Identity Shifts: When Professionals Become Parents

16/05/2025 42 min
Identity Shifts: When Professionals Become Parents

Listen "Identity Shifts: When Professionals Become Parents"

Episode Synopsis

What happens to our sense of self when we become parents while juggling professional careers? Join us for Episode  of Parenting Like a Mother, where host Lindsay Wolf-Owczarek and psychologist Dr. Joti Brar-Josan explore the complex identity shifts professionals experience when becoming parents.Drawing from their combined experiences as both psychologists and mothers, they unpack the challenges of balancing dual identities and the unexpected mental load that parenthood brings. Learn about the "invisible mental load" that often falls disproportionately to mothers, common emotional struggles like increased anxiety and the loss of self, and practical strategies for navigating these profound transitions.Through honest conversation, they challenge the "you can have it all" messaging many grew up with and offer realistic approaches to recalibrating expectations in both professional and parenting roles. Discover how taking turns "pausing" careers with partners, conducting regular self-check-ins, and prioritizing self-care can help maintain your sense of self during this significant life transition.Whether you're planning for parenthood, currently in the trenches of early parenting, or reflecting on your own identity journey, this episode offers compassionate guidance for professionals navigating the complex identity shift that comes with parenthood.Topics discussed in this episode include:How the "invisible mental load" creates unexpected stress for new parentsWhy clinical knowledge can both help and hinder the parenting journeyHow to recalibrate professional expectations during different parenting stagesWhy viewing professional and parenting identities as coexisting rather than competing mattersHow to implement regular check-ins with yourself and your partnerWhy "good enough" parenting and professional work should be embracedHow to maintain your sense of self while juggling multiple identitiesWhy self-care needs to be scheduled and prioritized from the beginningHow to collaborate with partners on career advancement timingWhy balancing dual identities is a long-term journey, not a temporary challengeGreen Door Clinic: https://www.greendooryeg.caParenting Like a Mother on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting_like_a_mother