I have come to learn that when you encounter people who truly care about and support you—hold on to them. This people are few and far between, but when you find them, do what it takes to keep them on your team.
Recently, I have taken on a new role with Campbell Law Group, as the Chief Exploration Officer. The opportunity presented itself shortly after the release of Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In. At the time, I had been reflecting on my own career path and realized that I had spent years “leaning away from a truly fulfilling career in anticipation of being a more flexible and available mother to my someday children.” I had not expected that a rewarding and enriching professional opportunity would soon fall in my lap.
By way of background, last spring, I responded to an unconventional job posting on idealist.org for a “Kick-Ass Corporate Associate.” It was not the title the attracted me but the skillset and the focus on law and social enterprise that piqued my interest. On a whim, I applied for the position, and my working relationship with the firm has evolved ever since. Then, in mid-March of this year, the founder presented me with the opportunity to help transform the firm into a global practice focused on serving the social enterprise space. If I had to define a dream job, this role almost exactly fits the bill. He then sealed the deal by offering, “We will work around your mommy duties.” Wow. A supportive boss who understands my responsibilities outside of work and is willing to make it work…too good to be true?
After consulting with Nicole and my husband, both whole-heartedly supported my pursuing the opportunity—not just emotionally but practically. Nicole stepped up her responsibilities at Women in the Mix, and my husband and I worked together to further become co-parents and co-household managers with him assuming more childcare and home management responsibilities. I could not ask for a better support team professionally and personally. It is because of this core team who truly cares for and supports my work-life mix that I am able to embark on this new career adventure. It still might prove “too good to be true” as the reality and logistics never quite seem to unfold as “planned.” But, at least I am empowered to give it a try. It’s all an experiment – an opportunity to test and put into practice the work-life mix “how tos” that we share at Women in the Mix. I know that it’s not going to be easy, but I am hopeful that it will prove to be worth it. With caring people by my side, I know that I would rather fail trying my hardest than to fail because I haven’t tried sufficiently.
Our Featured Wixii™ profile, Joy, also shares the importance of being surrounded by supportive colleagues, particularly by working with a women-led and operated company. The supportive culture has been critical to her maintaining an enriching work-life mix. Do you have a few caring people in your life who will work around your duties, mommy-related or otherwise? If not, make it a priority to find a few. If so, cherish and cultivate those relationships—they are essential on so many levels.
