How do you balance work and family?
Victoria gave birth to a beautiful baby girl last year, meaning she’s been navigating her new career path as well as her new role as a working mother.
Research shows that women can tend to face a different set of challenges with regards to social identity, stigmatisation and discrimation within each stage of the employment cycle. From hiring and career advancement to family-support policies. So, it was great to hear that she's found a flexible work routine that enables her to be around her daughter for all the “little/big everyday milestones”.
“It is an absolute joy being there for your child, working from home makes me very grateful.”
However, Victoria mentions that “being a mom is challenging on her own well-being as it brings with it an extra layer of more challenges.” Highlighting how finding an employer that understands, values and makes flexible adjustments for her new role has been instrumental in her ability to excel in her career.
What helps you maintain your work/life balance?
Juggling different aspects of life and new responsibilities can be a great source of stress for many employees. So, we ask Victoria how she has been maintaining her work/life balance, and her tips and tricks for others looking to get a better grasp.
Victoria explains that she creates a daily routine that works for her and makes sure she sticks to it!
“I set my priorities and to-do’s at the beginning of every morning. My work is important to me but so is being a present mom and caring for a little girl. I always make time for our mommy-daughter routine like bath time before I report for work, lunches are spent together and I always prioritise our bedtime, regardless of what my day/work has been like.”
A great piece of advice to help women in similar situations make priorities when it comes to their busy days navigating various life responsibilities.
What excites you about the future?
“Top of my list is watching my little one grow and seeing what type of person she will eventually mature into” says Victoria. “I’m excited to see myself realise my goals and dreams. Excited for what surprises lie along the way; the wins, the new experiences, The sky's the limit, the future can shape into anything and I’m here for it all.”
An incredible answer from Victoria, which highlights her confidence, “can-do” attitude and optimism for the future.
Many women may not have this same outlook around the globe. CIPD found that in some businesses there exists a ‘motherhood penalty’, “where working mothers face disadvantages in the workplace with regards to perceptions of their competence, dedication and aspiration”.
