Reimagine: Flexible Work - It’s Not Just for Working Moms

Ever wondered where MatchPace came from? Motherhood gave me the courage to try to change my world, but I also want to change yours.

Read on to learn how motherhood led to MatchPace. 

People sometimes ask me if MatchPace is specifically for working moms, because moms need more flexibility in their lives.

Motherhood led me to start MatchPace, but MatchPace isn’t for Mothers… 

It was motherhood that showed me that I need to be able to do good work in a way where work wasn't the primary or only thing in my life. 

(Even with just my first child, I quickly realized I couldn't parent in line with my values and be gone 40 to 50 to 60 hours a week which was what my career had required of me up until that point.) 

When my kids arrived, I transitioned to part-time work. But this wasn't merely a personal accommodation; it was a mutually beneficial arrangement. While I reduced my hours, I maintained my professional commitment. I made conscious choices to prioritize essential tasks, trimming away the excess. I stopped attending non-essential meetings and streamlined my workload, ensuring I still delivered results. 

Why couldn't this be the norm for everyone? Why is something like this just a “sweetheart deal” for young moms? Doesn’t everyone need to have space in their lives for other things that are important to them? 

In my minds eye, in my bones, I can see a new system for work where everyone can balance good work with other priorities - not just a young mom whose employer “did her a favor” (to be clear: they saved a lot of money while largely getting the same outputs). 

Other people have other priorities too! Sure, caregiving for children or other family members, but also: pursuing hobbies, or nurturing their personal health, or volunteering in their communities. 

Our [all-consuming] cultural approach to work deprives us of a healthy, sustainable life.

MatchPace emerged from this desire to redefine the integration of work and life, offering a model where organizations are still kicking-ass on their missions, but they’re not doing it on the backs of burned out employees. 

Organizations are getting sh*t done because they are - not in spite of - creating healthy, sustainable places for their teams to work (which enables their teammates to have time for their other priorities). 

Work is part of our lives, a really important part, but it should not consume our lives. 

My work is a really important part of my life, and I’m grateful motherhood showed me a way that I could pursue work in a more sustainable way.

MatchPace is here to create a new paradigm where work-life balance is accessible to everyone, regardless of their familial or personal circumstances.

This is what I want for you too - whether you’re a mom, or not! 

Working Well and Living Well

We have a “Hybrid” approach to Mother’s Day in our house. 

We use the day-itself to celebrate Motherhood - special meals and outings, etc. It’s a beautiful relationship and I’m grateful I get to be a mom!

And we also recognize that being a caregiver - the work of parenthood - is exhausting. Especially for Moms. 

So this past Sunday we went out for breakfast, played a rousing game of hide-and-seek at the Arboretum (with Andy still on crutches, it wasn’t exactly fair), and played games together.

Then next week I’m heading out to the mountains of West Virginia for 3 days with some friends. Unplugging, hiking, and resting! 

P.S. Follow me on LinkedIn for more insight about reimagining how we work and live!