Today, I’m sharing part of my story of stepping into the role of ‘mompreneur’ and the emotional journey I took to get there — phew, light topic, right?
Before I get started, I want to take a minute to acknowledge that every journey into parenthood looks so different. While this article shares my personal experiences with motherhood and how it changed the way I saw my career, for some women, it might not change a thing, and that's completely okay! Whether you're a new mom exploring career changes, a seasoned parent balancing work and family, or someone who found stability in their current path after having children, your journey is uniquely and beautifully yours.
No matter what your experience was (or will be) I hope you know there’s a seat at the table for you here. I welcome all perspectives, and I hope reading my story resonates or inspires you with insight into the multifaceted world of motherhood and entrepreneurship.
We can’t talk about the emotions of motherhood without addressing the very real role of matrescence. What is it? Matrescence is a proven concept that describes the complex transition a woman goes through when becoming a mother. It's not just a physical transformation; it involves significant changes in the brain's structure and function. What’s more, this neuroplasticity, or the ability of the brain to adapt, continues throughout a mother's life.
Even though it may look different for each mom, 100% of new moms experience matrescence. It's not just about those obvious physical changes (though trust me, those are there too!). It can also be about the new waves of emotion and the way you suddenly start seeing the world — and yourself — differently.
Maybe you had a mix of joy and fear when you held your baby for the first time. Or perhaps you had unexpected thoughts about your career? Yep, that's matrescence.
Your relationships with your partner, family, and friends might shift a bit — for better or for worse! You're not just you anymore; you're a mom! And that brings a whole new identity along with it. You may begin to reevaluate your roles, your priorities, and even your dreams.
Here's where things get interesting. Becoming a mom might make you think about your career in a whole new light. Suddenly, those professional aspirations might take a backseat to family time, or perhaps they evolve into something new and exciting. Or, maybe your career and ambition stay the same? It’s different for everyone.
The tricky thing about matrescence is that, even if you know it's coming, you will never know for sure how motherhood will change you until you get there. It's an experience as unique as each mother, woven with personal beliefs, relationships, and individual nuances. Even with all the anticipation, preparation, and conversations with other moms, the transformation can catch you off guard. You might find new passions ignited or old priorities shifted. Some find comfort in the familiar roles, while others feel a stirring to explore new paths.
Okay, now that we’ve unpacked matrescence, here’s what happened to me.
While I was working as a full-time pharmacist and pregnant with my son, I started selling real estate during evenings and weekends. Luckily, I have such a passion for real estate that all the extra time “working” didn’t feel like work. While I look back at those crazy months and wonder how in the world I had time for everything, I’m thankful for it, because it allowed me to dip my toes into entrepreneurship and see what was possible. It also gave me a starting point to establish myself as a local real estate agent.
For me, becoming a mom was a wake-up call to my professional life. I had a job I loved, but after meeting my baby boy, my heart and mind felt like there was something different out there for me. My focus was not just about my career anymore, it was about my baby — and all I wanted was to be home with him more.
So, I decided to leave my full-time job as a pharmacist to be home with him. The shift of being home ended up allowing me to dive more into real estate due to its flexibility, as well as work as a pharmacy career coach to help other pharmacists find jobs they love. A flexible schedule isn’t just a desire; it is a need to align my life with what matters most — and for the season of life I am in, that is quality time with my son.
Being a mompreneur is more than just a trendy term; it's a lifestyle. It's about recognizing that you don't have to choose between a rewarding career and quality family time. You can find harmony in both.
My experiences in motherhood have shaped my entrepreneurial journey in ways I never anticipated. They have infused my work with empathy, drive, and a unique understanding of the needs of the clients I work with.
From mom to mompreneur, the journey is an emotional rollercoaster filled with highs, lows, self-discovery, and empowerment. It's a path that leads to a fulfilling balance between career and family life, honoring the complexities and beauty of being both a mom and an entrepreneur.
I believe in building a community in Erie, PA that supports work-life-family harmony. With every family I help, and every mompreneur I mentor, I move one step closer to this goal. If you feel the pull towards entrepreneurship, if you desire a life that doesn't compromise your family's needs, let’s connect! Contact me today.
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