My Kids DESTROYED My Independence!
When I got pregnant, I was a strong, professional, independent woman. Just before I delivered my twin girls (sounds like they were delivered in a beautifully wrapped gift box... ), I gave up my career.... for now.
My husband and I wanted to be actively involved in their upbringing and had the opportunity to do this. So, when I was the size of a house... literally.... I happily gave in my notice and disappeared.
Joanne... Banker / Finance Professional / Independent
became..... the mother of the twins.
That's it.
No coffee breaks..... ridiculously long hours..... and extremely loud and temperamental work colleagues.
Losing my financial independence?
Oh boy, that was a tough one.
I went from a self-sufficient professional to relying on my husband for every little expense.
To say that I didn't take to it right away was an understatement of a lifetime!
I still remember the day when they were both screaming... wouldn't stop (despite having been fed, cleaned etc etc... Mums... when you know ... you know!) - I phoned my husband just dropped the phone down between them!!!
Turns out that he was in a very important meeting.... It's funny now.. looking back.
The problem was that I had NO IDEA what to do.
Never changed a nappy
Never fed a baby
Never had any responsibility for anything more difficult that a dog.. or 4!
When you have NO IDEA what to do... moving up from that situation is really tricky.
I joined groups / got my Mum to come and stay for a while / just got on with it......
It wasn't an immediate thing.... but gradually... things got better... they got easier.
I knew the different prompts.
I could change 2 nappies, while feeding them... and watching Oprah... all at the same time!
I gained knowledge... and with practice..... confidence.
I started to LOVE being a Mum. I'm so proud of my girls - they are amazing human beings!
My highest and best achievement in life... so far.
I can't believe they are already 18.... nearly 19 years old!
NOW I HAVE AN EMPTY NEST (Not quite empty - they still visit from university every weekend!)
My Kids DESTROYED My Independence.......Then helped me to rebuild it!
All the skills I learned about being a mother.... GUESS WHAT??
They are transferrable!!
I found I had:
More patience The ability to multitask (remember Oprah)
Solve problems Probably the most important - RESILIENCE!
These skills helped me build a successful business.
I wasn't afraid anymore!
Against all the odds, I managed to keep two little people alive....
Everything else was a piece of cake!!
So, to all my students, remember that every experience, every challenge, and every skill you acquire can be transferred and applied to new opportunities.
Improving your language skills is just one more step in building the future you want.
I gained knowledge... and with practice..... confidence..... If I did it.... SO CAN YOU!!
Don't let a lack of confidence in your skills hold you back!
Skills can be learned! Practice can be Practiced..... Confidence will grow!
JOIN US: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome - when English is not your first language
Are you a non-native English-speaking professional struggling with self-doubt?
Our friendly and interactive workshop is here to help!
Discover how to recognize and overcome imposter syndrome, boost your confidence, and improve your English communication skills.
What You'll Get:
Understanding Imposter Syndrome: Learn what it is and how it affects you.
Practical Strategies: Use cognitive-behavioral techniques, affirmations, and more to build confidence.
Why Attend?
Boost Your Confidence: Feel more assured in your English skills.
Advance Your Career: Learn to showcase your strengths and achievements.
Date: 26th and 27th November
Time: 12:30 pm CET on both days
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: FREE
Register Now: https://lnkd.in/eCjCcFM4
Take the first step towards a more confident and successful you!
Have a wonderful day.
Joanne
Are you serious about English so any English speaker can understand you when you speak?
3wI will be more settled by the end of the year after the holidays. But I'm grabbing the bull by the horns and committing myself to getting us to know each other better and even perhaps to collaborate challenges today in teaching business English. Best regards!