Hi Cally - Tell us about you: What do you do and how old are your children and what happens with your kids when you are at work?
I am a Business Development Director and have 4 children. They are aged 11, 9 and twins aged 7. I have a live in au pair.
1. One word to describe how being a WoMo makes you feel?
Driven
2. What’s the funniest experience you have had juggling kids and work?
When I first went back to work after I paid for all my childcare I just about broke even and on a bad day at work when everyone around me including me was having a bad day I remember saying "at least you guys are earning a salary, I am working for nothing right now!" It did make us all laugh and cheered us up a little.
3. What is the one piece of advice you could offer another WoMo?
Nothing will ever be perfect, something will have to give, don't let the guilt of not being there for the school run or bedtime or not going into work because your child is ill, get you down. Your house may not be perfect when you walk in the door ( something I have struggled with after a long day and walking into mess) Once you accept that then you are able to go with it more. Things just have to give a little.
4. What’s the least amount of sleep you’ve gone to work on and how did you cope?
4 hours, you just do, I didn't tell anyone when I started my brand new job that my one year old twins had chicken pox and I had hardly slept, I just dug deep and got on with it.
5. What have you learned about yourself as a WoMo?
How organised I am, I think this is the key to achieving motherhood and work, trying to keep on top of things with 4 kids and a 3 day a week job has been challenging but possible using my organisational skills.
6. If you had a working mother’s anthem or mantra, what would it be?
Dig deep!!
7. What is your guilty pleasure to combat WoMo guilt the best?
Lunch or a meal out.....I often tell myself I work hard so why not.
8. Would you rather be dealing with a tantrum or presenting in a board meeting?
Neither if I am perfectly honest but if I had to say one then a board meeting.
9. If you asked your child / children what your job is, what would they say (exact quotation if possible)?
I talk a lot ( I am in sales) which I suppose is pretty much it.
10. What’s the one thing you wish you’d known before you became a WoMo?
To ask advice, people with experience are so helpful, listen and then use the piece of advice that is appropriate to you.
11. To date, what has been your best WoMo achievement?
Juggling a family, a house, a husband, a job and still having a smile on my face is my biggest achievement.
12. What do you want to teach your kids about working mothers?
That anything is possible, I have been promoted at work since having children and have reached the highest level in my career, ambition never has to leave you.