Dear Son: Words of Wisdom from Your Working Momma

Dear son,

As I was sitting at a packed conference room table the other day, I glanced around and it dawned on me…I was one of only two women in that room. I’ve been in a male-dominated industry my entire career. Generally, I no longer think about how often I’m in the minority. Then it popped into my head. One day, you’ll be entering the workforce. You’ll be one of the men sitting at this table. Over the next 20 years, it’s my responsibility to help you be a better colleague, supervisor and spouse to a woman like me.

Work Ethic 
Women are hard workers. Did you know that I get up about an hour before you so that I can get in some treadmill time and check my work email? Before you came along, I’d been working full time for 15 years. I put in long hours, worked my way up in the ladder and got immense satisfaction from my job. I tell you this because I want you to know that my career is an important part of who I am and how I became the mom that I am to you.

Sacrifice
Women sacrifice daily to strike balance between work and home. Yes, I’m able to I drop you off at school. But I rarely get to see that pure joy on your face as you race out on to the sidewalk for pickup. A day off. What’s that? I hoard my days for when you are sick or a chance for a family vacation. While I’ve been fortunate that being a mom hasn’t stopped my career growth, there are times that women have to make a choice. It’s a choice they shouldn’t have to make.

Equality
Yes, we want to be the boss at home and at work. We want to prove our worth and deserve to have the same opportunities as men. I hope that when you start working, the terms “shattering the glass ceiling” and “leaning in” won’t have to be used as often or perhaps will be only in history books. We deserve the chance to show men that we can be their equal.

Priorities
Now son, I don’t claim to be Wonder Mom. In fact, I’m sure that I fall short most days. But, I want you to know that I try my hardest each and every day to be successful professional and mom. Part of my job as your parent is to teach you about the world and help you become a contributing member of society. Being at work isn’t a decision I take lightly, but I’m hopeful that each day you will grow to understand why I spend time away from you. And that when I’m at home, I’m focused on you.

Hope
My hope is that I’m setting an example for you. That one day you’ll respect the decision I made. That you’ll look for these same values in your wife. That when you are a boss, you’ll see the valuable contributions the women in your company make. That you’ll show compassion for both men and women who are parents and just doing their best each day trying to juggle this thing we call life. Most of all, my hope is that this is the kind of person you’ll want to be.

All my love,

Momma

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