Recognize and accept that it's impossible to have balance at any given time or moment. We're always having to choose between work, parenting, self-care, and relationship care. It's an average over a long period of time.
Name:
Carolyn Yian
Current Occupation:
Freelance Strategy Director (currently with 180LA )
# of Children and their Ages:
1 son (Skyler), age 12
What do you love about being a working mom?
What I love most about being a working mom is being able to connect and collaborate with other interesting, smart and diverse grownups in the working world!
What is the biggest challenge of being a working mom?
The biggest challenge I face is being completely present with my child when I have a long to-do list lingering in the back of my head at all times.
What tips do you have for other working moms?
Tips I have for other working moms:
- Take things day by day so you don't get overwhelmed. At the end of each day think of a couple things that went well (even small wins, like getting your kid to eat a balanced meal) and a few things you're grateful for (no matter how seemingly small). I keep a gratitude journal and it's cool to look back on pages and pages of things I've listed over the years that bring me glimmers of joy and satisfaction.
- Recognize and accept that it's impossible to have balance at any given time or moment. We're always having to choose between work, parenting, self-care, and relationship care. It's an average over a long period of time.
- Remember that only you know what works best for you and your family and kids.
It doesn't matter what's out there on Instagram or what other parents are doing.
Any relationship tips for working moms?
I've found constant check-ins and openly (even overly) communicating with my partner to be important, especially during times I feel more stressed and anxious. My tendency is to internalize things, but I've found that verbalizing what I'm going through to my partner helps us navigate challenging times as a team.
What's the best piece of advice your own mother gave you?
Don't be afraid to ask questions, or ask for what you want!
What stresses you out?
Thinking too far into the future stresses me out. I like to have a plan for everything, and when I start thinking about things like my kid applying to/going off to college, or what the second half of my life might look like, I start to freak out.
How do you mother yourself?
Mothering myself usually entails getting outside or being active in some form. I go for walks with my dog while listening to podcasts, journal, and. set aside time to exercise (almost) every morning to start the day.
I try to listen to my body and take rest days without feeling guilty.
