Sometimes, moving forward means giving yourself permission to step back.
There was a time when attending conferences was a regular part of my professional life. From NABJ to numerous blog conferences, I understood the value of showing up, building relationships, learning from others, and connecting with people who shared similar interests and career goals.
But things changed over the years. Between working in television and navigating the demands of raising two children, my priorities shifted. I stepped away from attending conferences and some of the professional networking opportunities. Not because I had lost my passion or ambition, but because I made a conscious decision to be present for my family, especially when my children needed me the most.
And I’m grateful I made that decision.
When the Forecast Changes
As a meteorologist, I’m accustomed to forecasting, anticipating changes, and preparing for what’s ahead. But no matter how carefully we plan, life doesn’t always follow the forecast we had in mind.
Motherhood certainly taught me that!
There were seasons when my children needed more of my time. As much as I wanted to attend conferences, expand my network, and pursue professional opportunities, I knew I couldn’t be everywhere at once. So, I chose to prioritize my family.
Let’s be clear; stepping back doesn’t mean giving up. It doesn’t mean you’ve lost your ambition, forgotten your goals, or fallen behind. Sometimes, it simply means recognizing that your time and energy are needed somewhere else.
For a long time, I believed that if I wasn’t actively showing up in certain professional spaces, I might be missing out. But I’ve learned that not every opportunity has to be pursued at the same time. There is value in knowing when to push forward and when to give yourself permission to pause.
I’m a firm believer that you can have it all, just not all at once.
That belief has guided me through many seasons of my life, and it continues to remind me that success doesn’t have to follow someone else’s timeline.
Returning to My Weather Community
Attending the National Weather Association (NWA) Conference was particularly meaningful because it marked a new chapter for me. The decision came on the heels of receiving my Seal of Approval from the National Weather Association.
Although I completed my meteorology program more than a decade ago, I chose to put off obtaining my seal. You might be wondering, “why did you wait so long?” Well, because simply put – my family needed me and work got busy.
Earning this recognition was especially important to me because it represents more than just a credential. It is a reminder that investing in yourself and your professional development is worthwhile, even years after completing your formal education.
As a meteorologist, I know how important it is to stay informed, continue learning, and maintain the standards that our profession demands. Between motherhood, a demanding work schedule, and everything else life brings, pursuing this milestone required intention and commitment. I’m proud of this accomplishment, and it reinforces something I hope other moms remember: it’s never too late to invest in yourself, revisit your goals, or pursue something that reminds you why you started in the first place. Your journey doesn’t have to happen on anyone else’s timeline.
My First Weather Conference
Although I’ve attended NABJ conferences and numerous blogging conferences throughout my career, this was my first weather conference.
As someone who has spent more than two decades working in the New York City television market, weather has been such a significant part of my professional identity. Yet, somehow, I had never made it to a Weather conference.
This conference was an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, catch up with old friends, meet new people, and build relationships within the meteorological community. There’s something special about being in a room with people who understand your profession, share your passion for weather, and appreciate the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with communicating weather information to the public.
And let’s face it; networking is important!
We often talk about the value of building professional relationships, but those relationships go beyond exchanging business cards or adding someone on LinkedIn. They are about genuine conversations, shared experiences, encouragement, collaboration, and learning from one another.
Sometimes, a simple conversation can open the door to a new opportunity. Other times, reconnecting with an old friend reminds you of how far you’ve come.
For me, this conference wasn’t just about professional development. It was also about reconnecting with a part of myself that had taken a back seat while I focused on motherhood and other responsibilities.
I was reminded that my professional goals were still there, waiting for me when I was ready to return. Also, my friend Janice has been encouraging me to attend over the last few years.
My Support System
As moms, we can sometimes feel as though we have to figure everything out ourselves. But that is NOT the case. I’ve learned that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s an important part of making things work. With the support of my mom and my husband, I was able to attend the conference.
My support system gave me the opportunity to invest in myself and my career without feeling that I had to do everything alone.
So, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Sometimes, the difference between an opportunity you pass up and one you pursue is having someone willing to step in and support you.
To the Moms Who Feel Like They’re Falling Behind
Whether you’ve turned down opportunities because the timing wasn’t right or stepped away for other personal reasons, it’s never too late. Your timeline is your own.
You don’t have to attend every conference, accept every invitation, or say yes to every opportunity to prove that you’re committed to your career.
And you certainly don’t have to feel guilty for choosing your children when they need you.
There is no shame in deciding that, for a particular season, being present at home is more important than being present in a conference room.
Your children won’t need you in the same way forever. Their needs will change, your circumstances will change, and your own capacity will change, too.
When the time is right, you can begin to make room for yourself again. And when you do, you don’t have to apologize for the time you spent focusing on your family.
Here’s to motherhood, meaningful connections, career growth, and learning to navigate every season of life with purpose.