NEW: Samantha McDonald

Her super powers did not protect my client against the prospect of children. It was time for some home truths.

Having it all

A long-standing client of mine was in a bit of a bind this week. Her business is doing quite well, although, as she sees it, it could be better; her home life is pretty good, with the recent addition of a lovely new husband; and she seems to have everything else pretty much under control.

But, last weekend, her husband started using the “C” word. You know… children. And all of a sudden, this usual Superwoman turned into a blubbering mess! “How could I possibly fit children into my life???” she cried. “How on earth am I meant to have a family and run a successful business too? The timing is just not right!”

Hmmm… After consoling her for a bit, I offered these simple words:

1. There is never a “right” time to have babies. You’ll either be too busy, too poor, too social, or something else. Get over it!
2. Running a business and raising a child is not easy, but it is more than possible. You’re not the only one. Many, many successful women have been here before you. And lived to tell the tale…
3. Children do take up time. You can’t just give birth and then hope for the best. You do need to be realistic and put in (a lot of) time. However, the rewards are far greater than you could ever imagine (in most cases).

So, my client is going to sit down with her lovely hubby this weekend and discuss their options. Now that she’s finished freaking out, she’s beginning to think that perhaps she can have it all, after all!

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