Navigating a career and parenthood requires a balancing act unlike any other – it’s hard work and takes ruthless efficiency and impeccable time management.
According to Rebecca Klodinsky, Designer and Founder of celebrity-swimwear brand IIXIIST, while motherhood and entrepreneurship have been a roller coaster of ups and downs, being a mum has been the greatest asset in helping her grow as an entrepreneur.
It’s taught her how to be compassionate, and patient, and to see the beauty in all the lessons life has to offer, especially the hard ones.
Ms Klodinksy, who credits her nine years running a successful brand to understanding that there is no such thing as “normal”, says that obstacles are everywhere in both motherhood and entrepreneurship. What works for one person won’t work for the other.
She says that in both business and parenthood you need to keep moving and pivoting until you find what works.
When something doesn’t feel right, try the next best option.
Choosing that next best option will do one of two things: it will give you the clarity to move forward or the confirmation to close the door, and try again.
Tips for navigating a career and parenthood
As someone who has juggled a career and parenthood, Ms Klodinksy shares her top tips on achieving both family and career success.
- Take Care Of Yourself
Ms Klodinksy says that “entrepreneurs and parents are often terrible at taking care of themselves”.
- Mum Guilt Is Real, But It Doesn’t Make It True
“Guilt means different things to different people – a random bouquet of emotions that are as varied and motley as the next,” says Ms Klodinsky.
“However, when it comes to parent guilt, chances are you actually haven’t done anything wrong.
“Collectively, this makes a strong case: if everyone feels guilty, there is no other “better” parent to compare ourselves to.
“The truth is while parenthood is beautiful it can also be a mess.
“No real change is possible until working parents stop trying to be all things to all people—perfect at work, perfect as partners, and perfect as parents, with each role kept entirely separate.”
- There Is Always A Bigger Obstacle Ahead
“Whether it’s your career, your home life or your past; we have all gone through hardship in our lives at some point and almost on a daily basis we have to overcome obstacles,” says Ms Klodinsky.
- No One Cares About Your Business As Much As You Do
“Hard truth: no one cares about your business as much as you. It’s harsh but true,” says Ms Klodinsky.
- Trust Yourself