The post pandemic working mum

Over 2 million women left the workforce in 2020*, yet as we move from pandemic to endemic, not all have returned. Why is that? With school and childcare closures, juggling a full time job and home schooling like many of us, it was certainly not one of my finest moments. The demands of being a working mum, where the ideals women are being sold they can have a career and a family versus the reality check that work life balance has been spotlighted. I, like many women, have had enough.

“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.”

Dolly Parton

Even before the pandemic, we are seeing a rise in women starting businesses, those who are redefining the definition of the way women work today.

We should not have to choose between careers and raising our families.

We should not have to feel guilty to leave early to pick up our child.

We should not have to feel guilty about staying home because our child is sick.

We should not have to be passed for a promotion because we are not putting in the hours.

Kimberly-Clark has show that 70% of women have considered pursuing a business idea since becoming a mum, yet when I speak to other mums, 70% of them do not own a business. If I am lucky, I would say 20% of them own their own business.

So what is the disconnect?

Without a doubt, the roller coaster of emotions that is associated with being a solo entrepreneur is hard. Some days, you feel like you can conquer the world and other days, you question whether or not you should go back to your stable corporate role. Despite the worry about business growth and finances, there is the flexibility to adapt your working hours to fit in with your current life. This will change as your children get older and your ability to expand your business continues.

There are more and more women taking the plunge and becoming their own boss. With the growth of technology and social media, a lot of the concerns about loneliness can be filled with multitude of support groups both free and paid. Importantly, also is the ability to do things your way, and learn along the way.

But it needs determination given the chance of success of a small business folding within the first 3 years is 50-50 and making a profit is slim, the advantages of flexibility and pursuing your passion and happiness can be a lonely one.

Where do I start?

A business starts from an idea or a passion. Is there a creative hobby you can turn into a business? What are you passionate about? Have you taken a stocktake of your strengths and skills you enjoyed from your previous role to shape them into your own business.

As a coach I can help you create these ideas and passions into an action plan and to be your accountability partner to give you the best chance to be successful in meeting your goals. Not everyone who sets up their business will be an overnight success but it is not about getting it right, it is about getting it started.

Find out more about my services and how I can help you achieve your goals.

*Per the International Labour Organisation