Are You Working on Mastering The Mommy Track?

New Book Alert:                                            Mastering The Mommy Track: Juggling Career and Kids in Uncertain Times

by

Erin Flynn Jay

 

ADVICE FOR WORKING MOMS TO GET THROUGH UNCERTAIN TIMES AND ACHIEVE HAPPINESS AT WORK AND HOME:

–Publicity expert addresses struggles working moms face during economic downturn and solutions to overcome them

 

         Many working mothers today face great tension between their families and careers. They are more likely than men to feel pressed for time and conflicted about being away from young children while working. They are also more likely to seek out help or guidance.

         In Mastering the Mommy Track: Juggling Career and Kids in Uncertain Times (ISBN 978-1780991238, 2012, John Hunt Publishing, 206 pages, $19.95, available on Amazon), Erin Flynn Jay tells the stories of everyday working mothers, the challenges they have faced and lessons learned. She also offers solutions from experts on how mothers can overcome current issues in order to lead happy, healthy lives at home and work.

         The Great Recession has had a deep impact on working mothers; this book delves into the issues these mothers have faced and timely solutions to overcome them. The Great Recession saw women working harder than ever before to support their families, many being the sole breadwinner while Dad stayed at home, caring for young kids. Many women also experienced burnout and depression, putting their children and spouse’s needs above their own.

         A 2010 Pew Research survey found that 30 months after it began, the Great Recession has led to a downsizing of Americans’ expectations about their retirements and their children’s future; a new frugality in their spending and borrowing habits; and a concern that it could take several years, at a minimum, for their house values and family finances to recover.

         As we gradually recover from the economic slowdown, women are seeking to reclaim their lives. Mastering the Mommy Track helps them do this, offering timely case studies and solutions that work.

         The dozen chapters each address critical issues women grapple with including: parenting, financial, time management, romance, psychological and nutrition/health. Mastering the Mommy Track, while not grim, takes a serious approach, telling the tales of women who have struggled through the economic downturn to achieve a new working attitude.

The need for such a book has become greater as the US economy still sputters along with national unemployment over 8 percent and 100 million Americans without jobs. “When shaping this book, I thought of 12 trigger areas that cause working mothers anxiety today–these became my chapters,” said Flynn Jay. “This was based on my personal experience, research, and feedback from friends and acquaintances.”        

Through a thoughtful and moving read, Mastering The Mommy Track touches on timely topics including:  

  • Unprecedented challenges moms face during this weak economy
  • Advice for getting through these uncertain times
  • The added stress unemployment and lower income brings
  • How mothers can take their careers to the next level–even with active home lives
  • Why many moms are resentful of their partners
  • Why moms must carve out more personal time for themselves

      “Many families across the country are still struggling to make ends meet, and parents are often too afraid to speak publicly about it. The middle class is facing poverty and many are fighting to survive. Our generation is very different than the one we were raised in,” added Flynn Jay. “My book offers insight that will help working moms improve their personal lives and careers. It is a juggling act to balance home and work duties, and for a lot of women in 2012, it’s a walk on a tightrope–a fear their families will never experience the rewards (vacation, travel, time off) they so rightfully deserve.”

About the author:

Erin Flynn Jay is a writer and public relations executive.

Since 2001, Erin has been promoting authors of new books and small businesses in all industries. Erin has expertise in successfully obtaining print, online and broadcast media placements for experts and authors. She has established on-going partnerships with other public relations agencies and teams with them on projects when her PR and writing skills are needed.

Erin’s articles have appeared in publications including careerbuilder.com, MSN Careers, Brandweek, Costco Connection, Opportunity World, Sales and Marketing Excellence, The New York Enterprise Report and Wealth Manager. In 2010, Erin wrote extensively about timely professional coaching topics for www.coachingcommons.org.

When she is not working, Erin loves to explore all that Philadelphia has to offer with her family. Part time taxi driver for her daughters, she will often be at a park, library or play area like the Nest or Please Touch Museum with her daughters.

She received a B.A. in Communication from the University of Scranton in PA and lives in Philadelphia with her husband and two young daughters.

Website: www.erinflynnjay.com

 

Mastering The Mommy Track is available on Amazon and www.jhpbusiness-books.com.

 

Disclosure:  There might be a page of organizing advice by moi in this newest must-have mommy guide, but I’m on my way to check out all the great advice by the experts Assembled by Erin Jay.

Candy Queen: Pregnant Entrepreneur Goes Reality TV

Who doesn’t love candy??? So says the Candy Queen of Hollywood, the star of TLC’s reality TV show of the same name. If you put aside, for a moment, the fact that very little on reality TV is real, this is a great story. This woman is living her dream outside of cubicle-land, and clearly loving it!  Think food stylist, but more fun.

 

On a recent episode, Jackie, the Candy Queen and her husband visit the doctor for a checkup, “even though there’s so much work to be done”, and they learn the sex of the baby. Yes, because if you are like me, you NEED THESE DETAILS. Sorry for the shouting, but I really don’t understand the not knowing. I figure, you get to be surprised at some point. Why not be surprised in month minus-three, so there is plenty of time to make arrangements???

 

So, if you are wondering if you can run a business and still be pregnant, the answer is YES. And you can apparently add a TV crew to your day and still make it through just fine. I’ve been there (minus the camera crew), and if you are living your dream, you can do this, too!

How Does Your Man Support Your Business?

Does your guy respect your business? Whether you started your business from nothing, came from corporate, or dropped all of your life’s resources into a new venture, your guy is one of the most critical members of your fan club, and every business needs a fan club that isn’t just virtual and online.

When I started my business (remember that I left a really respectable income behind), he took to talking about my “little business.”  It took a while of gentle and not so gentle reminders, but he caught on and started introducing me as a business owner.  When your guy describes your business in at least the same terms as you do, or perhaps even better, then you know he’s on board.

My business reached a milestone last year of 5 continuous years in business.  Hubby dear was paying more attention than I was, and noticed how I was gushing over the (then) recently released iPad.  He totally surprised me with my very own iPad to celebrate the business milestone.  If your hubby presents you with productivity tools, even if you aren’t sure they’ll work for you, take it as his vote of confidence in your business acumen.

He did it once again this year.  Just after the book was released, my husband presented me with a professionally shadowboxed version of the book.  Wow!  Not quite as expensive as the iPad, but still not cheap, and definitely something I never would have thought to get for myself.  Guys who get a sentimental gift that represents your success are priceless.

The saying used to be that behind every good man was a good woman.  But, hey, running a business, especially while you are pregnant, is a team sport.  There’s got to be a good guy behind you if you are going to stay healthy, happy and at least somewhat balanced.  Let’s celebrate those guys who help us forward.

Leave a comment here to crow about how your guy treated you and your business well.