As I rush into preschool to drop off my daughter Mia, I find myself frantically trying to get her to tidy her hair one more time while reminding her not to share her recent fascination with farting in public with her teachers and classmates. (“Mom, I just let one rip!”) After helping her wash her hands and settle down for breakfast, I’m hit with a reminder of the challenges that come with the quest to “have it all.” Mia’s teacher subtly nudges me about the overdue baby photo for a group project. I instantly text my partner in ALL CAPS to ensure we send it in today.
On my way out, I encounter “that” mom—the one who seems to glide through life, her two-year-old snug in a carrier while her older child walks alongside her, radiating an aura of calm and positivity as if she’s just returned from a blissful yoga retreat. This Earth Mama, who is a stay-at-home parent, inquires about my participation in the next Parent Meeting and whether I can volunteer for an upcoming field trip.
For a fleeting moment, I feel a pang of inadequacy. As a full-time working mom with an executive role at a Fortune 500 company, my schedule is packed with back-to-back meetings, events, travel, and commitments to nonprofit boards.
But here’s the truth: I genuinely love my work. Yes, I said it—cue the gasps! I’ve realized since my early days on maternity leave that being a stay-at-home mom isn’t my path. Kudos to those who excel at it, but it’s not for me, and I’ve come to embrace that fact. I’m a multi-dimensional person: a mother, a partner, a friend, a public relations expert, an enthusiastic communicator, and a caffeine-fueled wine lover (in no particular order). When I find a moment of free time, I prioritize family, enjoy date nights with my partner, or indulge in some self-care.
Do I feel bad on days when work commitments pull me away from special moments, like Mia’s first school field trip? Absolutely. Is it tough receiving videos from our nanny showcasing my youngest daughter Zoe’s latest achievements during my workday? Without a doubt. However, these individual moments become more precious to me because I can step back and truly appreciate them. I want my daughters to know they can aspire to greatness, chase their dreams, pursue their education and careers, and build a family—all at once. Yes, it’s a challenging journey, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
During a recent Career Day at Mia’s preschool, she proudly wore a shirt emblazoned with my company’s name and expressed her desire to be “just like Mom” when she grows up. She shared with her classmates what I do, including my interactions with celebrity athletes as part of my job. These are the moments that make the daily grind of “having it all” worthwhile. I want my daughters to see me as a role model and understand they can achieve whatever they set their minds to.
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In summary, balancing work and motherhood is challenging, but it can also be immensely fulfilling. Empowering our children to pursue their dreams while embracing our multifaceted identities is key to redefining what it means to “have it all.”