I’ve been faced with criticism for being a working mom countless number of times. I was criticized for being selfish for pursuing my career instead of staying at home with kids and devoting them my entire time. But, if I did decide to leave work and become a stay-at-home mom, the accusations would still be present, only from a different perspective – that I am selfish precisely because I’m not working and that I’m not thinking about the well-being of my family and the fact that they need to grow up in a stable financial situation. Whichever way you look at it, women are bound to suffer due to unrealistic expectations and limitations that society continues to impose on them. But, however improbable it may sound, in the rat race of today’s world, juggling work and private life has actually prepared me better to be a parent.
Being an entrepreneur taught me to face my fears
Parenting is a daily struggle of wondering whether you are doing a good job. We worry about the smallest things because we’re afraid of doing something wrong. The best way to combat fear is to dare to take a risk. Being an entrepreneur is all about learning to acknowledge fear and strike back. It involves taking risks on a daily basis, making important decisions and breaking from conventions. Every time I successfully overcome my fears, I feel more confident to move on and I know that I can do it as many times as necessary.
Entrepreneurship is an energy source
Every mom could make use of extra energy. Focusing on the task at hand that isn’t related to parenting makes me more energetic for my mommy duties. The role of a parent and the role of a worker complement each other well and give me enough strength to do both jobs right. Motherhood can push you forward and motivate you to excel at your job, and in turn, your passion for work can make you mentally stronger for dealing with mommy stuff. It’s a reciprocal relationship you can only benefit from.
It shows my kids that work ethic is part of our identity
Balancing my work and family life shows my kids that work is an imminent part of everyday life that can’t be disregarded. Through work you grow and develop, you improve yourself and achieve the desired goals. It teaches my kids that they can have more in life and that they deserve more, as well as the importance of pursuing their passions and the feeling of accomplishment in everything they set their mind to.
Being an entrepreneur teaches my kids not to be afraid of the struggle
Being a working mom teaches my kids not to give up on something just because it’s hard. It encourages them to tackle the challenges and put in more effort to get what they want. My kids can see that sometimes it’s good to embrace the problem despite the anguish it gives you. Although the path of solving it may be difficult, you’ll emerge victorious on the other side, not just because you’ve successfully completed the project, but also because the completed project filled you with a sense of gratification and helped you flourish.
There are multiple ways to fulfill yourself
Sometimes a single role in life isn’t enough to make all the different aspects of your personality satisfied. For me, being a working mom has helped me experience fulfillment on different levels and I wouldn’t feel the same if I hadn’t had the chance to do so. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to express yourself in various ways, and entrepreneurship has enabled me to do just that – to express myself freely and shape my life to suit my desires and ambitions.
Restricting yourself to limitations other people believe you should stick to isn’t good either for you or your family. Doing what you love will improve your parenting skills and teach your kids to do the same.
