Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
I’m deeply appreciative of the invaluable skills I’ve acquired through life coaching, as they’ve empowered me to lead a life filled with authenticity and purpose, enabling me to remain steadfast in my convictions and beliefs.
Rooted in my core values and priorities, making decisions that align with my vision has become a natural process.
This skillset addresses the common gap for the many women that I work with who are struggling with work-life balance, people-pleasing tendencies or a sense of stagnation, as it signifies a disconnection from their true selves and aspirations.
After relocating, I made the deliberate choice to take a three-month hiatus from work to fully support my daughters in acclimating to their new environment. Although my husband was initially trying to push me towards seeking high-paying jobs to match our previous lifestyle, I recognised this as an opportunity for personal growth and the pursuit of my passions. I knew I didn’t move to a new country to replicate what we already had; instead, I embraced the chance for a fresh start and remained steadfast in my decision.
When I was ready to resume work, I manifested and secured a fulfilling position as a mentor for youth at a remarkable charitable trust. With flexible hours, I can devote my afternoons to nurturing my business, my family, and myself, striking a nice balance between work and home and everything in between.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
I love this question and the reflection it brings because it’s essential to acknowledge how far we have come, something we often forget to do, especially during tough times. Reflecting on my own journey highlights the many challenges I’ve overcome on my path to self-improvement.
There were days when I doubted my abilities and questioned whether I could make it through, but perseverance proved me wrong. Embracing vulnerability, learning new skills from scratch, and balancing full-time study with a demanding job were significant hurdles. Moving to a new country introduced its own set of challenges, especially with young children, and as an introvert, it took immense effort to step outside my comfort zone.
Navigating these experiences as a mother, managing the various stages of my children’s development, setting boundaries, and making aligned decisions was no easy feat. Additionally, reconnecting with my husband and building a true partnership was a crucial part of this journey. Each of these experiences has shaped me and brought me to where I am today.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Pros: Running your own online business offers flexibility in both time and location, allowing you to balance life and family commitments more effectively. You have the autonomy to work for yourself and shape your business exactly the way you want.
Cons: The journey can be challenging when you’re doing it alone. When I first started building my business in New Zealand, I struggled with finding like-minded friends. Fortunately, after 2 years, I connected with some wonderful sisters through our daughters, which blossomed into a valuable friendship and support system. We regularly catch up to discuss life and business.
Additionally, there’s the uncertainty of income and the steep learning curve, as you initially need to handle everything yourself until you can afford to outsource tasks or hire a team, like social media and marketing in particular.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
Next, I will finalise my follow-on momentum, online group coaching program.
I’m eagerly anticipating the approval for funding to provide my programs at a reduced rate or even for free, as well as a glamourous networking/support event for other mums in business.
Eventually, I want to take my programs on the road, offering live sessions in both New Zealand and Australia.
Finally, I want to employ my daughters to assist in the business, creating a family-oriented work environment, and ultimately, transition away from my current job to achieve true autonomy over my time and location.
Visit the Future Pace Coaching website and follow them on Facebook. You can also check out their personal journey as a family from Australia to Aotearoa on Instagram.
