Solo Balancing Act: Sarah Purches takes us inside her new world.

Transitioning back to work after having a baby is a significant milestone for any parent. The blend of emotions, responsibilities, and adjustments can be overwhelming. 

Sarah Purches, a solo mother, knows this journey intimately and she openly shares her experiences, challenges, and triumphs as she navigates the delicate balance between work and motherhood.

Returning to work after my maternity leave was filled with anxiety, especially with minimal communication from my team and half of them having moved on. Balancing work and solo motherhood became a daunting task, leaving me with little time for myself.

For Sarah, returning to work post-maternity leave was uncharted territory. The absence of communication from her team compounded her anxiety, leaving her grappling with the daunting task of balancing solo motherhood with professional obligations. 

However, amidst the chaos, Sarah found solace in her support network. Family members stepped in to lend a hand, providing invaluable assistance with childcare, household chores, and meal preparations. Learning to ask for help was a pivotal moment for Sarah, albeit one tinged with guilt. 

Learning to ask for help was crucial, though it came with its own set of guilt. As we continue to navigate this balancing act, prioritizing both my son's needs and my own well-being remains a work in progress.

Sarah's honesty about the struggles of asking for help resonates deeply with many parents. The journey of parenthood is not meant to be travelled alone, and acknowledging the need for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

The Power of Community

Key players in Sarah’s support system include her parents and her network of friends (spanning across continents).  Recognizing the necessity of proximity to family, Sarah made the bold decision to relocate, which has been vital for her and her son's well-being. 

I'm incredibly fortunate to have close friends scattered across Australia and even one in the USA who visited when my son was just 3 months old. Their unwavering support, along with the wisdom and comfort shared by fellow parent friends, has been invaluable.

Additionally, Sarah finds strength in the Australian Solo Mothers By Choice movement, highlighting the importance of community and shared experiences in fostering resilience.

Strength Amidst Challenges

As a working parent, Sarah discovered unexpected reservoirs of strength within herself. Central to her resilience is a newfound ability to disregard external judgment, focusing instead on what truly matters.

Sarah's resilience, organisational skills  and adaptability have been instrumental in navigating the demands of parenthood and the workplace with grace and determination. And her son serves as a guiding light, channeling her energy towards meaningful endeavors amidst the chaos of parenthood.

Redefining Priorities & Down Time

While Sarah's current schedule leaves little room for personal pursuits beyond motherhood and work, she finds joy in simple pleasures with her son, embracing the beauty of coastal living and cherishing moments with loved ones.

Moving out of the city has brought a positive change, allowing us to embrace the beauty of open spaces and coastal living.

Despite the constraints of her schedule, Sarah's ability to find joy in everyday moments underscores the transformative power of presence and gratitude.

For Sarah, success is no longer confined to career milestones and personal achievements but encompasses the joy of nurturing her child and witnessing his growth.

Success for me now encompasses not only career progression but also being present and actively engaged in my child's life, offering them love, fun, support, and guidance.

Balancing professional aspirations with the joys of parenthood, Sarah emphasises the importance of recalibrating priorities in alignment with personal values and genuine fulfilment.

Shaping the Future

As someone advocating for change in the workplace, Sarah envisions a future where businesses prioritise the well-being of working parents through empathetic leadership, comprehensive support systems, and a culture of inclusivity.

From the moment a pregnancy is announced, workplaces should step up with understanding and support.

From education initiatives to tangible measures like flexible schedules and childcare support, Sarah's vision for the future of work embodies a commitment to fostering environments where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive both personally and professionally.

Sarah's journey exemplifies the resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment of working parents navigating the complexities of parenthood and the workplace. 

By prioritising support, redefining success, and advocating for change, Sarah paves the way for a more inclusive and family-friendly future of work.  As we forge ahead, let us heed her call for a workplace culture rooted in empathy, understanding, and genuine support for all.