episode 72 - identity as a (working) mom

Monica discusses her experience of balancing work and motherhood, highlighting the challenges and the need to manage expectations. She shares her struggles with guilt and the pressure to be a perfect parent and partner. Monica emphasizes the importance of adjusting expectations and recognizing external factors to determine if she's doing enough. Meagan and Nicole reflect on their own experiences and the difficulty of knowing when it's enough in various aspects of life. They also touch on the topic of guilt and the need to give oneself credit for their efforts. In this conversation, Monica discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood and a career. She shares her experience of wanting to maintain her ambition and identity while also being a present and involved parent. Monica highlights the societal expectations placed on mothers and the need for support and understanding from friends and colleagues. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and finding a balance that works for her. Monica also discusses the mixed feelings and guilt that can come with being a parent and the need for open communication and empathy. Takeaways Balancing work and motherhood is a constant challenge, especially for ambitious individuals who want to excel in both areas. Managing expectations, both from oneself and others, is crucial in finding a balance. Guilt often creeps in when it feels impossible to meet everyone's needs, but it's important to recognize that perfection is unattainable. Recognizing external factors and evaluating the success and well-being of children, projects, and relationships can help determine if one is doing enough. It's important to give oneself credit and acknowledge the efforts made in various aspects of life. Balancing motherhood and a career can be challenging, but it is possible to maintain ambition and identity while being a present parent. Societal expectations often place pressure on mothers to do it all, but it is important to set boundaries and prioritize self-care. Support from friends and colleagues is crucial in navigating the challenges of motherhood and a career. Open communication and empathy are key in understanding and supporting the experiences of working mothers. Mixed feelings and guilt are common among parents, and it is important to acknowledge and address these emotions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Bedtime Routines 09:23 Being the First of Friends to Have Kids 25:58 The Guilt of Not Being Perfect 32:30 Balancing Career and Motherhood 40:31 Open Communication and Empathy 46:40 Being Mindful of Different Parenting Styles 55:28 What Living Well in Your 30s Means