Finding Balance in Career and Motherhood

Work-life balance—does anyone ever truly achieve it? Probably not, but with each season of life, we find ways to make it work for the present moment. As a mother of five with a full-time career in financial advising, I’ve learned that the concept of balance is often more about navigating priorities than achieving a perfect equilibrium.

From Graduate Student to Full-Time Working Mom

My journey has rarely been about just my career. I went from being a full-time Master’s student to a full-time employee at Evensky & Katz/Foldes Wealth Management. I met Deena Katz as a student in her class, and thanks to a well-timed question, “Do you know anyone hiring in Lubbock?” I soon found myself part of the team here, where I could stay in the city my fiancé had begun his dream job. Six months later, I was married, and then news of baby number one soon followed, who made his debut just shy of our first anniversary. Four more children joined us as my husband and I both worked full-time. Now, with five kids aged 11, 9, 7, 5, and 4, we’re a lively crew of four boys and one girl.

Juggling Work and Parenthood with a Supportive Team

From Diapers to Deadlines: Navigating Mom and Work Duties

I feel fortunate to work with colleagues who understand that mom duties don’t always have a start and end time. This understanding has been crucial because, as any working parent knows, life is unpredictable, and sometimes mom duty takes priority at unexpected (and often inconvenient) moments. Open communication and flexibility have made balancing career and family feasible, if not always easy.

Supporting Each Other Through Life’s Ups and Downs

There are days when I worry that not everything is getting my best effort. That’s when having a strong team is essential. Life happens to all of us (whether we have children or not) so we support each other. My team knows they can count on me in times of need, and when I’m the one who needs a hand, they’re there to pick up the slack.

The Power of Flexibility and Open Communication

One of the greatest gifts my career has afforded me is the ability to work remotely when needed. Flexibility has preserved my sanity more times than I can count. For instance, I remember one week when my husband was traveling, and our two-year-old was home with the flu. My “mom hat” was firmly in place, but I still had my continuing education to complete for my CFP® mark. Thankfully, I could comfort my little one from the rocking chair while working on my course. The bonus? My little guy fell asleep right in my arms.

This flexibility is becoming increasingly important for working mothers. In fact, as of 2022, 66.6% of American women who became mothers within the last year were engaged in the labor force, highlighting the growing need for workplaces that accommodate the dual roles of motherhood and career.

Navigating Mid-Mom Phase and Office Priorities

I’m entering a new season—the “mid-mom” phase. I no longer have an infant, and I can finally enjoy a full night’s sleep (most of the time). My days are now more predictable, with everyone at school or daycare, which means I can map out my time in the office and invest in building up my colleagues more consistently. However, as all parents know, life changes quickly, and I have to be prepared to pivot on short notice. Sometimes, that means working late after everyone else has gone to bed so I can be present for school events and activities during the day.

This juggling act is common among working mothers. Studies show that on top of performing paid work an average of 35.5 hours a week and doing chores for 13.2 hours a week, employed mothers aged 18-64 today spend more time actively caring for their children than their mothers and grandmothers did almost 50 years ago (Department of Labor).

Teaching Kids to Dream Big While Pursuing My Own

Blending Financial Wisdom with Emotional Insight

My children remind me that as much as I encourage them to go after their dreams, I have to pursue mine too. For me, that means helping my clients make informed financial decisions that honor both their current lifestyle and their future. It’s about blending economic wisdom with emotional insight.

This approach is particularly important given that 40.5% of all mothers with children under 18 are equal, primary, or sole income earners for their family. As a financial advisor, I’m acutely aware of the financial challenges and opportunities that come with this responsibility.

A Daily Reminder to Find Joy Amidst the Chaos

I take it one day at a time. At the end of each day, I try to find one thing to be grateful for. Even on the difficult days, there’s always something good that shines through. For me, that practice of gratitude is how I stay grounded, focused, and, most importantly, ready for whatever tomorrow brings.

Balancing family life and career ambitions? It’s not always easy, but we’re here to help. Connect with an Advisor to explore how we can support your financial journey and life goals.