- Life before kids, and the tough transition to going back to work after maternity leave
- The stress of the routine, the long hours, and the long commute as a working mom
- Her decision to take a break from her corporate job to spend more time with her kids
- Starting her blog, charminglybold.com
- The demanding workload at her corporate job, and trying to balance getting the work done and maintaining her family and home
- Leaving her mark at the company she had worked for: an employee resource group called Parents Working Together; how she got it started and what it grew into
- Finding your mom tribe in the workplace
- Working mom guilt and work/life integration
- How she was able to reconcile letting go of her salary, both financially and emotionally
- If she’s enjoying being a stay at home mom
- Always leading with kindness and why you shouldn’t judge other moms for the decisions they make for their families
Carrie’s favorite quotes from the interview:
“Time goes by so quickly, you have to appreciate it.”
“Is it great to have disposable income? For sure. But can you do without? Absolutely.”
“I needed to make the choice that was right thing for me and right for my family. Was that scary? Oh my goodness, yes. Very scary. Am I still scared about everything? Yes, but it was the right decision.”
“Your kids won’t remember a perfect home, but they will remember spending time with you.”
Listen below or subscribe in iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play!
Jennifer talks motherhood…
What would you tell an expecting mom about the experience of being a mother?
Being a mom is the toughest and most rewarding experience of your life. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Instead, remember to always appreciate the moments and to laugh often.
What is the hardest part about being a mom?
The hardest part of being a mom is feeling pulled in a million directions at all points in time. And the constant exhaustion!
What is your favorite part about being a mom? What makes all the hard stuff worth it?
My favorite part of being a mom is seeing my girls grow into strong and confident young ladies. The intense love a mother feels for her children is incredible. Even on my toughest days, seeing those smiling faces and wrapping my girls in giant hugs makes me remember why I am doing all I do.
About Jennifer…
I am the mom of two beautiful little girls (ages 4 and 7) who believes strongly in the power of kindness and that we are stronger together. A fashionista and beauty enthusiast (who might have a shoe obsession), I celebrate what makes us all unique, follow the Golden Rule, speak my mind, and never ever pay full-price for anything.
You can find Jennifer musing on fashion, parenting, and more at her blog, Charmingly Bold. If you would like to chat with Jennifer about starting a mom/family/parent employee resource group at your company, you can contact her here!
Hey there! I'm Carrie Rubin, the Boss Lady & CMO (Chief Mom Officer) here at The Modern Mom Society. I'm a wife and mom of 2 living in Chicago. I love hearing people's stories... click here to hear mine!
Thank you for providing this platform for Jen to express her thoughts on this subject. I am so proud of the things that she has accomplished as both a woman with a career as well as as a mother. It makes me realize that as her mother, who taught 30 + dance classes weekly when she was young, and juggled my studio and home life, that she still turned out to become a wonderful woman and mother. It is difficult to juggle both as you beautiful young women of today realize. I love that these blogs and podcasts, etc. are available to give support to each other. To all of you incredible young women “doing it all” know that you are amazing. Just remember to put yourself into the equation. (((hugs))) It’s OK to ask for help.
You should be proud, Jen is an incredible woman! Thanks for listening in and for being a great role model for your daughter. 🙂