
This often includes contract workers or anyone that’s part of the gig economy. In the self-employment realm, it gets even more daunting. In the startup ecosystem, the same issues are occurring for maternity leave options, a reflection of what’s happening with leave around the nation (aside from the incredible benefits coming from some on the West Coast like Facebook, Google, etc – way to go!). Many mothers feel they don’t have that option or feel like staying at home for a little longer can be a career killer. This is unfortunate for women who strive to balance work with motherhood during their baby’s first few precious months and year. In the U.S., mothers are offered 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth of a baby and it’s up to employers to offer any additional benefits. Contrary to these policies, statistics show that taking care of employees who become new parents leads to greater loyalty, commitment and job satisfaction.
APPILY EVER MOM FULL
While few companies do offer generous benefits, some women are hesitant to take the full maternity leave offered due to fear of repercussions in the workplace. has some of the most limited maternity leave policies, when compared to other countries around the world. On top of that, there are not enough guidelines, protections and policies that support mothers (and fathers), leaving working moms with inadequate options.Ĭurrently, the U.S. Having a baby can cause excitement and joy, but it can also stir up feelings of fear and anxiety because, let’s be honest, it’s a life changer and the biggest responsibility someone will ever have. I felt distressed when comparing the maternity leave policies of the United States to Canada’s since in Canada, new moms receive 12 months of maternity leave more on this point later on.

APPILY EVER MOM HOW TO
While navigating those emotions, I worried about how to manage as a working mom in America after coming from a country that was proud of how it supported mothers and working families. Of course it was everything we had hoped for, but still, I couldn’t help but wonder how that news would affect everything I had built for myself, my career and my clients. Finding out we were going to be parents brought up a mixed bag of emotions. We went on a honeymoon, bought a home and got pregnant. James and I were ready to live happily ever after. By my mid-30s, I finally had everything I had always wanted: the agency, great clients, revenue, a fabulous social life, and after dating the love of my life, James for several years, we married in 2017.

After years spent working in public relations, I launched my own PR firm SilverStrategy and immersed myself in the local tech and startup scene. I spent my 20s and 30s focused on building my career.
