Three Phases of Parenthood & Career

In today’s world balancing a thriving career with the demands of parenthood can often seem like a daunting task. Enter Tina Paterson and James, a dynamic duo boasting 28 years of unfiltered partnership. 

Having navigated the years from Newborn to Teens, Tina and James found their own unique formula for achieving balance and Tina graciously shares her experience for each phase of parenthood.

Phase One: Early Parenthood 

Embracing Unconventional Work Arrangements

Tina and James' journey began when their children were not yet of primary school age. Tina, who was working for GE at the time, decided to take a step back from her work, deliberately keeping her foot in the door and maintaining her career presence. 

In a groundbreaking move in 2009, she worked with her supportive boss to create a two-day-a-week role tailored to her skill set and focusing on special projects. She came back at the same seniority level but as an 'individual contributor.'

This creative arrangement allowed her to focus on high-value projects in partnership with the executive team.

"As I tell my kids - if you don’t ask you don’t get - so ask for something different. Knowing that they could have me for 2 days a week was really beneficial for the business." 

Phase One Takeaway: the importance of prioritising outcomes over hours. 

Tina's unique work arrangement showed that what truly matters is not how many days you work but the impact you make during the time you're there. 

This mindset shift would shape both Tina and James’ approach to balancing work and family life for years to come.

Phase Two: Primary School Age

Outsourcing and Streamlining Responsibilities

As their children entered primary school, Tina and James re-evaluated their approach together and decided to put their careers back into high gear.

One of the key decisions they made during this phase was to embrace the concept of outsourcing. They understood that some tasks, while important, could be handled more efficiently by others, freeing up their time for more meaningful interactions with their kids. 

They made thoughtful decisions to outsource certain tasks, such as hiring a cleaner and a part-time nanny. 

"These choices were conscious investments in the well-being of our family... We could focus our energy and time on what truly mattered."

Moreover, they revisited their division of responsibilities. 

Tina and James established a clear understanding of who would take care of what aspects of their family life. They coined the term "work-horse days" for specific days when one partner would handle childcare while the other could fully commit to work. This arrangement provided them with the freedom to engage deeply in their careers while maintaining a strong presence in their children's lives.

Phase Two Takeaway: strike a balance that works for you.

Tina and James demonstrated that with thoughtful planning, delegation, and a shared commitment to their careers and family, they could strike a balance that worked for them. Their ability to adapt and make strategic choices was a testament to their determination to have it all: fulfilling careers and a strong, loving family life.

Phase Three: Teenage Years

Independence, Flexibility and Availability

With their children now in high school, Tina and James have entered a new phase of parenthood, one that demands flexibility and availability in a different way. The dynamics of their parenting relationship has shifted, teenagers are more self-reliant and have gained more independence. They have their own schedules and rhythms, and the need for parental guidance often arises spontaneously, driven by their own timelines.

Tina vividly recalls a conversation with a colleague when her children were very young. He told her that teenagers might actually need their parents more than when they were toddlers. Initially, this notion seemed counterintuitive, as the early years were physically demanding. However, as her children have grown, Tina has come to understand the depth of this insight. 

Teenagers require a different kind of support—one that's based on their timing, not the parent's schedule. As a result, Tina has adjusted her work schedule to allow for this flexibility. While she still works similar hours, her availability has increased, ensuring that she can prioritise her children's needs whenever they arise.

"They might not feel like talking on a Thursday, so having a bit more availability... being around, has made all the difference."

Phase Three Takeaway: adapting your work-life balance to match your children's needs

Tina's journey highlights the evolving nature of parenthood. Success in balancing career and parenthood lies in defining your own path, being open to change, and always being available to support your children, even when it disrupts your schedule. 

It's about creating a unique blend of professional fulfilment and family happiness that works for your specific circumstances.

Tina and James' journey through parenthood and career is a testament to the power of adaptability, unconventional thinking, and prioritising what truly matters. 

"You can have it all, you just have to define what IT is and make it realistic." 

Their story underscores the possibility of having it all while redefining what "it" means at various life stages. As Tina continues her mission to transform corporate work culture with "Outcomes over Hours," she inspires others to embrace flexibility and find their unique balance between professional success and family life.

"Success in balancing career and parenthood lies in defining your own path, being open to change, and always being available to support your children." 

Tina Paterson is a global expert in working smarter and on your own terms, having turned her experience and knowledge into a successful business, Outcomes Over Hours, she is changing the way people in large corporations work, so they can get their work done effectively AND look after themselves and their teams.