Veronica Lon Pantaleon Mendoza, 37, says hearing about Marissa Mayer's new role as Yahoo CEO (and mother to be) inspired her to send in some advice to other working mothers. Mother to a 14-year-old son and five-year-old daughter while working as an online English teacher, she advises other mothers to: "adapt, compromise and communicate."
Veronica Mendoza, Philippines —
Veronica Lon Pantaleon Mendoza, 37, says hearing about Marissa Mayer's new role as Yahoo CEO (and mother to be) inspired her to send in some advice to other working mothers. Mother to a 14-year-old son and five-year-old daughter while working as an online English teacher, she advises other mothers to: "adapt, compromise and communicate."
Veronica Lon Pantaleon Mendoza/ireport
Shadra Smith of Fort Wayne, Indiana, says if she had a choice, she'd absolutely be a stay-at-home mother, but doesn't believe it's for everyone. "I've already accomplished some career goals, and being a mother is the career I would love to concentrate on now," she says. "The most challenging thing about being a working mom is not being able to experience the day-to-day growth of my son."
Shadra Smith, Indiana —
Shadra Smith of Fort Wayne, Indiana, says if she had a choice, she'd absolutely be a stay-at-home mother, but doesn't believe it's for everyone. "I've already accomplished some career goals, and being a mother is the career I would love to concentrate on now," she says. "The most challenging thing about being a working mom is not being able to experience the day-to-day growth of my son."
Shadra Smith/ireport
Filipino mum, Niena Sevilla moved to Saudi Arabia to work in 2006, leaving two young boys aged 14 and 10 at home with her mother. She returns once a year where she spends as much time as she can with her kids, catching up on all she's missed. "I've been able to balance my career with motherhood so far, despite how difficult it is to communicate with my children," she says.
Niena Sevilla, Saudi Arabia —
Filipino mum, Niena Sevilla moved to Saudi Arabia to work in 2006, leaving two young boys aged 14 and 10 at home with her mother. She returns once a year where she spends as much time as she can with her kids, catching up on all she's missed. "I've been able to balance my career with motherhood so far, despite how difficult it is to communicate with my children," she says.
Niena Sevilla/ireport
Cynthia Falar says the most challenging thing about being a working mother is juggling quality time. "Everyone is different and can select the path that works for them and their family," she says. "Although my husband and I have successful careers, we both need to work to make ends meet so we work to coordinate our schedules and even plan our own 'Mommy and Daddy time.' It takes a lot of work but you can do it!"
Cynthia Falar, Florida —
Cynthia Falar says the most challenging thing about being a working mother is juggling quality time. "Everyone is different and can select the path that works for them and their family," she says. "Although my husband and I have successful careers, we both need to work to make ends meet so we work to coordinate our schedules and even plan our own 'Mommy and Daddy time.' It takes a lot of work but you can do it!"
Cynthia Falar/ireport
Children's book illustrator and designer Sarah Jane says she has had to sacrifice a lot because she works, and questions if that might ever leave her with regrets. "The pressure to 'do it all' and keep up can often feel daunting, and I sometimes wonder if I'd be a better mother without working," she says. "But, I honestly feel that part of being a woman is living with this way of thinking," she adds.
Sarah Jane, Utah —
Children's book illustrator and designer Sarah Jane says she has had to sacrifice a lot because she works, and questions if that might ever leave her with regrets. "The pressure to 'do it all' and keep up can often feel daunting, and I sometimes wonder if I'd be a better mother without working," she says. "But, I honestly feel that part of being a woman is living with this way of thinking," she adds.
Sarah Jane/ireport
iReporter JenCompton found it difficult to readjust to work after the birth of her son, Jack. "It's hard to balance everything and, unless you've been through it, how will you understand what it's like? In some areas many mothers stay home after they have babies but ... I like to work as I went to college and it makes me feel more fulfilled as a person."
Jennifer Compton, Michigan —
iReporter JenCompton found it difficult to readjust to work after the birth of her son, Jack. "It's hard to balance everything and, unless you've been through it, how will you understand what it's like? In some areas many mothers stay home after they have babies but ... I like to work as I went to college and it makes me feel more fulfilled as a person."
Jennifer Compton/iReport
Lori Kretchmer of Westminster, California, says you shouldn't try to work and raise a kid unless your working hours don't take away from your child. "They won't remember with fondness your job as much as they'll remember the silly, fun things, like making cookies together or playdough bowling," she says.
Lori Kretchmer, California —
Lori Kretchmer of Westminster, California, says you shouldn't try to work and raise a kid unless your working hours don't take away from your child. "They won't remember with fondness your job as much as they'll remember the silly, fun things, like making cookies together or playdough bowling," she says.
Lori Kretchmer/ireport