Jenna

Director, Digital Marketing Acquisition

Mom to Claire & Kate

Childcare: Daycare

What did you struggle with most about returning to work after having your kids?

“I felt guilty for wanting to go back to work, to something I loved, and was good at, with friends who I enjoyed spending my 9-5 with.”

The guilt! When I had my first, it was gut-wrenching handing her over as 12 weeks to a stranger. She was SO little, and it broke my heart to think of someone else spending more of her waking hours with her now than I would. At the same time, I felt guilty for wanting to go back to work, to something I loved, and was good at, with friends who I enjoyed spending my 9-5 with. When I had my 2nd, I had a much longer leave, which made a world of difference. By the 6 month mark, I was ready and comfortable sending her to daycare to head back to the office.

What do you find difficult about being a working parent?

Managing time, and finding a balance. Morning are a mad rush to get everyone ready and out of the house on time. Likewise, after work is still whirlwind of dinner, baths, and getting everyone to bed, while still fitting in time to have fun, play outside, etc.

What do you enjoy about being a working parent?

I’m more patient when I’m not spending the entire day with them, and really value the time we do get.

I like that I get to miss my girls. The work day flies by, and every day I look forward to seeing their little smiles when I get home. I’m more patient when I’m not spending the entire day with them, and really value the time we do get. I also like the financial benefits. My working allows us to do more things – more vacations, impromptu trips to Build-A-Bear, another pair of shoes on our (frequent!) trips to Target. All of these things are treats we don’t ever worry about being able to afford, but would likely not be as feasible if it weren’t for my salary.

After being back at work for some time, have your views about career and family changed?

Definitely. Before kids, I would stay at work as long as I wanted or needed to. I still love my job and field, and take a lot of pride in what I do. From 8-5 work is my priority and I’m completely dialed in. That said, when 5pm hits, I’m headed home to my most important job, which is being Claire and Kate’s mom.

Knowing what you know now, what’s one thing you wish you could go back in time and tell yourself as you were preparing to return to work or getting ramped up in your role?

"You can nail the boardroom meeting AND still make it to the school play, ladies!"

That as much as it feels like your heart is literally breaking in half, it REALLY will be OK! I fully support (and in many ways admire) moms who stay home with their kids, but I do think there is something incredibly beneficial for kids to see their mom killing it in the workforce. You can nail the boardroom meeting AND still make it to the school play, ladies!