that will compliment Working Mother’s Magazine.
The support and camaraderie that can be found in the Working Mom’s Connection Facebook Group is just the boost I need everyday. To know that there are other mom’s who find astounding fulfillment from their careers and let’s face it, are awesome at it too! And we recognize that there is this whole other side of us that is all-encompassing: our children and family. We are here to help moms know that they don’t have to choose between a career and being a loving, impactful Mom. We can have it both. It’s definitely going to be a lot of work, but you’re built for hard work! And now, you don’t have to do it alone. You’ll get instant feedback, support and answers to your questions with our Facebook group.
You’ll hear ideas on how to advance your career and reach your goals and not letting the fact that you’re a mother impede that in any way. Here you’ll find tips on how to encourage your children and improve your family relationships. If you’re looking for advice on keeping a clean house, breastfeeding, happiness, anxiety, maternity leave, feeling sexy in those stretch marks, finance and budgeting, or how to get syrup out of your hair when you get to work (thanks to your toddler’s tiny hands) you’ve found the place for you! Welcome! We’re excited you’re ready to take the first step in becoming a successful and fulfilled working mom!
