Like so many of us, as a working parent I’m all too aware how maintaining a balance between my children and family and work – and time for myself – can at times be tricky. Let’s face it, without children it’s challenging enough! One of the things I do love about it is that every ‘win’ counts – and I measure these in anything from seeing a pile of washing folded or the dishwasher emptied to securing a large sponsorship contract or a new client. It’s a great way to ensure you’re celebrating something every day.

These days my working week is intertwined with messages and calls, play dates and activities and appointments for and about my children – in fact, as I write this blog for work I’ve sorted Term 4’s tennis lessons, answered calls about upcoming school fundraisers and worked out logistics for a night away with the girls. Multi tasking – I thought I had it down pat in my 20’s but I have to say those efforts pale in comparison to now.

For me, being able to work for myself has meant I can be part of all these things. Given they’re all decisions I’ve made or worked hard for, the work I choose to do is a great fit for me.  Not every day is perfect – and parent or not, life offers plenty of challenges, both professionally and personally. And it’s pretty fast pace too. That said, without these opportunities, which have us developing new skills, building resilience and growing as individuals, we wouldn’t be adding to what we put into our daily work and personal lives.  The outcomes we achieve – large, small, good or bad – they’re all learnings, right?

So, I don’t define myself as a working mum – I’m a mum and my family comes first, then I’m a marketing consultant.  And that works pretty well for me.

Bec