Reply to Working mom with more than 3 kids?

Forum Index » Jobs and Careers

Reply to "Working mom with more than 3 kids? "

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I have 3 kids 5, 7, 9 and work as a senior (C-level) marketing executive. My husband is an ER doctor. I worked through all three kids' baby, toddler, and preschool years and continue to do so. During that window, my career exploded and I went through several levels at my company (director, to senior director, to product VP, to VP, to CMO). How did I do it?

First, I am a very, very organized person. I was very organized prior to having kids and was the default manager of our lives, due to my husband's residency (we had kids once he finished training). Second, I know when to fold 'em. I am not going to do things 100 percent perfectly. I view getting things 80 percent done sufficient for my own sanity. So, I didn't push myself on things. I nursed until it was too inconvenient or my supply didn't keep up with demand. My kids were sleep trained around 6 months or so. I didn't get bogged down on the baby stuff. The kids were fed, clean, and loved. Whether or not I made food from scratch or from a pouch wasn't a hill I was willing to die on.

Third, we had a nanny. My oldest went to daycare, but with costs, it became cheaper just to bring her on. It costs the equivalent to our mortgage, but it was absolutely worth it and I was able to work through two levels of promotions due to her support. We even kept the nanny on board as a house manager/nanny now that the kids are in elementary school. She's just an amazing, amazing person.

Fourth, my husband and I both handle meal planning, logistics, etc. Sometimes when things are hectic, he will work overnights or two doubles on the weekend so we can drive the kids to sports, etc.

Finally, I simplified my own life. I have a capsule wardrobe so I don't spend more than a few minutes determining what to wear (my sister who I love dearly admitted to spending 30 minutes trying clothes on. I ain't got time for that. I have a cute chin length bob that is easy to style. I have a fairly simple makeup routine. And I exercise pretty much daily at the gym at my office during lunch, opting to eat at my desk (where I eat pretty much the same salad from the restaurant below for the past 10 years). So, I'm boring in ways, but get things done.

I thought long and hard about being home, but I realized I enjoyed working and have seen a dramatic increase in what I make. I actually outearn my husband by 3 times. So, for me, it worked out.[/quote]

PP here. Forgot one big thing. We added a laundry bonus for the nanny. For 100 bucks extra a week, she would wash and fold everyone's clothes. I made that decision after my second. [/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics