Let’s continue to celebrate Mothers by listening to these lessons from working moms on how to overcome daily challenges and find success. We spoke to our favourite QNET mum – our CEO Malou Caluza about this, and here’s what she had to say about common challenges working moms face, how she overcomes them, and what lessons from working moms we can take away for direct selling success.
Challenge 1: You Are Constantly Grappling With Guilt
Being someone’s caretaker – whether it’s your child or your family members – means that sometimes you have to leave them so you can work. Feelings of guilt are normal when you do this but can also be overwhelming. When you feel this way, remind yourself that you are working so that they can have a better life. One of the key lessons from working moms is that as long as you dedicate intentional quality time with them after work, everything will be okay and you will feel less guilty.
Solution: Make Quality Time With Your Family A Priority.
Challenge 2: Your Priorities Are Always Questioned
Motherhood is one of those things that attracts unsolicited advice and comments like bees to honey. Friends, family and even strangers sometimes judge a person’s decision to choose work instead of being a full-time mom or caretaker. QNET CEO Malou said, “I grew up seeing my mother as the main bread winner and we’ve never questioned or took it against her on why she had to work and miss all our school events and other things, what I remember clearly is how hard she worked to be able to provide for us. Having said that, the only opinion that matters to me when it comes to this would be that of my family.”
Solution: Only YOU Know What’s Best For You. Silence Unsolicited Comments And Move On.
Challenge 3: You Are Supposed To Be An Expert Multitasker
People assume that being a mum makes you an expert at multitasking. The truth is that mothers don’t really have a choice. There’s a lot of pressure to do everything and do them all very well. As QNET CEO Malou Caluza says, “Focus on the task at hand and then move on to the next. When you’re focused, you’ll do better. You don’t have to succumb to the pressure of completing everything at the same time. Mountains are moved one rock at a time.”
Solution: Take Things One Step At A Time And Do Them Well.
Challenge 4: You Have No Time For Yourself
For most moms and caretakers, the concept of “me time” or “self-care” doesn’t exist or is seen as a luxury they can’t afford. People underestimate the sheer power of small breaks and alone time. One of the lessons from working moms to take away with you is that you NEED breaks. If you can’t commit to a full weekend away, give yourself a ten-minute tea break to start of with. Small breaks really make a difference.
Solution: Take That Offer For Help And Take A Break.
Challenge 5: You Are Expected To Be Perfect All The Time
One of the biggest lessons from working moms is that you don’t have to be perfect all the time, no matter how much of a perfectionist you are or how much pressure you feel. There’s beauty in imperfections and in doing things your own unique way. According to QNET CEO Malou Caluza, “Don’t insist on doing everything yourself simply because you think that you can do it better. Train your support system at home and at work. Let them help you and who knows, you might be pleasantly surprised with the results.”
Solution: Learn To Let Go And Delegate.
If there are experts out there to help us on balance and success, it’s Mothers. They are at the heart of any family unit and community, and have to constantly create the best lives for their loved ones on top of finding success at work. Share these lessons from working moms with your friends, and don’t forget to celebrate the mothers in your lives every day, not just on Mother’s Day.
