If motherhood is a full-time job, are working moms technically balancing two careers? A 2018 study says yes – and then some!
The study commissioned by Welch’s found that working moms are going way beyond pulling double duty, averaging a whopping 98 hours per week between professional and parental obligations.
The balancing act of being a working parent comes with unique challenges. Read on to hear from some of the mothers of Keches Law Group as they share their perspectives and experiences.
A LOT OF IRONS IN THE FIRE
Being a parent and maintaining a commitment to a full-time career isn’t without its struggles, and learning how to balance the two can feel like your own personal circus.
Legal Assistant Jessica Lema says although some days are harder than others, it comes naturally when doing a job you love and when you have children you love even more.
“Your instincts just kick in when you look at your children’s faces and know that they deserve everything, and you want to be the person they name as their role model,” Lema says.
Senior Legal Assistant Korilyne Furtado says she tries to give 100% to her career when at work, and 100% to her girls when she’s at home.
“While I cannot say I am perfect at it, setting boundaries has helped me become both a more present mother and employee,” Furtado says.
WINNING STRATEGIES FOR WORKING MOMS
Kids need attention at home, and work needs attention at the office. How does someone manage it? Whether learning to change an approach or figure out a system that works personally, the working moms at Keches say they’ve learned how to adjust.
“I keep a very detailed, color-coded calendar,” says Human Resources Generalist Cathy Shibley. “I set lots of reminders and I have lists everywhere!”
Legal Assistant Laura Graham says the most important strategy she uses is preparation.
“Prep is key,” she says. “Laying out clothes the night before, packing school lunches before bed and ‘trying’ to not let the laundry get out of control.”
Senior Attorney Erica Pereira says some sacrifice is needed both at home and at work and coming to terms with that helped her clarify what she wanted.
“Sometimes you can’t give 100% to everything and that is OK,” Pereira says. “It takes a long time to understand yourself enough to realize that there can be a balance that allows you to be successful without sacrificing too much of yourself and what you want.”
Operations Manager Susan Mulligan says she advises enjoying kids while they are young without too much pressure.
“Do the best you can and don’t beat yourself up if you think you’re not measuring up,” she says. “Don’t stress about trying to get all the chores done and take the time to spend with the kids when they’re very young, they grow up fast!”
SETTING AN EXAMPLE
Senior Legal Assistant Valeri Drummond says she likes the message it sends to her kids to see her going to work.
“Some days, it was definitely a challenge, but I liked them knowing we all have to do our part, to go to school or work,” Drummond says.
Senior Attorney and Tort Department Manager Loren Laskoski says being a mother is the most important job she has and that one of the most important parts of the job is showing her daughter how to succeed.
“One of the most significant things I can do as a mom is to be a positive role model for my daughter,” she says. “To guide and support her in growing and becoming a young woman who is confident in herself and who knows that she can achieve anything she wants if she works hard and that there are no obstacles that she cannot overcome.”
THERE’S ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
Despite cultural shifts that have made workplaces more welcoming to working parents, many moms of Keches agreed there’s still a ways to go when it comes to providing flexibility and consideration.
“Understanding the basis of a healthy and functioning society begins in the home with healthy parents,” Legal Assistant Layne Watson says. “Family is the most important. Without healthy families, the community and culture of that community is greatly impacted in a negative way.”
Furtado agrees, citing support and understanding as essential elements. She says working moms don’t want special treatment, but acknowledging daily struggles of motherhood makes all the difference.
“Moms will find a way to do it all no matter what, it’s what we do! But if encouraged along the way, imagine what else we could do,” Furtado says.
THE HARD WORK IS ALWAYS WORTH IT
Although the balance of family and work life is a challenge, working moms at Keches Law Group say the benefit merits the struggle.
“Being a mom has always meant being present for my girls at every opportunity and stage of their lives,” Drummond says. “Supporting their hopes and dreams has been easy and I love who they are.”
“It is very gratifying to see all the hard work you put in guiding your kids and trying to provide a strong foundation finally paying off when your adult children are happy, kind-hearted and responsible,” Mulligan says.
KECHES IS COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING WORKING MOMS
We’re proud to stand behind the hardworking parents who help form the backbone of our team. The empathy and dedication they demonstrate every day ensures our clients feel heard and validated.
“Keches has been exceptionally understanding,” Watson says. “They have exceeded my greatest expectations and I am forever grateful for their understanding and goodwill for others.”
We’re so lucky to have these incredible mothers serving our clients. Be sure to tell the moms and mother figures in your life how much they’re appreciated!
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Recognizes Keches Law Group Attorney Michaela Weaver as an “Up & Coming Lawyer”
