Three months usually marks when most parents head back to work after parental bonding time. I have a confession – I only took 5 days of maternal leave. Beyond the blog, I run a digital marketing business and manage 5 clients who count on me to help their business grow. If I can’t help my clients, then they will find someone else who can work for them without large breaks. To be clear, all of my clients were and still continue to be flexible with my schedule as a new mom, but they have business to run and can’t put their digital strategy on hold for months at a time. As a small business owner, if I don’t work then I don’t make money. Finally, I love my job and wanted to continue to do what I love.
I knew I wanted and had to work right away, but I was a bit reluctant to make a decision until I chatted with my mom. She told me, “a happy mom is a good mom.” That sealed the deal for me and I knew I would be happiest raising my baby, plus working at the same time. This is the new norm for many women who are mothers and business owners and it’s okay. Is it easy? No way! There are days when I feel like I’ve run the marathon (without actually accomplishing anything!) and other days when I think I need to cry it out (sorry Harlee, Mama needs to let it out!). The first month was a bit of a disaster as Alan and I were living off no sleep, plus finishing our renovation and doing work. I didn’t think I would make it past one month without a breakdown (and I didn’t) but the one month mark passed and we somehow had a routine. There are still days when I feel a bit defeated (yesterday was one!) when I think to myself, “what the heck am I doing?!?”. But I look at Harlee smiling and then get an encouraging email from a client and then I think, “I’m awesome!”
People tell me I’m crazy for working right away, others say I got back to work too early, and other people say that I’m wonder woman. I don’t agree with any of them! Yes, I’m exhausted, but I’m happy. My husband is happy and most of all, Harlee is happy and thriving.
Looking for maternity? Read my Pregnancy Q&A, see our announcement video, and check out all of my maternity looks!
You ARE awesome 😉 Way to go mama!