Motherhood Discrimination

“They are worried you can’t do the job… because… well, because you’re a mom.”

Yes. Those are words that have been said to me. Words that would never be said to a man. The idea that a male counterpart couldn’t handle a job because he has children at home would never even be a thought. Even as an evolved society, it is still assumed that women have to focus all their energy on raising children while men can go out conquering the corporate world.

As a working mother I have been proud of my ability to be a hands on mom who can balance work life and home life. I oversee nine states, five sales reps, four consultants, and weekly flights across my territory. And I still manage to put my son down for his nap at least six days a week. I cook dinner most nights. And I find time for regular date nights with my husband. I keep our fridge stocked, our bills paid, laundry done, and our home clean. To wonder if I have the ability to multitask is laughable.

There is a quote by former Texas governor Ann Richards that has always stuck with me. She is referring to how women can do it all, and she references legendary starlet Ginger Rogers. “After all, Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels.” This has always resonated with me. Women are incredible. We can do everything a man can do while looking and being fabulous. And as difficult as climbing the corporate ladder can be, trying to do it in heels is even more challenging. For every dollar a man makes, women make 78 cents. The gender pay gap is astounding.

But instead of acknowledging how much women do, when you add motherhood to your resume you tend to get comments like those above. I have been a mother for two and a half years and during this time I’ve had several instances when my ability is questioned due to me being a mom.

After my son turned a year old I was ready to resume chasing my ambitious career goals again. I decided to talk to my supervisor and instead of encouraging me, he downplayed my ability to work hard because I needed to “focus on the baby.” When I finally decided to leave the company and look for better opportunities, after a long heartfelt conversation telling him why I needed to move on, his take away was completely different from what I said, He sent an email wishing me the best as I pursued being a stay at home mom. I was flabbergasted.

In this world we hear about numerous forms of discrimination, I never thought motherhood would become one of them. I wish people would think about their own mothers when they are colleagues with or interviewing a working mom. Think about the woman who raised you. Think about all she did on a daily basis to keep your household running. All the thankless tasks she completed in order for everyone else to have what they need. Mothers are selfless, hard working, overachievers. Instead of questioning if a women can do a job because she has children, try thinking about how motherhood makes her that much more of a qualified worker.