My untraditional role

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Fin24 user Adrienne Taylor writes:

NOT so traditional roles…

I’m writing this sitting on the plane on one of my regular business trips to Joburg from Cape Town.  It’s been another 4am wake-up call and I will only get back home at midnight in three days' time. 

During this time, I will be mostly in meetings, setting up a temporary office and home in the hire car and on my BlackBerry. 

A couple of years ago my 4am regular wake-up call was from my son waking for his feeds.

Before that, waking up at 4am was usually collapsing into bed after too many wines – wondering if two hours would be enough sleep for the day.

My, how my life has changed since then.

I always wanted to work in the corporate world.  I want to be a CEO one day.  I have filled many business plans of how I would run my life if I was a CEO. 

But to get there I have to make sacrifices.  As a full-time working mom – there are many of these. 

But the main reason I’ve been able to get where I am today is because of one crucial factor – my husband, who is a full-time stay-at-home dad and a supporter of my journey. 

He’s also a writer, and has just published his first book (proud wife moment). 

And, of course, a supportive work environment… the office knows when I need to spend time with my family and in return for this support, I give all I’ve got to ensure key milestones are met.  

My husband and I have a great partnership – I’m the boisterous, outgoing one and he’s the solid, quiet one. We work well together. 

And he’s a fantastic dad, testament to the total adoration coming from our son. It also takes my mother's guilt away for not being there every single day of his life… of course I feel guilty, but I know that he is in good hands and his life is full of love, encouragement and happiness. 

This makes me satisfied to go out and be the breadwinner and to see how far up the ladder I will be able to climb. 

I’ve still got a way to go… But, I’m nearing the big 40. and I don’t think I’ve made bad progress. 

And the best part?  When I do get home, I’m rewarded by the best hugs in the world and a pat on the back at work for a job well done. 

* Adrienne Taylor is director of research & stakeholder relations at Hypenica. 

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