When it comes to the workplace, discrimination against working mothers is still a harsh reality. Despite the lack of legal protections, many moms find themselves facing unfair treatment such as being passed over for promotions and dealing with stereotypes about their abilities. Personally, I have experienced discrimination as a working mother multiple times since 1997. I have missed out on promotions and even had to step down from leadership roles due to the discrimination I encountered.
From the moment that pregnancy test showed a positive result, I have been fighting for equality both at work and at home. The challenges of limited paid leave, expensive childcare, and discrimination made the early years of my career incredibly difficult, and for countless Americans, it remains nearly impossible to balance work and family.
At 24 years old, I became a mother for the first time. Newly navigating adulthood, marriage, and homeownership, I was unaware of the significant gender disparities stacked against me. It wasn’t until I entered this new phase of life that I realized I was constantly being undervalued and discounted.
Research has shown that new mothers who take less than eight weeks of paid maternity leave are at a higher risk for depression and overall poor health. However, many working parents, like myself, are unable to take the time off they need due to financial constraints. The cost of childcare is exorbitant, with the average price for center-based care exceeding in-state public college tuition in 34 states.
Returning to work after maternity leave was a soul-crushing experience when I discovered that a newly hired colleague had been promoted over me. Despite my qualifications, I was overlooked, and this is a scenario that many working parents, especially mothers, can relate to.
Struggling to pick up my son on time each day due to rigid office hours while facing judgment for leaving promptly at 5:30 pm highlighted the challenges faced by working mothers. The pressures of managing childcare often harm the careers of mothers more than fathers, with women being 40% more likely to report negative impacts on their work.
Tip 1: Change starts at home
It is crucial to address and challenge traditional gender roles within the household. Parenting responsibilities should be shared equally between partners to create a more balanced and supportive environment for working mothers.
My personal journey led me to make difficult decisions, such as leaving my job to start my own in-home daycare to better balance work and family commitments. Taking control of my circumstances was the first step in creating a more fulfilling career.
Tip 2: Take matters into your own hands
Empower yourself to make bold choices that align with your priorities and values. When faced with limited options, creating your own opportunities can lead to a more sustainable and rewarding career path.
After navigating the challenges of working during a recession and juggling multiple responsibilities, I eventually found success by starting my freelance business, which later blossomed into a thriving marketing agency.
Tip 3: Think long-term, act short-term
In times of uncertainty, it’s essential to focus on both short-term survival and long-term growth. Embrace flexibility and adaptability to navigate through challenges while keeping your end goals in mind.
My journey involved balancing full-time work, freelancing, and family commitments to achieve financial stability and position myself for future business ventures.
Tip 4: Look for opportunities
When faced with obstacles, seek out opportunities for growth and development. Embrace change and innovation to stay ahead in a competitive market and leverage your skills for maximum impact.
By pivoting during challenging times and diversifying my client base, I was able to expand my freelance business and eventually transition into running my marketing agency.
Tip 5: Be open
Remain open to new possibilities and collaborations that can propel your career to new heights. Embrace learning and growth opportunities that challenge you to expand your skills and expertise.
Stepping outside my comfort zone led me to take on a leadership role in a content writing department, where I learned invaluable skills that later fueled the launch of my own marketing agency.
Tip 6: Remember that actions speak louder than words
Believe in your worth and prioritize environments that support your growth and well-being. Recognize when it’s time to walk away from toxic work cultures and advocate for equal opportunities for all individuals.
Facing resistance and inequality in the workplace, I made the difficult decision to leave a promising role and lead my agency independently, maintaining my integrity and values.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day and honor the vital role of mothers in society, it’s essential for companies to prioritize policies that support working parents. Providing paid leave and promoting work-life balance can empower employees to excel both at work and at home.
It’s time for real change in how we support and value working parents, and the implementation of paid family leave laws is a crucial step towards achieving gender equality in the workplace.
Remember, your worth as a working mother is invaluable, and it’s vital to align yourself with organizations that recognize and appreciate your contributions.