Unmasking the Truth Behind Successful Careers and Motherhood
Are you ready to dive into an inspiring and raw conversation? Welcome to the newest episode of Jobs for Women podcast with your host, Zoe Haydn Jones! In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome our guest, Jane Johnson, the founder of Careering into Motherhood. Jane’s unique journey began when she started a Facebook community five years ago. Her goal was to help women navigate the challenging landscape of flexible working environments while juggling the demands of family life.
Jane shares how she initiated the Facebook group to foster a supportive community for women seeking a fulfilling career balanced with family commitments. What began as a small initiative quickly blossomed into a vibrant community where women could engage in honest, hard-hitting conversations about gender equality, flexible working, and the continuing struggles women face in the workplace.
When the pandemic forced employers to adopt remote work arrangements, Jane noticed a shift in focus. Instead of specifically supporting working mothers, the focus broadened to include diversity, equity, and inclusion. However, she firmly believes that working mothers continue to face significant challenges, and the playing field is far from level.
Navigating these complex issues is no small task. Thankfully, Jane’s community provides support and guidance during these challenging times. She introduces us to a team of professional career coaches, each personally interviewed by Jane and vetted through the group. This network of coaches, whose credentials are shared on the group’s website, has helped create a sense of trust and reliability within the community.
This episode takes listeners on a journey through the highs and lows of juggling a career and motherhood. You’ll find reassurance, empowerment, and a sense of community, as Zoe and Jane explore the daily challenges working moms face. More than just a podcast, this episode is a lifeline for women navigating the tumultuous terrain of work and motherhood.
In the following conversation, Zoe and Jane delve into the obstacles women, particularly mothers, face in their careers. Jane underscores the need for flexible working arrangements for all, and reflects on how the Covid-19 pandemic has caused many to reevaluate their work-life balance.
Jane’s organization, Careering into Motherhood, is highlighted as a supportive resource that offers free coaching advice and plentiful online resources. Jane also discusses her efforts to challenge the trend among employers to allocate most of their training resources towards a select few employees. She argues that all employees, especially those experiencing significant life changes like parenthood, can benefit from this support.
Zoe and Jane voice their frustration about the lack of support for most employees, with training budgets often disproportionately benefiting only a small portion of the workforce. They touch on the importance of businesses backing women through all stages of their career, including during pregnancy and postnatal periods.
The conversation also underscores the need for early career guidance for women. Both women agree that young women should be educated about their rights during pregnancy and maternity leave, and be empowered with the knowledge to navigate their careers effectively.
In the final segment of the conversation, Jane addresses the gender disparity within leadership roles in industries such as marketing. She notes that these fields often see a majority of women at the entry and mid-levels, yet the senior leadership roles are predominantly held by men. Jane suggests that this imbalance could be a key reason why women leave these industries.
We invite you to join Zoe and Jane in this enlightening conversation on the Jobs for Women podcast. Tune in for insights, inspiration, and the sense of community that is so vital for women navigating the intricate balance of career and motherhood. We can’t wait for you to join us!
From this enlightening conversation on the Jobs for Women podcast, there are several key takeaways for women at all stages of their career, including those who are pregnant or returning to work post-pregnancy:
- Find Your Support Network: Whether it’s through joining communities like ‘Careering into Motherhood’ or finding likeminded individuals in your own workplace, having a strong support network can be invaluable. This can provide a platform for sharing experiences, offering advice, and encouraging one another during challenging times.
- Know Your Rights: Understanding what you are legally entitled to, whether it’s about maternity leave, flexible working conditions, or your return to work, is crucial. Do not hesitate to seek advice if you’re unsure from professional bodies, HR departments or even online resources.
- Flexible Working is Possible: The traditional 9-5 work structure is becoming less prevalent, especially in light of the pandemic. Many companies now offer flexible working arrangements that allow for better work-life balance. It’s worth exploring what your employer offers and negotiating an arrangement that fits your needs.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Career coaches can provide tailored advice and support as you navigate career progression, changes in your work life, or return to work after maternity leave. They can offer insights and strategies that you may not have considered.
- Advocate for Yourself: Stand up for your needs in the workplace. If you require specific support or adjustments, such as flexible working hours or changes to your workload, don’t hesitate to voice these needs.
- Leadership Positions are Within Reach: Although there is still a gender imbalance in many leadership roles, don’t let that discourage you from aiming high in your career. There are successful women leaders in all industries who have balanced their careers with family life.
- Lifelong Learning: Professional development shouldn’t stop at a certain stage of your career. There is always more to learn and skills to develop. Seek opportunities for training and learning that can help you advance in your career.
- Preparation is Key: If you’re planning to become pregnant or are currently pregnant, start preparing early for maternity leave and your return to work. Discuss with your employer, plan your leave, and ensure a smooth transition.
- Balance is Essential: Maintaining a balance between your work and personal life is crucial, not just for your mental and physical wellbeing, but also for maintaining productivity and job satisfaction. Find what works best for you and strive to maintain this balance.
These insights are important not only for individuals but also for businesses. The conversation between Zoe Haydn Jones and Jane Johnson emphasizes the need for systemic changes to support working mothers and promote gender equality in the workplace.
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