Dear Mom in the Thick of It,
My son just turned sixteen, and let me tell you, it’s been an emotional milestone. It took me right back to those early days—when I had to return to work just six weeks after he was born – and the subsequent months where he was so sick from that early daycare.
Every day I’d drive halfway to downtown Minneapolis to drop him off, and then reverse it on my way home from work. Between doctor visits, urgent care trips, and hospital runs (over fifty in that first year alone!), my so-called “vacation days” quickly became sick days. Maybe you’ve been there too—torn between the career that pays the bills and the little one who needs you most.
I’ve always been hesitant to tell other women to start a business, because every circumstance is different—and honestly, running a business is the hardest thing you’ll do after parenting. But here’s what I can tell you: the way I began my son’s life—leaving him in the hands of others—wasn’t how I wanted it to continue. Lack of contentment with your current circumstances is what will drive you to do something different.
Before he even started kindergarten, I decided I wanted more control over my time, so eleven years ago I found two clients, took the leap, and two years after that, K2 was born. Life got busier, yes, but it was on my terms. I was present—parent volunteer, foundation board member, baseball manager, and always at parent pickup. Sixteen years ago, I could never have imagined the life I’d be living today – I chose not to let the hard days win.
As the debate about return to office mandates seems to fall on women more than men, and you’re in the thick of raising kids and wondering if there’s another way—there is. And while your path may look different from mine – perhaps you work at a company that allows remote and flexible options, I want you to know that taking ownership of your schedule is possible.
If you’re ready to create a life that puts family at the center while still building a career of your own, here are a few tips for making the leap:
- Start small. One or two clients, one product, one step forward—that’s enough.
- It won’t happen overnight. Give yourself a long runway. Just keep showing up.
- Let go of perfection. Some days you’ll shine at business, some days at motherhood—rarely both.
- Work with your family’s rhythm. Nap times, school schedules, and sports practices can shape your workday. I built so many Zoom and fundraising calls while I sat in that parent pickup line. I know mornings are a time I can get hours worth of work done at a faster pace than later in the day – so I wake up earlier and I work before my son is awake.
- Build your village. Everyone has a different village – my husband and I really had a few friends willing to help in a pinch and they were a lifeline for us. Wherever you’re at, lean on friends, carpools, grandparents—no one does this alone.
- Keep your “why” close. On the hard days, remembering why you chose this path will keep you moving. It’s a bold statement but it’s true – K2 would not exist if I wasn’t a mom to my son James. Now because of him – I’m a part of an amazing company that is helping small businesses, nonprofits and bringing meaningful policy change to some of the most pressing issues of our time.
If I can do it, you can too. Everything you want is on the other side of hard.
With you in the journey,
Kristen
– Kristen Sheehan, Founder and Partner
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