Identity Shifts: When Professionals Become Parents

What happens to our sense of self when we become parents while juggling professional careers? Join us for Episode of Parenting Like a Mother, where host Lindsay Wolf-Owczarek and psychologist Dr. Joti Brar-Josan explore the complex identity shifts professionals experience when becoming parents. Drawing from their combined experiences as both psychologists and mothers, they unpack the challenges of balancing dual identities and the unexpected mental load that parenthood brings. Learn about the "invisible mental load" that often falls disproportionately to mothers, common emotional struggles like increased anxiety and the loss of self, and practical strategies for navigating these profound transitions. Through honest conversation, they challenge the "you can have it all" messaging many grew up with and offer realistic approaches to recalibrating expectations in both professional and parenting roles. Discover how taking turns "pausing" careers with partners, conducting regular self-check-ins, and prioritizing self-care can help maintain your sense of self during this significant life transition. Whether you're planning for parenthood, currently in the trenches of early parenting, or reflecting on your own identity journey, this episode offers compassionate guidance for professionals navigating the complex identity shift that comes with parenthood. Topics discussed in this episode include: How the "invisible mental load" creates unexpected stress for new parents Why clinical knowledge can both help and hinder the parenting journey How to recalibrate professional expectations during different parenting stages Why viewing professional and parenting identities as coexisting rather than competing matters How to implement regular check-ins with yourself and your partner Why "good enough" parenting and professional work should be embraced How to maintain your sense of self while juggling multiple identities Why self-care needs to be scheduled and prioritized from the beginning How to collaborate with partners on career advancement timing Why balancing dual identities is a long-term journey, not a temporary challenge Green Door Clinic: https://www.greendooryeg.ca Parenting Like a Mother on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting_like_a_mother