The article discusses a professional's experience of returning to work after becoming a mother and the unexpected shift in work identity that followed. The author reflects on personal biases against working mothers and acknowledges struggles with balancing work and new parenthood responsibilities. Despite previous support for working moms, the author realizes the need for a more empathetic and flexible workplace. This piece emphasizes the necessity for leaders to recognize these challenges and adapt their support systems for parents in the workforce.
As a high-achieving professional, I was blindsided by how motherhood shifted my work identity. Supporting parents requires leadership that values flexibility.
I just didn't get it before I became a mom. I struggled with the things all working moms struggle with... embarrassed to excuse myself to pump.
Becoming a parent made me recognize that I carried an unconscious bias against working mothers. I hired them, but I don't know if I believed they could 'rise to the top.'
I missed the real conversations that shaped the company's direction, which happened before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m., times when I wasn't present.
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