Quite often working moms find themselves at the heart of the controversy – what makes them tick, how they operate and how they manage life seems to be a subject of complete and utter fascination. Why else would we find entire research studies devoted to whether or not working mothers are happier and healthier than non-working mothers? Having said that, what working women do – raising children and managing a professional life – is no joke as most people find playing only one of these roles awfully challenging. On the occasion of this Mother’s Day, we asked some successful mums about how they shuttle between these two extremely important roles in their life. Read ahead to understand how easy/difficult it is to strike a balance between being a good mother and professional…
Text: ANAHITA AHUJA
RAJYALAKSHMI GUBBA, Designer, Rajyalakshmi Heritage Banaras Sarees says that “It is certainly a tightrope act, difficult but not impossible. Millions of women are doing it and I am no exception. But then, being a mother itself is a full-time job and to carve out time to run a successful business venture requires creativity and superhuman time management and organization skills. Can’t say that I’ve mastered them but yes I’ve certainly figured out what works for my family and business most of the time. Depending on what the situation demands, you sometimes give priority to work and other times to being a mother. One thing I’ve promised myself I’d never miss are, the milestone days… and then there’s the phone which is a big help as I manage a lot of work through it. Raising kids and raising a business both require time and dedication. It is then the choices we make daily that helps keep the balance. I don’t micromanage my children’s lives and I don’t have to create a Pinterest worthy home. That perception shift has helped a lot. Children don’t need a mother hovering above their heads all the time. But the business needs full-time attention and I ensure I am completely focused on work when I am at the store. Children know they cannot disturb mom at that time. They get my full attention at home. Scheduling plays a huge part in keeping the ball rolling. Compartmentalising business and motherhood has worked (till now!) and accepting that there will be times when tough decisions will need to be taken have helped me keep my mental balance. I believe, when a woman is balanced inside her mind she can balance multiple universes.”
