This episode of the Suburban Burnout Podcast presents a candid conversation with Heidi Coskey, a remarkable woman who effortlessly juggles the demands of motherhood with a thriving corporate career. Heidi, a devoted mother of two boys, gives us a glimpse into her life as she navigates the delicate balance between family and professional aspirations.
With nearly two decades of dedication to the same company, Heidi represents a bygone era where loyalty and perseverance were valued virtues in corporate culture. Her upbringing, heavily influenced by her mother's pioneering role as a breadwinner in the 1980s, instilled in her a sense of determination and work ethic. Heidi's father, too, played a significant role in shaping her perspective by actively participating in domestic responsibilities—a model she now follows in her own life. Heidi admits that it has never crossed her mind that she wouldn't, couldn't, or shouldn't work full-time.
Similarly, Megan shares a background of having both parents working full-time, with her father's exemplary management of household duties leaving a lasting impression. In contrast, Laura's upbringing differed, with her father's flexible profession allowing him to be actively involved in her upbringing, while her mother didn't pursue her career aspirations later in life.
Heidi's meticulous approach to managing her responsibilities is evident in her life, where every moment is planned to accommodate her various roles. Despite the perpetual juggling act, she ensures she never misses out on important moments with her loved ones. However, she acknowledges that this constant balancing act comes at the expense of relaxation, often leaving her feeling stretched thin. Nevertheless, she emphasizes the importance of finding humor amidst the chaos and not letting oneself get overwhelmed by the intricacies of daily life.
Acknowledging the immense challenges of transitioning into motherhood while maintaining her career ambitions, Heidi reflects on the difficulties she faced during her maternity leave. Despite moments of doubt, she persevered, ultimately finding fulfillment in the intellectual stimulation and challenges her career provided. Heidi's journey underscores the complex decisions working mothers face, often having to prioritize between career advancement and family commitments. Setting boundaries at work, albeit delaying professional success, has allowed her to be more present for her family—a trade-off she deems worthwhile.
Laura echoes these sentiments, "You can't have your cake and eat it too." She recognizes the inherent conflicts that come with being a career-driven mother: stimulating your intellectual capabilities while also wanting to be ever-present for your children. While she grappled with insecurities upon returning to work after a nine-year hiatus, she ultimately found validation and support from fellow women in the workforce. Despite the challenges, she's grateful for the opportunity to pursue both her career and her role as a mother.
In essence, this discussion encapsulates the nuanced experiences of working mothers, highlighting the sacrifices, challenges, and triumphs that come with balancing career ambitions and family life. Through their candid sharing, Heidi, Megan, and Laura offer invaluable insights and inspiration to mothers navigating similar paths. For more on this discussion, advice, and strategies for working moms, tune into this episode of Suburban Burnout.
Meet Our Guest:
Heidi Coskey is a mother to 2 boys, ages 9 and 11, and wife to her husband, Jeff. Raised in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas, Heidi moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas earning a communications degree with an emphasis on corporate communications. After college, Heidi started working for Accenture and is still there today as a Managing Director in the Public Sector Practice.
Living the Texas hill country life to the fullest, Heidi spends her free time watching her boys play sports, traveling with her family, and frequenting Lake Travis.
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