In Fall 2016, I returned to work from my third maternity leave. I was in survival mode. I had a 1.5 hour commute (each way), a husband who had just become a teacher so was throwing himself into his work, and we were raising a 4-month-old, a 3-year-old and a 6-year-old. I felt like I …
Why I Say “No”
If you’re like the few-years-ago me, you’ll add anything to your to-do list as long as it meets one of these criteria: It’s important (to my health, my marriage, keeping my job, the kids’ academic success, etc.) It’s something I want to do It’s something other people believe is important or one should want to …
Being at Peace with Leaning Out
For a few years now, I have slowly been right-sizing my life; practicing saying “no”, getting rest and exercise, prioritizing my innermost circles like faith, marriage, and children before the outer circles like career, acquaintances, and societal expectations. I have been perfecting the art of “leaning out” of my career and into my life. Then …
Being Perceived as Leaning Out
The term “priority” means something that is more important than another. Two things literally can’t have the same priority. So, when your boss calls a last-minute team meeting for 4pm that afternoon but you’re supposed to leave work at 4pm to pick up your son and take him to his first t-ball game (and you …
It’s okay to Lean OUT
Sheryl Sandberg thinks women don’t “lean in” to our careers because we’re insecure, too busy breastfeeding, or afraid of male executives. Nothing of the sort has ever stopped me in my career. I’m not leaning in because I just don’t want to. But this has waged an internal battle inside of me... I have a …
Monica Leaning Out 