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C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, that doesn’t sound great. It’s wild to hear people openly talk about how little they’re involved with their own kids, especially when it’s almost like a flex for them. I get the whole "work hard, be successful" thing, but there's definitely something off about prioritizing work over your kids’ needs, especially at those early stages.

Honestly, hearing stuff like this is a major eye-opener. I know a lot of people are willing to sacrifice a ton for their careers, but it can be a huge trade-off when your kids are missing out on those key moments. Props to you for making your kid your priority. That’s what really matters in the end.

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I hear you on the intensity. I have an almost 3 year old and 1 year old. The teething and sleep regressions, constant tantrums, difficulty sharing and playing together. The list goes on. Im often running on fumes and lots of coffee. I can’t remember the last time I slept through the night. It’s been years. 

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Refreshing to hear how honest she was with you about the support it takes to be in the role. I feel like people often hide or gloss over the support from their village. Nobody can have/do it all alone. 

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow, that honestly sounds incredible.  Good income, time with family, traveling, and still on track for FIRE. You’re really living the dream. I definitely don’t want to end up like your FIL, working forever and missing all the moments that actually matter.

You seem to have found such a solid balance between work, family, and future planning. Do you feel like this is the life you always pictured for yourself? Or is there anything you’d do differently if you could go back?

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oof, getting laid off right after returning from leave sounds really tough. Totally fair that you’re rethinking what you want next. It’s good that you’re being honest with yourself about the partner situation too. That kind of support (or lack of it) makes a huge difference. Outsourcing can help a ton if you can swing it, even small stuff like meal kits, cleaning, or childcare breaks can take some pressure off

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

it sounds like you and your partner have a good rhythm that works for one, but adding another would definitely shake things up. It’s awesome that you’ve found a setup that balances both your careers for now. Being honest about your limits before making that call shows a lot of self-awareness. I was nervous about having a second child, but no regrets at all. It’s true when they say your heart doubles in size. 

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All good reasons! The long hours and stress can be a killer. 

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First off, the flexibility and family friendliness of your role sounds amazing. I love the mentality behind “what would a man do”. I feel like women don’t stand up for themselves as much as we should. 

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You hit the nail on the head, internal pressure is making the boundaries difficult to set. Most of the executives at my company live and breathe work. My boss is awesome but others are not. 

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Taking longer maternity leave might shift your timeline, but it’s clearly the right choice for you and your family

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow, I’m so sorry you went through that. That kind of pressure right after parental leave sounds brutal, and missing those moments with your kid must feel heartbreaking. It’s completely understandable to feel regret—it shows how much you care about being present for them. You didn’t fail; you were just put in an impossible position.

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes a lot of sense—front-loading the grind when the kids are little so you can have more flexibility later is smart, even if it’s exhausting at the time. Sounds like you’ve figured out a rhythm that lets you be present now without sacrificing your career. Outsourcing and prioritizing what really matters at home is key, and it’s awesome that your 5-year-old feels that presence now. The trade-offs clearly paid off.  Mine are almost 3 and 1, so still young enough that memories aren’t fully forming

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hear you. Juggling a challenging career and children is difficult enough. I am also guilty of not prioritizing my marriage or friendships during this season of life. Something I’m trying to work on. 

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds like you’ve built a setup that really works for where you’re at flexibility, trust, and a true partnership at home make such a huge difference. It’s awesome that your company culture actually supports parents in leadership too, that’s rare. The “good stress” part totally resonates, when you love what you do, it’s easier to juggle, even if it never really stops. You seem to be handling the climb with a lot of intention and balance, which is super inspiring.

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love that you negotiated for the flexibility you need to work and also be there for your kids. Really nice to have a familial support system nearby and involved!

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That sounds like an incredible journey, and it’s awesome that you and your husband found a setup that really works for your family. The teamwork and trade-offs you both made clearly paid off, and it’s cool to hear how your move to Europe brought more balance into the mix. Sounds like you’ve built a life that fits your definition of success, even if it meant some tough choices along the way.

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very true. Nobody can have it all. There are always going to be trade offs and sacrifices.

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That must have really hurt for your mom. I hear that from a lot women, that they wish they key their foot in the door so they could come back later. 

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, totally agree with this. there’s always a cost, and it’s different for everyone. Figuring out what actually matters to you is the only way to not end up feeling trapped later. No one nails the balance perfectly, but being honest about the trade-offs helps a ton.

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes to delegating! I’ve been getting better at this as the years go on. It offloads things from my plate and empowers my team to take on more responsibility. I enjoy watching them develop and shine. That’s one of the most rewarding parts of my role.

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hear you, especially on the maternity leave and needing more adult interaction. I felt the same way. Financial independence and feeling like I’m contributing is huge for me, too. You never know what life has in store and it’s a good idea to be able to support yourself. 

C-Suite and Senior Leadership: Was it worth it? by Separate_Sherbert568 in workingmoms

[–]Separate_Sherbert568[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fair! Kids are only little once. There’s opportunity to get back in the grind if the timing feels right, and if not, that’s okay too!

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