Sue's 7 Pearls of Wisdom

THE JUGGLING ACT (Or, How to Find the Balance Between Raising a Family and Having a Career)

1. Don’t let the job eclipse motherhood

For me, raising a happy, loving family, as well as being in a job that paid the bills gave me the opportunity to view myself as a career woman as well as a mother. From an early age, career had always been a primary focus in my life. I learned very early in motherhood, however, that the job I had committed myself to did not, in any way, interfere with my role as a mother. When your work prevents you from being the mother your children need you to be, it is likely time to make some adjustments.

2. Your children are your #1 priority

After the birth of my eldest daughter Nadine, I had to decide what to do with my full time role as a doctor’s receptionist. The reality was that I loved my job -- but suddenly there was a greater love – the love for my precious baby. There comes a time when you realize that your priorities change and what goes at the top end of your priority list is making sure that this tiny human being is loved, nurtured and cared for.

3. Never lose sight of your dreams

My personal life experience taught me that if you hold on to your dreams and desires and never lose sight of your vision, life works in mysterious ways for you. Deep down I wanted to keep my job, but I also wanted to be the primary person in my baby’s life -- and that is exactly what I got. One of the consultation rooms was turned into a nursery for Nadine for the next 12 months of her life.

4. Be positive

From my own personal experience, I earned early on to never consider failure as an option. The only way your ideas and goals can become reality is for you to visualize them as actually happening in advance.

5. Be willing to adapt

With the arrival of the rest of my children, I decided that the full-time job was no longer an option for me, but I could still contribute financially by working part time and splitting the role of parenting between my husband and I.

6. Make it a team effort

As a woman, the "juggling act" need not be so complicated. The time you have to spend with your family must be honored, appreciated and respected. The same goes for your husband or partner. His total support and appreciation for you as a working mother, and the role he plays in his children’s lives are key to happiness and family values.

7. Celebrate your blessings

I do strongly believe that "Happiness is a state of mind." Everyone has wonderful moments – and the most content of us are able to take a moment to appreciate – even celebrate – those moments. Family, work, love, care, compassion and charisma are a fantastic recipe for a happy and fulfilled life!

Sue Ismiel is a successful international business woman, philanthropist, devoted wife, mother of three grown daughters, and creator of the world’s most popular depilatory product--Nad’s. With "Sue’s Seven" she has chosen to share her own life’s experiences to serve as friendly advice to women everywhere.

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giana scimo - hell yeah!

|216.70.177.xxx |2008-06-12 16:32:45

So true!

GO SUE!