Balancing Motherhood and Your Professional Life - Janice Comber - Class of 2010

When the thought of running for a local School Committee position crossed my mind three years ago my first thought was, “How in the world will I be able to work full time, attend committee meetings and seminars plus take care of my family and myself?”  Balancing motherhood and my professional life can be challenging at times.  My job is one that is full of peaks and valleys.  I have to be on my A Game all the time; alert, effective, professional and thorough.  One of my best attributes is being able to multi-task. 

How do I do it you ask?  I am blest to have a supportive family.  My husband keeps the fires burning at home.   Believe it or not, the best thing I could have done was to teach my son to do his own laundry when he was 13 years old.  Just one thing I don’t have to worry about.  When I am on travel, I call home at least once a day to connect with them both.  They both understand that my job is very demanding and understand I can’t always answer the phone when they call or may only be able to talk for a minute. During the ‘valleys’ I ensure I spend quality time with my son and husband.  Just making their favorite meal and watching them enjoy it is satisfaction for me.

In planning for a School Committee meeting I would take a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon to read the items on the agenda, policies and procedures, etc.  I always returned phone calls and emails and would follow up where necessary.

I am currently attending the EmergeME 2010 class.  I am building an extensive support network.  In this class there are some amazing women with a variety of backgrounds, jobs and experiences.  I am honored to be surrounded by these remarkable women!

Emerge is dedicated to making a long-term investment in these future leaders by developing their political and media skills; expanding their knowledge of local issues; and connecting them with mentors.

“Who We Are – About Us.” emergeMaine. http://www.emergemaine.org (January 22, 2010).

I completed my three year term on the School Committee and now I am considering other public arenas.  Am I concerned how in the world can I do this?  No because I know I can do it!

Janice Comber