Hello Felicity, tell us a bit about yourself: What do you do and how old are your children and what happens with your kids when you are at work?
I am Felicity, CEO/Founder of a startup. I have a 13 yr old boy and 11 yr old girl. We have a Spanish aupair who juggles the school runs & pick ups with the children at x2 schools. My husband take our son to the school bus and the aupair takes my daughter unless I'm working from home. Term times are easy. Holidays are a bit more complicated.
1. One word to describe how being a WoMo makes you feel?
Busy!
2. What’s the funniest experience you have had juggling kids and work?
Mainly seeing the youngsters in the office gulp as they either listen to phonecall to me from my children who try to rope me into some kind of sibling feud... or hearing about our relentlessly intense sporting / social (children's) schedule at weekends.
3. What is the one piece of advice you could offer another WoMo?
There's no right or wrong way. Just do it your way.
4. What’s the least amount of sleep you’ve gone to work on and how did you cope?
My kids are older so rarely keep me up in the night (just wait till they're teenagers...) but work keeps me awake more often than they do!!
5. What have you learned about yourself as a WoMo?
Just keep on 'keepin on'....
6. If you had a working mother’s anthem or mantra, what would it be?
"Keep Kicking & Hold On!". This only makes sense to me & is left over from when I rode horses. It was a very useful thing to have in mind when galloping towards a very large fence! The same is true now. Chickening out half way would end in a tumble.
7. What is your guilty pleasure to combat WoMo guilt the best?
I couldn't possibly say.... :)
8. Would you rather be dealing with a tantrum or presenting in a board meeting?
Actually I don't mind a tantrum... although I do occasionally get the giggles if they're being particularly revolting. Which doesn't usually help....
9. If you asked your child / children what your job is, what would they say (exact quotation if possible)?
Hmm.. will have to ask in the morning.
10. What’s the one thing you wish you’d known before you became a WoMo?
Not quite an answer to your question but the 'grass is greener' issue is an ongoing challenge for both 'stay at home' and '(paid to) work' mothers. I've done both roles & they both have highs and lows.
11. To date, what has been your best WoMo achievement?
Getting given an amazing opportunity and going for it. Instead of listening to all the very sensible voices in my heads explaining why I should do something a lot easier and better paid!!! Nothing ventured, nothing gained etc.
12. What do you want to teach your kids about working mothers?
At the end of the day you don't have to follow a set path. Careers are going to change massively by the time they are working. I've always loved the idea of life as a book with different chapters - each with a particular focus. Right now I'm in a massively exciting new phase and looking forward to what's next. You can create your own narrative.