This Working Mom’s #1 Career Tip For New Parents is Spot On

Yvette Boucher’s career development story mirrors what many working moms hope to achieve: a work-life balance that works. She lives in central New Jersey with her husband and 15-month-old son, Liam, and as a Sales Enablement Coordinator at Sterling Talent Solutions, Yvette works with a team that spans the U.S., U.K. and Canada. With an influential role that cross-functionally partners across Sterling, Yvette has mastered applying her meticulous planning skills professionally and personally — and she says her company is great at understanding that family comes first.  

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She recently chatted with Fairygodboss about how her job complements her parenting style, how she sets boundaries to manage family vs. work time, and how her team has helped her grow her career. 

How long have you been in your current role, and what were you doing previously? 

I’ve been in my current role for 13 months and have been at Sterling for the past three years. Previously I was Executive Assistant to the CSO and CMO, and while working for them was taking on new projects. When I revealed my pregnancy, my bosses offered to help find a new role that would provide a work-life balance. I then joined the Sales Enablement Team.

What’s your pre-work morning routine like? 

I wake up when the baby wakes up around 6:30 a.m., and either my husband or I will take him to my parents’ house or daycare.

Why do you think Sterling is a particularly great place to be a working mom? 

There’s a universal understanding that it’s not easy to be a working parent and that family comes first, sans the guilt that can accompany being a working parent. I know we hear more about working moms, but the dads at Sterling seem pretty happy, too!

How do you feel like your job has complemented your function as a parent? 

My team makes fun of me for my paper planners —  but I’m a very specific planner! It helps because I can allocate my work and home “to-dos”, and I can work out the logistics of fitting everything in. My son comes home at 4 p.m., then I am offline, and can catch up later in the evening and manage my time properly. My team leader isn’t a micromanager. As long as work is getting done and the team is happy, the when, what, and how doesn’t matter. There’s no pressure.

How has your role as a mom made you a better employee? 

I think it has given me more drive. It’s not just me I’m working for now. I’m working to be a good example for my son, and he sees that “mom works.” He took a little notebook and pen, and was playing with his toy phone pretending he was like me — and he’s only 15 months! Planning ahead is very important in my job and personal life.

What’s your go-to stress-relief activity or routine? 

I’m a dork at planning and organizing — so I like cleaning! Shopping and trying to find time to get my nails and hair done, too.

What kinds of boundaries do you follow (if any) to separate work and family time?

I give myself set times to work. As soon as Liam comes home until his bed time, I don’t typically work, trying to be present, spending time with him and my husband. Then we’ll have dinner — and from 9 to 10:30 pm I will be online setting my to-do list, organizing the inbox and getting set for the next day.

What are you especially good at as a mom? What about at work? 

I think it’s parallel. I’m good at organization and keeping everyone on both sides of my life on track, in tandem.

What’s your #1 tip for new moms who are navigating the delicate balance of working and mothering? 

Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for working and focusing on your career. I knew it would take a while because my son was 3 months old when I was first traveling, and people judged me for leaving my baby so soon. But, it’s a nice break for everyone and a time to recharge and enjoy. At the end of the day, Liam still knows I’m his mom and we always have family time!

What’s your favorite aspect of your job? 

Working with Jason – my manager. He’s a great boss and a lot of fun. My team is great and I enjoy every aspect of my role.

What do you love most about working at Sterling? 

I like the people. We hire really talented employees. Sterling is flexible and understanding of our work-life balance. I feel like I’m surrounded by people who have an understanding that we’re more than employees; we have other things going on. My team helps grow and guide my career, making me more confident in my role. There’s currently a lot of change at Sterling, but we’re heading in an exciting direction.