I recently came across a couple of articles on how parenthood impacts careers. In response to these articles I posted my thoughts on LinkedIn and have reproduced my article below along with related links:
As a strategy consultant and a new mom, I realized parenting meant taking problem solving to a whole new level!
Before returning to work I heard comments like "Bet you can't wait to use your brains again" or "It will be good to talk to adults again". But I have found Motherhood to be the most mentally challenging and stimulating project I have ever worked on! I use hypothesis based problem solving every time my baby cries, I research which rattle to buy, I build resilience staying up long hours and I now excel at time management. I also learnt to stay calm in the face of adversity and patient when dealing with someone who can't act logically.
Whether I will still be subject to the Motherhood Penalty in the workforce - I think that remains to be seen.
Links:
The original article which appeared in NY Times "The Upshot": The Motherhood Penalty vs. the Fatherhood Bonus
Glamour Magazine: Motherhood Penalty, Begone: What Being a Mother Should Say to Bosses, According to Mega-Successful Working Moms
Link to my original article on LinkedIn
Love,
G.
As a strategy consultant and a new mom, I realized parenting meant taking problem solving to a whole new level!
Before returning to work I heard comments like "Bet you can't wait to use your brains again" or "It will be good to talk to adults again". But I have found Motherhood to be the most mentally challenging and stimulating project I have ever worked on! I use hypothesis based problem solving every time my baby cries, I research which rattle to buy, I build resilience staying up long hours and I now excel at time management. I also learnt to stay calm in the face of adversity and patient when dealing with someone who can't act logically.
Whether I will still be subject to the Motherhood Penalty in the workforce - I think that remains to be seen.
Links:
The original article which appeared in NY Times "The Upshot": The Motherhood Penalty vs. the Fatherhood Bonus
Glamour Magazine: Motherhood Penalty, Begone: What Being a Mother Should Say to Bosses, According to Mega-Successful Working Moms
Link to my original article on LinkedIn
Love,
G.
