By Shannon Kobylarczyk, Milwaukee, WI
Balancing Ambition and Motherhood
Being a mom and pursuing a demanding career is never easy. It is full of tough choices, late nights, and moments when you question whether you can do it all. I know this personally. When I decided to go to law school after twelve years in accounting, I was also raising a two-year-old. On the very first day of law school, my oldest son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. That moment could have stopped me from pursuing my dreams, but it became a defining lesson in resilience and balance.
“I realized that ambition does not have to come at the expense of family,” I often say. “It is possible to pursue your goals while still being present for the people who matter most.”
Planning and Prioritizing
One of the keys to balancing ambition and motherhood is careful planning. I attended law school part-time while working full-time, which meant that every hour had to be accounted for. I created schedules for study, work, and family time. There were nights when I studied while my youngest son slept in my arms and mornings when I prepared for work after getting my boys ready for school.
It was exhausting, but planning made the impossible feel manageable. “You cannot do everything at once, but you can do something every day that moves you toward your goal,” I remind other moms. Prioritizing tasks and understanding that some things will wait allows you to focus on what is truly important.
Leveraging Support Systems
No mom achieves balance alone. During law school, my husband was a constant source of support, taking care of the kids when I needed to attend classes or study for exams. Our extended family and my son’s care team also played critical roles during some of the toughest moments.
“Having a support system is not a luxury. It is essential,” I explain. “Accept help when it is offered, and build a network of people who lift you up rather than add to the pressure.”
Support systems also include mentors and colleagues. In law school and in the corporate world, having people who guide you, share advice, and provide encouragement can make a huge difference. Mentorship allows you to learn from others’ experiences and navigate challenges more effectively.
Staying Flexible and Adaptable
Balancing ambition and family requires flexibility. Life rarely goes according to plan, especially when you have children. During law school, I faced unexpected obstacles, from my son’s medical needs to work demands that could not be postponed. There were moments when I had to adjust schedules, reschedule deadlines, or shift priorities.
“Flexibility is not a sign of weakness,” I often tell others. “It is a sign of strength and resilience. Being able to adapt keeps you moving forward even when life throws curveballs.”
Adaptability also means letting go of perfection. Some days, dinner came from the drive-thru and my study notes were scattered across the kitchen table. That was okay. Being a mom and a professional does not mean being perfect. It means showing up and giving your best where you can.
Learning to Find Joy
Even in the busiest and most stressful seasons, finding joy is essential. For me, joy came in small but meaningful ways—baking cupcakes with my boys, watching a Packers game together, or taking a quiet walk to clear my mind. These moments replenished my energy and gave me the perspective to tackle challenges with clarity and patience.
“Balance is not about dividing your time evenly,” I say. “It is about making sure you have moments that feed your soul.” When you prioritize joy, your energy and focus improve, which benefits both your family and your career.
Growing Through Challenges
The journey from law school to leadership has taught me that challenges are opportunities for growth. Facing adversity while raising children shaped my leadership style and strengthened my resilience. I learned to stay calm under pressure, communicate effectively, and make thoughtful decisions.
After law school, I transitioned into corporate law and eventually became Associate General Counsel, overseeing securities, corporate governance, ethics, compliance, and trademark management. My experiences as a mom navigating law school while working full-time gave me insight into leading teams with empathy and understanding.
“Being a mom made me a better leader,” I often reflect. “It taught me patience, empathy, and perspective. These qualities make me stronger in the office and at home.”
Advice for Moms Pursuing Ambition
For moms who are balancing family and career aspirations, my advice is simple: believe in yourself, plan carefully, lean on your support system, and make time for joy. Accept that challenges will arise, but know that they can also make you stronger. Celebrate small victories and remind yourself that you are teaching your children by example.
“You can have ambition and family at the same time,” I tell other mothers. “It may not be easy, but it is possible. Every step you take toward your goals while being present for your family counts.”
Embracing the Journey
The journey from law school to leadership was not easy, but it was worth every challenge. Balancing family and career is ongoing, and there will always be moments that test your strength. The key is to keep moving forward, learning along the way, and embracing the support of the people around you.
By staying focused, flexible, and intentional, moms can achieve both professional success and a rich family life. It requires effort, resilience, and sometimes creativity, but it is achievable. Life is not about perfect balance; it is about creating a life that reflects your priorities, values, and passions.
“Being a mom and a professional has taught me that ambition and family can coexist,” I say. “The journey is challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding.”