New Job, New Challenges
Vol. 1, No. 30
You’re reading Modern Motherhood Musings, a weekly newsletter written from one mom to another. Each week I share an honest reflection on motherhood, and a collection of things bringing me joy. I’m passionate about community, and I hope that by sharing our stories, we all feel a little less alone. Disclosure: Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
📝 This week’s musing…
I started a new role at work, and trust me when I tell you, I am flailing hard.
There hasn't been a day since I made this transition when I haven't second-guessed myself, felt major imposter syndrome, or significantly messed up. I find myself constantly seeking validation or asking everyone for permission to do the job that I know how to do.
I have over a decade of experience doing this work, but I still don't trust myself.
But being a mom? It's the only job I've ever had where I've had zero prior experience but felt 100% prepared. I'm not saying I won't mess up; I do that multiple times before we've even finished breakfast, but I feel 100% confident in my ability to love my kids, advocate for them, and protect them.
Think about how incredible we are as women. We give birth one day, and the next, we're sent on down the road with a newborn baby and a couple of extra diapers while the nurses and doctors yell, "Good luck!" Overnight, we're promoted to "mom," and we're expected to not just survive but to thrive.
What other job in the world do you get with zero experience, no proven track record, and, oh yeah, someone's life depends on it?
We’re constantly living through new experiences and stepping into unknown environments - navigating a learning disability, figuring out the school lottery system, or tackling potty training.
If you're feeling down, discouraged, in your professional life, I'm here to remind you of how incredible you're doing in your role as "mom."
You push through daily to perform your job. You work through anxiety, depression, burnout, and a whole host of other issues that the world never sees, showcasing your resilience and strength.
You spend nights tossing and turning, anxious about every circumstance, situation, and possibility. You do the research, weigh all the options, and worry about the whole world, so your kids don't have to.
You stay up late doing laundry so their favorite T-shirt is ready for them to wear on the first day of school. You make that last-minute trip to the grocery store so that they have their favorite snack in their lunchbox.
You remember to make the doctor appointments, sign up to volunteer at school, find sitters, and keep track of the extensive family calendar. You miss work to be there for their swim lessons, even if it means falling a bit behind.
You figure out how to make blueberry muffins without blueberries because that's what they requested, and you'll make it happen.
The next time you're needing some confidence at work, think back through all that motherhood has taught you. You’ve built a pretty impressive resume. You can multitask like a mother, manage the most stressful situations, and think on your feet. You’ve essentially earned an advanced degree in Operations.
I am so thankful I get to do this job every day.
Managing swim lessons one hour, and conference calls the next.
✨ Friday favorites…
🩳 Like a true millennial, I’m still wearing my Nike run shorts from my college days. I decided it was time for an upgrade and I’ve been really impressed with these athletic shorts. They’re comfortable, not too short, and have pockets!
📚 If you’re a reader, you have to check out ThriftBooks. They sell tons of used books at great prices, and shipping is free for all orders over $15.
🍷My dad gave me this freezable wine bag and I’ve loved using it this summer! It’s keeps my wine chilled when I walk down the street for neighborhood mom’s wine night!
👯♀️ From one mom, to another…
Your words of wisdom, best piece of advice, and favorite hacks can make a difference in another mom’s journey. What has helped you survive this season? Email me to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
❝
Buy one color sock for each kid. For example, one kid gets green socks, one gets orange, and one gets blue. It’ll make sorting and putting them away so much easier.
Sarah E. - Houston, TX
🎉 In honor of this being the 30th edition of Modern Motherhood Musings, I thought it would be fun to do a little giveaway. Everyone who was subscribed as of midnight last night was entered to win.
Congratulations to Meghan Downs, you’re the winner of a $30 Amazon gift card! Reply to this email to claim your prize.
Happy Friday, Friends! Thank you ALL for being here, it means the world.
