Child ? Career break! That's how it's done!

Miriam Sommer manages her business? and her three kids

© Miriam Sommer (private)

Anyone who starts a business will most likely put all their energy and time into their heart project. But what if there is a real baby besides the business baby who needs the full attention? We wanted to know that from Christiane Jordan, Stephanie Oppitz and Miriam Sommer. Because the two coaches of? Entrepreneurs of the Future 2019? and this year's mentee not only have three children, but also run successful businesses. Pure stress? Nope! The three see their children as compensation for the stressful professional life? and sometimes even as a source of inspiration! They have given us an insight into their everyday life.



Between kindergarten and customer acquisition: That's what everyday life looks like

"After having brought my children to school in the morning, I work very structured until 3 pm, then take a break from work and enjoy the time with the children, until I bring them to bed in the evening. Then I sit down for another hour or two to the laptop ?, Christiane Jordan describes her daily routine. With her label? Madame Jordan? the Berliner has specialized in baby carriers. She emphasizes that, above all, the flexibility that foundresses have, facilitates the balancing act between child and career. That is also true Stephanie Oppitz of the? Windelmanufaktur? to. While her family have breakfast, the entrepreneur already answers the first e-mails. Then her husband brings the children to school. Of course, self-employment makes things much easier, but without teamwork with the man or the help of the grandparents, of course, it does not work. But that does not just apply to women entrepreneurs.



Mothers and founders: Summer with their UdZ coaches

© Tobias Koch

When the career becomes a point of criticism

What flexibility means in everyday life, Christiane Jordan makes clear in one example: The foundress is often with the laptop on the playground to be found. Lean eyes from other mothers do not bother her anymore. A self-confidence that is not self-evident. "I would never trust that?" Admits Miriam Sommer openly. This year's participant in? Entrepreneurs of the Future? has the label "Sommer & Kinder? founded. Her husband is traveling a lot during the week. "Being able to work while taking care of the children can also be a disadvantage. There is no clear demarcation between business and children's time, and in addition I have a guilty conscience, if then the mail is not written properly or I was not quite there for my child. Is the reconciliation of child and career in the end a type issue? "I think so?" Says Stephanie Oppitz. "However, I wish that women are less strict. Because we also have to see where we stay socially. That's why we need to open the eyes of women to sometimes sit on the playground with their laptop, because we also have to make provision for old age.?



Be a role model, create role models

Not least because of their own needs, the founders try to make it easier for their employees to work with children? for example, when the little ones come to the store and play there at their own playground. "Sometimes I advise clients while my child is strapped to their backs," Jordan reveals. For all three founders, it is important to set a signal that not only encourages women today, but beyond. By showing our children that everyone can pursue their professional goals, we also become the model for the next generation.

Combine child and career? These are the tips of the founders!

1. Get the job you need!
Especially in the city there are many co-working offers where children are welcome. Find out about your options or create your own workplace as you need it.

2. #Coolmumsdontjudge
The hashtag, which is currently doing its rounds on Instagram, actually says it all: mothers should support each other instead of making others feel guilty. On the other hand, women should not try to please everyone. You simply have no time to bake a cake for the daycare? Then let it be!

3. Just do it!
Do not waste too much thought on whether it could work or not. Of course you have to restructure yourself, but you always grow with your tasks. Thanks to your company, are you also redefining yourself a bit? and in the end it does not only do you good, but also your family.

With the joint initiative "Women Entrepreneurs of the Future", the Association of German Businesswomen, Global Digital Women, ChroniquesDuVasteMonde Academy and Amazon are promoting for the second time owners and managers of companies that are expanding their stationary business by launching their online business or their existing online business Want to expand the presence.At the core of the program is the individual accompaniment of all participants by expert coaches? all experienced company founders, e-commerce experts, Amazon retailers or bloggers. More information about the program can be found under: www.unternehmerinnenderzukunft.de

How to get back to work after a career break | Carol Fishman Cohen (March 2024).