First Week at Work: Musings of a Mother Boss

Do you ever feel a mix of optimism and anxiety as the new year begins? On one hand, there’s the excitement of a fresh start and the hope for great things ahead. On the other hand, there’s that post-holiday chaos—overflowing inboxes, follow-ups, and, let’s be honest, the return of people you’d rather not deal with.

For me, it’s a bit of both. Especially when you encounter those who, after their extended holiday break, expect you to pick up the slack, as though you didn’t have your own holiday to enjoy. It can be frustrating, right?

As career moms, whether in the workplace or running our own businesses, we meet all sorts of personalities. Some days, the entitlement and attitudes can really test our patience. But over time, I’ve learned a trick that helps me handle these situations: I call it switching to a compassion mindset.

When someone’s behavior irritates or angers me, I try to imagine what might have caused them to act that way. Were they bullied as kids? Neglected at home? Hurt in ways they haven’t healed from? This perspective helps me shift from anger to understanding. It doesn’t excuse bad behavior, but it helps me control my emotions and focus on what really matters—doing my best and letting go of negativity.

You see, people who are truly loved and fulfilled behave differently. They celebrate others’ successes, offer support, and bring positive energy into the room. But those who aren’t? Their actions often stem from pain.

Speaking of love and relationships, I’ve noticed a pattern over the years. Many men I’ve met who struggle to love properly or be supportive often come from broken families or environments where they felt unappreciated or unloved. On the other hand, men raised in loving homes, where their parents respected each other, often know how to love deeply and provide wholeheartedly.

It’s not just men, though. Women who’ve endured abusive relationships often grew up witnessing similar dynamics at home. It’s heartbreaking but also a reminder of how much childhood shapes us.

That’s why, as parents, our actions matter so much. The way we treat our children, the tone we set at home, and the love we show them become their foundation. No matter how great their education is, their emotional wiring starts at home.

So, the next time someone’s bad attitude threatens to ruin your day, take a deep breath and consider this: they might be carrying scars from a difficult past. It’s not your job to fix them, but you can choose to respond with empathy, let go of the negativity, and focus on what truly matters—your peace, your work, and your family.

Because at the end of the day, the energy you carry into the world shapes your own story, too.

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