After welcoming my second child into the world, I returned to my professional life, eager to embrace my new role in the corporate sphere. I was excited to rejoin the fast-paced environment of trading and was determined that my responsibilities as a mother wouldn’t hinder my ambitions. However, shortly after my return, my caregiver called to inform me that she was unwell and unable to watch my children. Faced with this challenge, I immediately thought about how I could possibly explain my need to leave work to my supervisor. Instead, I reached out to my partner for assistance. As I hung up, a familiar thought crept in: Can I really manage both work and family?
For every individual grappling with the question of balancing career and family life, the insights from Laura Vanderkam’s book, I Know How She Does It: How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time, offer valuable guidance. Vanderkam interviewed 143 accomplished mothers, asking them to document their week in half-hour increments. Her goal was to demonstrate how these women truly navigate their busy lives, countering the common narrative that achieving a perfect balance is unattainable.
While the sample size may be small, the implications of Vanderkam’s findings are significant. These mothers manage to prioritize sleep, quality family time, leisure activities, and professional responsibilities. They achieve this by narrowing their focus to what genuinely matters and strategically scheduling their tasks throughout the week.
Vanderkam emphasizes an essential lesson: while some days may feel overwhelming, it doesn’t mean that life can’t be fulfilling. The key is recognizing that daily balance may fluctuate, but over time, it can normalize. She encourages women to abandon the pursuit of a spotless home or a flawless life presentation. Instead, they should embrace assistance and relinquish the mental barriers that constrain their time management.
A pivotal takeaway from her work is the notion that many of us possess far more time than we realize. I once faced a daunting deadline for a book, mistakenly believing it was due months later than it actually was. When I returned home from a trip and succumbed to jet lag, I discovered that I could be remarkably productive during the early morning hours, often achieving more in a few hours than I would during an entire afternoon.
As summer unfolded, I adjusted my schedule, waking at dawn to write before my children’s activities and then continuing my work afterward. This approach enabled me to meet my deadline, reinforcing Vanderkam’s assertion that time can be flexible and, when managed effectively, can reveal hours we didn’t know we had.
Vanderkam’s message is clear: women can successfully intertwine family life, career aspirations, and personal time. For anyone doubting their capability to balance these aspects, she offers practical strategies and encouragement. If you’re contemplating the feasibility of managing both work and family, rest assured—the answer is a resounding yes.
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In summary, balancing work and family life is indeed possible with careful planning and a willingness to adapt. Women can find ways to thrive in both their professional and personal spheres, as evidenced by the experiences shared by Vanderkam and those she studied.
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