Related Posts
Enthusiast
yeah my pain
Conversation Starter
Which office getting inaugurated on August 15?
Pro
is CPRE by IREB of any value or helpful
New to Fishbowl?
Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
I remain content in myself and my choices. I wanted children and I was out for a total of 8 months between my two maternity leaves — so I expect to be 6 months to a year “behind” any peers as far as advancement. I choose not to feel left behind. I choose to feel like I am on my own path, doing things in my own time, and enjoying my kids.
It doesn't bother me all that much because I am confident in the choice I made. I knew I may fall behind in my career by taking long maternity leaves (X2), but I wouldn't have changed a thing. My kids, and even giving myself a break, are way more important to me than my career will ever be. When I start feeling a little bitter, I remind myself how I'll feel 20 years from now. Kicking myself that I lost out on time in the office? Or grateful I had lots of time to spend with my babies?
Think it is normal to compare yourself with others and see it as falling behind. It’s just different paths. I’m probably ahead of somebody who never took a leave, and the other is true. You are on your path, don’t let others overshadow it.
I cared about starting a family more than advancing my career. I am still ambitious but I know I have different priorities than other, and I knew that before I started having children too
Honestly your priorities shift and you balance what’s most important. I stopped wanting to climb too much because I had a rich outside of work life.
I'm happy for them, just as I'm happy for myself. Having kids may not have been the best thing for my career, but the happiness I feel at home with my kids every day reminds me it's the best thing I've ever done for myself. They're the best part of my life and I wouldn't change anything if I had it to do over again.