A healthy balance between home & career

Somebody once said that the phrase “working mom” is redundant because a mother actually works 24/7 in the confines of her home and outside it. Since her work seems routine, her family forgets the sacrifices she makes day in and day out.

Working Mom Magazine’s annual Balance Awards reminds everyone how mothers struggle to be their kids’ teacher and provider. The ABS-CBN publication and Meralco did just that recently by naming Pinky Yee, lawyer Gaby Concepcion, Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, Rosalinda Hortaleza, Sen. Pia Cayetano, Kaye Tinga and Natividad Cadiz as this year’s awardees. The event was held at The Fort’s Blue Leaf.

“She should be successful in her chosen career,” describes editor-in-chief Dedet Reyes-Panabi of a working mom. “It is being measured by how known or popular she is in the industry and if her peers recognize her contributions. She also has a good track record — no fraud, no illegal endeavors.

“She is confident, creative and a risk taker,” adds Reyes-Panabi. “She should have a strong character to surpass life’s challenges, similar to a story about triumph over tragedy.”

Another thing to take a closer look at, says Reyes-Panabi, is how she performs at home. This is reflected in her children. “We also consider whether the kids are confident, grounded and happy, not to mention their closeness,” she says.

Asked how the nominees and awardees are chosen, Reyes-Panabi replies that a screening committee draws the list and studies the qualifications of the working moms. There are also people who do field work and interview people close to the nominees.

The Balance Awards, on the other hand, was started by Working Mom Magazine four years ago recognizing the excellent work of mothers at home and at work. The term “balance” emerged in the US during the ‘60s and ‘70s when people worked for 10 to 11 hours. Psychologists say that if employers wish to have happy, productive workers, they should have a life outside the office. That life refers to their family and friends. They should work hard and spend quality time with loved ones.

Reyes-Panabi shares that the Balance Awards reminds children how important their mothers are to who they are or what they have become. The only time they recognize her importance is when the kids move out to start a life of their own or when mothers work abroad.