Becoming a career mom wasn't something I'd ever given much thought to. It wasn't something I read about it books, nor was it something I heard people openly talking about. For me, it just sort of happened one day, 10 sweet years ago, upon returning to work from maternity leave. An interestingly huge life change, where two worlds come together, simultaneously. 'Worlds' seems to be a bit of an understatement if you ask me, considering the multitude of roles, responsibilities, expectations, relationships and more all merging at once.

Inspite of life lessons, personal and professional achievements, and advice there is really nothing that prepares you for the experience of becoming a career mom. It's unlike professional roles that require a dedicated time of study followed by a test and certificate of completion or a degree. There isn't a one size fits all solution or a program you can learn, apply and then return to your old self. It's a much different journey, than the one you were just on a few moments ago.

Mental health experts have described there is a transformative shift in identity as women become mothers. Somewhere in the chaos of parenting, she adapts to a new role and identity. She is sorting out  things like accountability to her family with a newfound priority of making the world a better place for her child, while being accountable to her workplace among many other important roles she leads in her life. This is only scratching the surface of some of the priorities calling for her attention. Somehow, the impact of this transformation is either minimized, understudied, or thought to be part of some natural process that all gets miraculously sorted out? There are so many factors this amazing woman must quickly sort, prioritize and sometimes cut from her current identity in order to absorb her overflowing responsibility. Should she do this without losing herself in the process? Much easier said, than done as she stares down at this amazing bundle of joy wrapped in her arms.

It has been my experience that being a career mom can feel like you're in a sea of opportunities and experiences, with high tides and waves that all come crashing at once. It's strangely isolating despite sharing a similar journey alongside millions of other women. You may find yourself drowning in gratefulness, excitement, fear and doubt, all at the same time. It's incredible and overwhelming. A journey not often shared out loud. Or you may feel like you’re in uncharted waters, without clear direction or visualization of land, not really knowing how to get wherever you need to go with the resources that you have. Maybe you’re feeling, if one more thing gets added to your list, it could sink you. Or maybe you’re finding yourself drifting, wherever the wind and waves take you, because truthfully staying afloat is the mission. The rare moments of calm seas, where you feel empowered, filled with direction and clarity seem to be fleeting and quickly overshadowed. Time takes a whole new meaning in your life. Though the days can sometimes seem long, the years manage to fly by. It has the power to take you away from your goals, purpose and ambitions or it can bring you closer.

If you can relate to any or all the experiences above, The Career Mom is passionately created for you. You may be on, or about to join the wildest and most amazing ride as a career mom. The world needs amazing moms and depends on amazing career women, too! We want to be the go-to resource for you on your journey. A source of encouragement. A promise to bring you real, uplifting, & respectful resources regarding all thing’s mom-life, career-life and the meaningful things in between. The Career Mom is committed to sharing relevant insightful content that will infuse truth, joy, fun and adventure into the changing seas of challenges career moms face today.

Thank you for being a part of this amazing journey and community.

With great thanks, love and kindness.

The Career Mom.