“Attempting to balance work and life is like using a bandage to fix a serious wound. Rip off the Balance Bandage and open your mind to a new way of living and working.” –Trina Celeste
In 2019, I was one of the founders of a non-profit organization aimed at supporting women, particularly mothers, who are transitioning from their current careers or returning to the workforce. Over the past few years, these colleagues and new members have evolved into a community called Tech-Moms, comprising women who are eager for change in their lives and are striving to create more fulfilling versions of themselves through personal and professional growth.
They are in search of new, flexible, and more balanced careers that accommodate their roles as mothers. I lead each class launch to demonstrate to new members how to achieve harmony across all aspects of their lives, emphasizing that this equilibrium does not come from mere "balancing." My career in technology began over thirty years ago when I discovered my passion for programming. After taking my first Pascal programming course in 1994, I promptly switched my major from architectural engineering to computer science. Since then, I have never looked back. These valuable lessons were learned through personal experience, and my goal is to pave the way for other women who may struggle with the misconceptions surrounding this issue.
Paying attention to a small interest that later developed into a significant passion has been crucial in shaping my rewarding and enduring career journey. Over the years, I have held various roles, including network engineer at Novell, technical consultant at Oracle, senior leadership positions in technology operations at eBay, founder of the consulting and publishing firm RizeNext Corp, and currently empowering numerous women to ignite their own passions. These diverse experiences have equipped me with valuable skills and provided unwavering support during some of the toughest moments in my life.
Challenging Work-Life Balance
From the very first day of the course, we engage with students, presenting novel concepts for managing both life and work to ensure their successful completion of the program. Each class commences with a mix of nervous energy and various emotions experienced by women of diverse ages ranging from twenty to over seventy, encompassing non-parents, mothers, grandmothers, singles, and married individuals, all embarking on their personal journey of life transformation. Some have been absent from the workforce, while others are currently employed. Regardless of their starting point, they all share a common objective and a blend of hope, fear, and excitement as they endeavor to alter the course of their own lives and those of their families.
The Tech-Moms community has evolved into a catalyst for long-overdue change in a society where women have traditionally been expected to stay at home to raise children. Over the years, we have paved the way for other women grappling with this notion that has been erroneously ingrained in us. Tuning In and heeding a small spark of interest was pivotal as it developed into a flame and has now grown into a blazing inferno: a fulfilling and enduring career path, encompassing roles such as a network engineer at Novell, a technical consultant at Oracle, senior leadership positions in technology operations at eBay, founding a consulting firm, and presently empowering hundreds of women to ignite their inner spark.
Having gone through all these different stages of life has equipped me with a valuable set of skills and has been a source of support during some of the biggest challenges I have faced. As we kick off the coursework, we engage with students to introduce fresh concepts aimed at helping them effectively manage both their personal and professional lives, ensuring their successful completion of the course. Each class commences with a mix of nervous energy and varied emotions experienced by women spanning from their twenties to over seventy, encompassing non-parents, mothers, grandmothers, single individuals, and married ones, all embarking on their personal journey of transformation. Some have been away from the workforce, while others are currently employed. Regardless of their starting point, they all share a mutual objective and a blend of hope, fear, and excitement as they endeavor to alter the course of their lives and that of their families. This community has evolved into a catalyst for long-overdue change in a society where women traditionally opt to stay at home to raise children.
In this scenario, you are your own instrument, thus, you must learn to "Tune In" yourself to resonate and synchronize with the external environment. Analogous to an instrument, to perform well, you need to consistently take the time to tune in. Throughout the course of this book, you will pause and "tune in." By acknowledging your thoughts, reflecting on them, and establishing new objectives and priorities, you will strive to achieve inner harmony. Let's now pause for a moment to tune in.
TUNING INTO HARMONY
The questions below will not be shared publicly, and are for you and I only. Take time to think through as writing allows you to process your thoughts, false ideals, shift behaviors, and create new mindsets.
Do you feel that you are in harmony? Why, or why not?
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What thoughts have come to mind as you reflect on moving from a life of “balance” to “harmony?”
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Reflecting on these questions in a private setting can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery.
Writing down your thoughts not only helps you organize and clarify your ideas but also enables you to delve deeper into your innermost beliefs and values.
By exploring these questions with honesty and introspection, you can uncover hidden truths about yourself, challenge preconceived notions, and embark on a journey of self-improvement.
As you engage in this reflective process, consider how your responses may reveal patterns in your thinking or behavior that could benefit from adjustment. By identifying these patterns, you can begin to actively shift your mindset and cultivate a more positive and empowering outlook on life. Embracing this opportunity for introspection and growth can lead to transformative changes in how you perceive yourself and the world around you.
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