As we approach Mother’s Day, today’s writing is inspired by women who have the audacity to pursue the lives they desire. I crafted my own business based on a vision I had for my life. I wanted more control and flexibility so that I could be more present for the people and events that mattered to me the most. I will admit that it hasn’t always been easy and at times reality appeared to be opposite my vision. But this is a process. Building takes time. So, I keep my eyes focused on my end goal. I am inspired by so many women before me and around me. One such woman is my mother.
In 1971 when I was born, my mother worked as a secretary at our local city hall. At that time, some women stayed home after they had children. But, in my family, both my parents worked to provide a comfortable life for our family. My mother enjoyed her work, mixing with people, and being productive outside the home.
The fact that my mother worked during her pregnancy and dared to want to return angered some of the men in charge. One man in particular, the finance director, told another pregnant employee in his department that she was “grotesque in flaunting her disfigurement to the public.” This was the mentality at this time in her place of work. When my mother shared this with me, I laughed in disbelief. Now, it’s funny, but at the time, I would have been horrified and furious. This same man forced my mother to withdraw all her money from the pension when I was born because he felt she wouldn’t need it since she would be staying home.
But she persisted.
My mother had a vision for her career and her family. She desired to have both, so she crafted a life that worked for our family. This involved finding ways to make it work that included me spending my earliest days with my great grandparents (a blessing) before entering pre-school, sending us to an elementary school next door to where she worked, hand-selecting every elementary school teacher, and having the flexibility that allowed her to shuttle us to tap, swim, ballet, the orthodontist, and later track practice.
All right, back to my pregnant mother. My mom surveyed surrounding municipalities on their current maternity practices then created a report summarizing her findings, which she sent to the men in charge. The other cities had maternity policies, but University City did not. This started the ball rolling and they ultimately created a policy. My mother was the first woman to have maternity leave in the University City government system. She was able to take 6 whole weeks.
As for the pension, at her retirement many years later, the previous actions of the finance director were ignored. She received the full pension (yes, I know, what’s a pension!!!)
I share this today because, like my mom, I am building towards a lifestyle that works for me and my family. It isn’t all about revenue streams for me. My path is not the one most traveled. People have questioned my path, told me it wouldn’t work, and pushed back against my plans. As fellow entrepreneurs, I know you have a vision too. And if you have a vision, you probably have experienced detractors, naysayers, haters.
Today’s blog is purely inspirational. I see you. And, I am here to support you when you need me.
So, go for it! Whatever “it” is for you.
If you enjoy these blogs or follow me on social and you are interested in learning more about building profitable businesses and receiving a dash of inspiration here and there go HERE to sign up to receive more of the same to your inbox.