Dietitian, Mother and Definite Competitor

Someone asked me the other day, to talk. Talk about your struggles, worries and considerations as a woman, mother, dietitian and business owner, people will want to hear it.

This definitely took me back. Why. Why would anyone want to hear it? But it became apparent that my experience and my words might actually resonate with others and at least give them the opportunity to connect with similar feelings and concerns.

I knew entering the world of dietetics that I would be competing. Competing with all the other women and that at one stage I would have to take a break to start a family. This fear of being forgotten and losing that opportunity to work and keep abreast of the changing face of our profession was an imminent concern for me, so much so I left having my first child until my 30th birthday.

Now these days this is common place but for us dietitians, and those particularly in business this is a remarkable chunk of time out of our career and a great opportunity for someone else to swoop in underneath you and take your clients.

On top of this fear was the genuine reality of gaining weight. This is of course an obvious fact that comes with having a baby, but in our ever judging world and chosen career path, it was hard for me and I know others in similar situations to deal with our changing bodies in the watchful eyes of our clients.

As I reflect on these nonsensical fears now a good 12 months on with an ever blossoming career, charismatic toddler, clients that waited for me and a business that continues to roll on. I wonder what I was really worried about, some things are worth waiting for.