Work Smarter Not Harder

One day you are on the track you planned for years. The next day motherhood, COVID, or a company decision you cannot control forces a hard question: what actually matters, and who are you without the title you worked so hard to earn?We open up about the “one correct path” mindset we were raised with, the grind culture that rewards overwork, and the strange whiplash of being told to return to offices even after remote work proved effective. From there we go personal. Shannon shares what it looks like to grow up in survival mode, hustling early to keep life afloat, and how that shapes the way you chase money and security as an adult. Nicole shares the moment becoming a mom rewired everything, from attempting a nanny share to reshaping work around the kids all while being an entrepreneur.Along the way we talk about U.S. maternity leave reality, self-employment with zero safety net, commuting and childcare logistics, and the mindset shift that helps us keep moving when the plan breaks. We also get into rebuilding through consulting, entrepreneurship, and creative work, plus why “work smarter not harder” applies to everything from career decisions to how our kids learn with modern tools.If you are a working mom navigating burnout, career change, layoffs, remote work, or the pull between ambition and family life, this conversation is for you. Subscribe to Momcom, share this with a mom who needs it, and leave a review with the biggest career rule you are ready to unlearn. The content of this podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. We are not licensed therapists, doctors, or medical professionals, and we do not provide medical or mental health advice. Any opinions expressed are based on personal experience. Listeners should consult with a qualified healthcare provider or licensed professional for advice regarding their individual needs, diagnoses, or treatment.