We continue our working moms Q+A series in celebration of National Women’s Equality Day with a conversation with Prasanthi Duddu, Senior Analyst – Data and Analytics. Prasanthi shared her advice for working moms, the most rewarding aspects of her job and more!
As we continue to work remotely and remain socially distant, how do you balance work and home demands?
Initially, it was really challenging to work from home with an infant. As long as I had help from my mother-in-law, I was fairly able to manage work and home demands as there was a third person to look after the baby. With her gone, however, I had to resort to childcare as the baby doesn’t allow me to work without interruptions. With all of the precautions and social distancing measures our daycare was taking per CDC guidelines, bringing in childcare seemed like my best option. With that sorted, I am able to manage my work and personal life schedules, and everything falls into a routine.
What is your best piece of advice for working moms?
Never ever feel guilty for the choices you make. You're setting an example to your child that you are working to help someone, and that's how they should also be. Some days are harder than others, but your children will always love you no matter what. If you're exhausted, always ask for help and take all the help anyone is offering you.
What do you find to be the most rewarding part about your job? Most challenging?
The most rewarding parts of my job are the flexible hours, recognition and opportunities I am always provided - and of course the people I work with. They are the best part of North Highland.
The most challenging part is to work extended hours as before the pandemic - with the baby being at home and the responsibility falling on us moms, either intentionally or unintentionally, to balance work -life demands. It can make working late hours nearly impossible when needed.
What has been the biggest factor in your success?
The biggest factor to my success has been the amazing managers (mostly women), leaders and co-workers I have worked with who guide me both personally and professionally through real life scenarios and experiences
Additionally, having a strong supportive partner or family members who are on-board with your ideas and are able to take equal responsibility of kids and personal life also contributes to one's success story.
What do you wish others knew about being a working mom?
All moms are marvelous, but working moms go through much more mental stress and pressure of handling the work and home responsibilities. Also there's always that “mom guilt” of not being there for the kids as much as they wish, so when you meet a working mom just tell her how awesome she is and gift her some self-care time (watch those kids for few hours or do her grocery shopping or just get her an ice cream!)
Click here to check out part one of the series!