How do you expect your career (or others’ careers) may change after starting a family?

I am very fortunate to work for a great company that is very supportive of women and families. I also have a wonderful husband who supports my career and will share the joys and responsibilities of parenting.  Having said that, I still expect I will have many more responsibilities and worries to handle. But, given my circumstances, I don’t expect a significant impact to my career. I believe women who have children much earlier in their lives/careers might see a bigger impact, as they often have less flexibility in their roles/work schedules and less financial resources to get child and home care assistance. I also believe parenthood is harder for women who lack a strongly supportive partner.

How do you think the decision to start a family has changed your quality of life?

I don’t know, as the baby is not here yet, but I expect my life will be both busier and richer overall.

What advice do you have for working parents who are straining to make it work?

Plan as well as possible. My friends who are successful at managing children, marriage, and career well tend to plan for the worst, and put over-sufficient support structures in place, to minimize surprises/stressors.  They also remember to nurture themselves and their relationships and not only focus on work and children. We must remain healthy physically and emotionally to give our best to our children, our spouses/partners, and our jobs.

Advice for employers on how to make it work better for working parents returning to the workplace?

Offer as much flexibility as possible (e.g., extend paid maternity leave, offer some paternity leave, make work-from-home arrangements available, offer more flexibility on core business hours, etc.) But, most importantly, walk the talk every day in creating a culture that respects people’s need for work/life balance and uninterrupted time away (weekends, holidays, etc.). Finally, ensure parents come back to meaningful roles based on their skills and career potential. Maternity/Paternity leave should not result in someone’s career taking a wrong turn or slowing down.

What are you most concerned about as you look forward to becoming a new working mom?

My main concern is not being able to give the job so much of my “non-core hours” attention. Until now, I was OK working whenever (e.g., late at night, weekends/holidays when needed) and my iPhone was my constant link to the office, even when on holidays. As a new mom, the baby will take most of that previously “off” time, so I will need to (1) be even more efficient when in the office to minimize the need to work late/when away and (2) be willing to say no when I can’t (or shouldn’t) stretch work into my family / baby / personal off time.

What are you most excited about as you look forward to balancing motherhood and work? Do you think it may help your career in any way?

I am most excited about becoming a bigger, more balanced version of myself. I believe the additional joys and challenges of motherhood will give me a new perspective that will make me wiser, more selective in how I spend my time, and more empathetic overall. I don’t believe being a mom will help my career necessarily, but I believe that – if I manage it well – it also won’t hinder it.

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