Twentieth International Conference on Knowledge, Culture, and Change in Organizations

Abstract

I think its important right from the start of my presentation to make it clear that I’m not a subject matter expert in “work life balance” in that I have no white papers, no tests, or case studies that I’ve performed, no PhD in Woman and Gender studies, etc. More importantly, I’m not presenting on this topic to offer any kind of solution or “aha moment” for the audience. I’m simply a woman who was career focused before having kids, and now, since having kids, I have become completely consumed with the internal, daily struggle, between wanting to climb the ladder, but also be a present and attentive mother. My presentation starts off with a little bit about me, and then breaks out into more of a discussion with the audience, that I guide and keep on track with key topics and reflections. Key topic include “mom guilt,” child care, the “sick day dilemma,” personal time, keeping up with the moms vs. keeping up with the co-workers, etc. The discussion should be a safe place, where women can talk about their struggles, set-backs, successes, and ways in which they cope with often dueling priorities. Again, I don’t believe that this discussion is meant to offer any definitive solutions, but rather to give other women resources (which I do offer) if they are struggling, in addition to hearing each other’s coping skills.