Redefining Gender Roles & Career Breaks IRL

In today's ever-evolving landscape of career aspirations and family dynamics, being a pioneer striving to redefine the stereotypical norms can often feel like venturing into uncharted waters.

Monique Purcell, an ambitious, spirited, and proactive professional and mother of two (under two at one point!), takes us on her journey of making tough decisions, reshaping workplace culture, and breaking away from traditional gender roles.

In an interview filled with tears, laughter, and an abundance of love, Monique candidly reflects on her experiences  in creating her own family dynamic. Offering invaluable advice for fellow parents, she sheds light on the pivotal decisions and transformative moments she's navigated along the way.

Big Decisions: When is the right time? What role will we each play?

"One of the most challenging decisions you make as a female who is wanting to have an ongoing career is around when it's going to make sense for you to take that pause" 

For Monique, the decision to start a family while nurturing her career wasn't a straightforward one. Joining a startup added layers of complexity, as she found herself immersed in a fast-paced environment where wearing multiple hats was the norm. 

"I didn’t want to abandon ship and leave it in disarray." Monique's consideration extended beyond professional commitments; she weighed financial stability and personal fulfillment, wanting to ensure her family's well-being while pursuing their shared joys like travel and leisure.

“I wanted to be at a level where a career break wasn’t a handbrake on my career.  Where having that time wasn’t going to require me to do that time plus more to get back to where I was."

Navigating this pivotal decision required open dialogue with her husband, recognizing the shared responsibility in shaping their future as a family. Monique spoke passionately about the importance of early and transparent communication, ensuring both partners are aligned in their individual and joint aspirations and contributions.

“Having really honest and open conversations as much as possible and early on with your partner, so you are both at the same stage together and navigating through that thought process together, is incredibly helpful." 

Transitioning back to work after childbirth can feel overwhelming, but for Monique and her husband, it was a shared journey. Two key factors stood out to me in our conversation which eased the transition; a clear understanding of each other's strengths  and…

 "Access to primary carers leave... really is a big game changer for families." 

With this leave being available to her husband, they could  facilitate a seamless transition, enabling both Monique and her husband to actively participate in childcare while pursuing their professional goals. Embracing a partnership rooted in mutual support and understanding allowed them to break away from traditional gender roles. 

“Early on we opened up the conversation of ‘we’re going to do things differently,’we’re going to do whatever is right for the family, not just the kids but for each of us as well.”

Monique emphasizes the importance of disregarding societal pressures and focusing on what works best for the family unit. Their experience underscores the transformative power of honest conversations and a shared commitment to redefining norms.

“Talking it through often and earlier is really important and not inviting others into the conversation, because you're just getting their preconceived ideas.” 

Monique's recent LinkedIn post celebrating primary carers leave highlights its profound impact on her family's dynamics. 

   "Organisations spend so much time trying to create opportunities for women to be in leadership positions, but they forget that they’re not supporting us to not be the leaders at home as well."

As Monique demonstrates, such initiatives not only promote gender equity but also foster a supportive work environment conducive to both personal and professional growth. By supporting working parents, organizations not only foster inclusivity but also enhance productivity and employee well-being.

“My husband is great at home, patience of a saint, he is happy doing whatever the kids need, he is so much fun, I am not that fun, I will be more fun when they are older and we can go on experiences together.”

Where did Monique’s open approach to her family dynamic stem from?   Reflecting on her upbringing, Monique draws inspiration from her parents and grandparents, who prioritized financial independence and shared responsibilities.  Their egalitarian approach laid the groundwork for Monique's own journey, instilling values of independence and partnership.

“Its being honest with ourselves and then being honest with each other around what we enjoy doing and what role we want to play at home and thats what has allowed us to be in this situation.”

One Easy Step to Implement Today

Establishing clear boundaries between work and home emerged as a cornerstone of Monique's approach to maintaining balance. 

 "I think most working parents will talk about the guilt! The guilt is a lot and it's on both sides.

When I’m at work - am I distracted? Am I not giving everything to my colleagues? Or on this piece of work?

Then at home - am I distracted by my work email and not able to give all of myself to my family right now."

By setting deliberate boundaries and making conscious behavioral changes, she mitigates the guilt often associated with juggling multiple responsibilities.  Monique emphasizes the need for setting realistic expectations and underscores the importance of self-awareness when it comes to unhelpful habits that can add to your stress.

What does the future look like?

Monique urges individuals to advocate for change at every opportunity possible, emphasizing the collective responsibility in reshaping workplace culture to better support working parents.

"Institutions need courageous people forcing these conversations and making it the norm. So, let's not sit back and just wait and hope they'll do the right thing. We need to start forcing the change."

By fostering open dialogue and implementing family-friendly policies; regardless of gender, organizations can create inclusive environments that accommodate diverse family structures.

Monique's journey exemplifies the transformative potential of navigating career breaks, challenging gender norms, and advocating for inclusive workplace policies. As she continues to shape her path, Monique remains a beacon of inspiration for individuals striving to harmonize their professional ambitions with the joys of parenthood.

Supporting Working Parents @ Bright People

At Bright People, supporting working parents isn't just a checkbox on a policy list — it's a deeply ingrained part of the culture. 

“What sets us apart is our commitment to empowering parenthood, there's no one-size-fits-all approach; instead, it's about crafting individual pathways that accommodate personal needs.”

From staying connected during parental leave to ensuring a smooth transition back to work, every step is tailored to the individual, fostering a sense of belonging and security. 

With a leader who deeply understands the challenges of parenthood, employees feel empowered to articulate their needs, creating a supportive environment. Whether it's attending school events or needing time for family commitments, the message is clear: don't miss those key moments. 

Monique emphasizes the importance of being one's true authentic self, recognizing that acknowledging and accommodating the needs of working parents enhances both professional and personal growth.