Happy International Women’s Day 2023!
A couple of years ago I wrote about how I felt the workplace had badly let me down, and International Women’s Day brought grief rather than celebration.
I didn’t feel powerful as a woman as I felt that becoming a mum killed my career, the career I had spent my twenties exclusively building… for what?! I hadn’t planned to experience that or feel that way, and it took some time to readjust and work out how to move myself forward.
I don’t need to repeat those frustrations and everything I felt at the time, you can read it here.
So, two years on and how do I feel about International Women’s Day? Well, a bit the same to be honest, I think too many companies suddenly jump on the hashtag for something to share, mixed with a handful of men on socials saying, “where’s our International Men’s Day?!”
And have things improved for women? Not really. The world feels very unsafe at the moment, and here in the UK costs of living are rising. For parents, soaring childcare costs mean many families are trying to calculate if both parents going to work is actually worth it, yet meanwhile the government recently released a concern for population numbers and encouraged families to consider having more children(?!).
My week, my life, is a juggle, as it is for most. I am grateful to be afforded the flexibility to manage my time between looking after my two young sons and their activities; keeping on top of housework; working a part-time digital marketing role, and a bit of freelancing here and there. Plus, a million other things I seem to constantly keep adding to my never-ending to-do lists.
But I am learning to grasp those snippets of opportunity where I get to claim a bit of time back for myself. This can be from enjoying time in the garden, taking myself out for a coffee with a book, time with friends, and my weekly Pilates class.
I recognise that if I start becoming a bit shouty mum, I need a time out and change of scenery.
I wouldn’t say I feel powerful, but I empower capability. I’m tired, I’m often a bit stressed, but I know I am capable and that’s what I take with me through each day now.
What my twenties did teach me about work, is that despite pushing for the highest position I could get, I actually didn’t much like the top. But I did learn that I am a great assistant, somebody’s right (or left) hand so to speak, the supporting force behind the leader, with my own set of responsibilities.
I am INCREDIBLY grateful for the work opportunity that came my way almost a year ago. The people who gave me my break in marketing back in 2013 got me back onboard. After a few rubbish years it’s been like the (my) universe realigning itself.
In the great plan of life, maybe I had to go through the turbulence and disruption to be able to take this latest opportunity, and learn those key things about myself, particularly in work. A bit like, everything happens for a reason; shit at the time but in the long run it all worked out.
Why am I telling you all this? I don’t know. I think from the place I was this time two years ago to where I am now, I’m trying to explain how everything sort of works itself out. You learn to adjust and find the things that fit into your life as it develops, and it’s the unexpected things that bring the most potential for helping you find fulfillment.
But most importantly, I know who I am, I understand my weaknesses, and I know I am capable.
Until next time x
