Balancing a business with family life poses significant challenges for women entrepreneurs, exacerbated by societal expectations.
- A noteworthy 43% of female business owners return to work within weeks of maternity leave due to business demands.
- ‘Working mum guilt’ is a common repercussion faced by women trying to fulfil dual roles of career and family.
- Sarah Kauter, CEO of VerriBerri, shares personal experiences and advice on managing business alongside motherhood.
- Trust, delegation, and self-awareness emerge as pivotal elements in overcoming these entrepreneurial challenges.
In the realm of entrepreneurship, balancing business responsibilities with the demands of motherhood presents a nuanced challenge, intensified by societal expectations. It is notable that 43% of female entrepreneurs resume work just weeks postpartum, driven by the needs of their business. Such circumstances often lead to what is commonly referred to as ‘working mum guilt,’ highlighting the psychological burden women face in their dual roles.
Sarah Kauter, a CEO and mother of three, underscores these challenges through her experiences. Returning to her marketing and PR business shortly after childbirth, she continued to foster its growth while navigating the complexities of parental responsibilities. Her journey exemplifies the internal and external pressures many entrepreneurial mothers encounter, as they manage business needs alongside familial commitments.
Kauter advocates for seeking assistance as pivotal in managing the dual demands of business and motherhood. She candidly discusses the necessity of relying on support systems, whether familial or professional, emphasising that ‘there is no shame in asking for help with childcare.’ This perspective is especially relevant for women juggling multiple roles, where external support can significantly alleviate pressures.
The implementation of structured training schemes within a business is another strategic approach Kauter highlights. By entrusting responsibilities to a trained team, business owners can ease their workload and ensure continuity. Kauter asserts the importance of this, stating, ‘A business should never rely on just one person.’ This preparation safeguards the enterprise against unforeseen challenges, fostering stability and reducing the burden on individual entrepreneurs.
A profound aspect Kauter identifies is the underestimation of personal capabilities which many women experience. The juxtaposition of self-doubt with external perceptions often sows seeds of uncertainty among working mothers. Her personal testimony reveals the societal reactions she faced, accentuating the importance of self-acceptance and individual definition of success. In her words, ‘Comparison is a joy killer,’ urging others to focus on their unique paths without the burden of comparison.
The path to balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood is inherently subjective, as Kauter suggests. Each individual’s circumstances dictate their approach, as there are no definitive rules to follow. Her insights encourage women to embrace their unique situations, fostering a mindset that prioritises both personal and professional aspirations while mitigating guilt through strategic, supportive measures.
Successfully balancing business and motherhood is a unique journey for each woman, best navigated through self-awareness and strategic support.
