Creating a work/life balance is something that many people like to know how to do well and many people try to do well. Especially in today’s fast-paced world, the question “How do you manage the demands of a full-time career and be a good parent?” is becoming increasingly hard to answer.
It’s an age-old question that is often asked of working mothers: How do you do it? How do find time to juggle it all? Truth is, there’s a million different ways to do it. Ahead, meet five incredible women who are rewriting the rules and creating their own version of success – at work and at home.
Kate Sandoval Box
Beauty Director at Parents, Parents Latina & Shape Magazine | @updatekate
Did you ever worry about parenthood impacting your career?
All the time. I worry how I’m going to be great at my career and great as a mom! But honestly, you just can’t overthink it. Just do it. Go for it. You’ll figure it out as you go.
Any tips for going back to work after having kids?
It was incredibly tough for me to do, but the thing that helped the most was booking a weekly music class that I could take my child to. It gave me something I could look forward to and it was a special time for the two of us. Yes, I was late for work that day, but it was worth it!
At RTR, we don’t say “have it all,” we say “have your all.” Define what “have your all” means for you.
Having your all is really doing what you need to do for you on a daily basis.
What’s your self-care ritual?
At the end of the day, once the kids are asleep, I sneak away to my bathroom and do this wonderful cleansing ritual. It’s only 30 seconds, but it’s worth it.
Last Read, Playlist or Podcast:
Well, I do work at Parents magazine and I read it religiously!
Productivity hacks?
Try to focus on the present. That helps me focus and stay productive and not stress too much about what’s happening next month, or next year, or in 10 years.
Mara Schiavocampo
Television Journalist | @marascampo
Did you ever worry about parenthood impacting your career?
I did worry about motherhood impacting my career, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it has made me better at my job. I’m much more efficient– I do things quicker because I want to get home to my babies. Being a mom teaches you how to put your head down and get things done!
Any tips for going back to work after having kids?
My number one tip is to ask for help! Don’t be afraid to ask for a lot of help and never feel guilty about it.
At RTR, we don’t say “have it all,” we say “have your all.” Define what “have your all” means for you.
Having your all, to me, means defining your life the way you want it to be. Not the way your parents told you it should be, or the way society told you it should be.
What’s your self-care ritual?
I have a self-care ritual that’s actually inspired by my kids! I started coloring. I got adult coloring books, a great set of markers, and it’s something I can just do that’s fun and creative. I can throw it in the trash afterwards – there’s no expectations.
Last Read, Playlist or Podcast:
I have been so inspired lately by Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations podcasts. I binge listen to it when I’m cleaning the house, doing the dishes, on the train, anything. It totally centers and calms me down – I try to live in the now.
Jodie Snyder Morel
Co-Founder of Dannijo | @jodiesnydermorel
Did you ever worry about parenthood impacting your career?
It was something important to me to keep my career and also be a mother, so I think you just have to make it work. I try to do that by trying not be two places at once. When I’m home with my kids, I’m 100% focused on motherhood, and when I’m at work, I’m 100% focused on being at work.
Any tips for going back to work after having kids?
I think it’s the hardest after your first child – the second child is a little bit easier because you’re used to it. For me, it was important to ease back into my routine, so I tried to go in for a few hours at a time and adjust my schedule like that.
At RTR, we don’t say “have it all,” we say “have your all.” Define what “have your all” means for you.
I definitely feel like I have my all by just having my two children and my husband and a career I love.
What’s your self-care ritual?
For me, it’s really important to do pilates or yoga a few times a week. It just makes me feel better and resets me.
Last Read, Playlist or Podcast:
My sister has a podcast, No Filter with Danielle Snyder – she’s interviewed amazing people that we’re friends with or didn’t know, and I love that it’s just such a mix of people. I also recently read Becoming by Michelle Obama.
Words of advice for fellow entrepreneurs?
I think that being persistent is very important, and also surrounding yourself with people that are really good at things you’re not good at. It’s been amazing to have other women and men I trust and respect on my side.
Sai De Silva
Founder of the lifestyle blog, Scout the City | @scoutthecity
Did you ever worry about parenthood impacting your career?
At first I did. But after becoming a mom of two, I realized that I can bring the kids into my world, instead of changing my world for my kids.
Any tips for going back to work after having kids?
Remember to be transparent with yourself. You can’t do it all and there’s nothing wrong with that. Whenever you’re feeling burned out, go to your spouse or mom, whoever’s watching your kids, and say “hey, I need some me time.”
At RTR, we don’t say “have it all,” we say “have your all.” Define what “have your all” means for you.
I think that’s such a hard question, but at the end of the day it’s about my sanity and my happiness and knowing that my family is happy.
What’s your self-care ritual?
I work out every single day religiously. I only take one day off, but I’m always at the gym every day at the same time 8, 8:30am. That’s the only thing that really keeps me sane.
Last Read, Playlist or Podcast:
I would have to say YouTube – I’m a big meditator. I meditate every day for at least 5 minutes a day. I like any type of meditation that starts my day with gratitude.
Words of advice for fellow entrepreneurs?
Just be patient–it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. If you want to start your own career and be an entrepreneur, it has to be something that you love doing every day.
Violet Gaynor
@violetgaynorFounder of the motherhood website, The Glow
Did you ever worry about parenthood impacting your career?
I definitely worried about how I would be able to devote the time and energy I needed for my job. But now I can say that becoming a mother has only enhanced my passion for what I do.
Any tips for going back to work after having kids?
When I went back to work after having my daughter, I was full-time in an office as an editor, and it was a mix of emotions that first day. It was exhilarating to be on my own, but I also felt guilty being away from her. I think being around other women and opening up about how I was feeling made me feel supported.
At RTR, we don’t say “have it all,” we say “have your all.” Define what “have your all” means for you.
I like to think of it as having a little bit each day, that kind of keeps me sane. What it comes down to for me is having my all, but not all at once. Some days I have it together, some days I’m more productive than others, and the best days are when I can carve out some time for myself and focus on what I need to get done.
What’s your self-care ritual?
I had a baby six months ago, and for me right now, it means exercising and meditation.
Last Read, Playlist or Podcast:
I have been devouring my very good friend’s podcasts called Mom Brain! It’s one of my best friends, Hilaria Baldwin, and Daphne Oz – they talk about the things that we all think about as moms, and it’s a really inspiring listen.
Words of advice for fellow entrepreneurs?
I think that when you’re on your own, it’s easy to become your own worst critic. Remember talk to yourself like you would talk to your best friend. Inspire yourself with your own words of self-encouragement.