If you are a working parent, you understand the unique challenges that this balancing act can bring. From added costs, like daycare, to finding a way to take care of your kids when they’re sick, there is no denying that being a working mom can be challenging. Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes with three working moms who have found a way to unlock balance and fulfillment in their careers as physical therapists.
First-Time Mom Faces Uncharted Territory
Jennifer C., DPT
“This is my first child, so I’m getting used to things as a new mom. I’m learning how to be a parent and balance work—Luna has really helped.” - Jennifer C., DPT
Meet Jennifer. She’s been a physical therapist for over seven years. Up until last year, she had been working full time in an outpatient PT clinic. When Jennifer got pregnant with her first child, she knew that it was time to make some professional changes. A full, 40-hour work week and structured schedule would no longer be in the cards. After taking five months of maternity leave, Jennifer decided to go back to the clinic on Tuesdays and Thursdays only. To supplement her part-time income and gain more flexibility in her schedule, she started working with Luna.
Jennifer has been working with Luna on Mondays and Wednesdays for the last seven months. Because it takes her five minutes to get to her first Luna patient of the day, Jennifer has plenty of time to enjoy precious morning moments with her daughter and get her ready for daycare. “I love not having to rush in the morning, just to get on the road and sit in traffic,” says Jennifer.
With Luna, Jennifer creates her own schedule. This comes in handy when her daughter gets sick or has a doctor’s appointment. “With Luna, I can easily block off a few hours in my day if my daughter needs me,” says Jennifer. “There have been a few times when she’s had to stay home from daycare. On those days, it’s so nice to have the support of Luna to reschedule my patients.”
Mom of Two Refuses to Settle
Ann K., DPT
“My husband told me I don’t have to work, but it’s something I love and am passionate about. If I don’t do my job, I don’t feel complete. I’m a better parent because I’m able to do what I want with my work and career.” - Ann K., DPT
Meet Ann, a mom of two living in Pleasant Hill, California. Ann’s worked in several outpatient clinics and always struggled to find a balance between her work life and family life. Once she had her first child, Ann tried to work per diem to gain flexibility. “A lot of those clinics asked me if I wanted to come on full-time,” she recalls. “I always had to say no because I wanted to be present with my kids.”
Now, Ann has finally found the right balance with two “super flexible” jobs. She works in the school district as an educational PT and with Luna. So that she’s able to wake up with her kids and feed them breakfast, Ann never starts work until after 9 or 9:30 am. She’s also set her schedule so that she’s home by 2 pm for playtime and to cook them dinner. “I have a very specific schedule, which is super important for kids, but I also have the flexibility to change my schedule if something comes up,” says Ann. “I really do think Luna is the perfect option for moms who want to be present with their kids but also have a passion for their job as a PT.”
Supermom Searches for Balance and Fulfillment
Jenn G., MSPT
“I’ve worked in a lot of different settings trying to make things work as a working mom and have had to adjust as my kids have grown. But I feel that’s prepared me so well because I’ve had plenty of experience working with a wide variety of patients.” - Jenn G., MSPT
Meet Jenn. She’s worked in a variety of physical therapy settings, including outpatient orthopedics, aquatic PT, skilled nursing facility, outpatient neuro rehab, and in per diem PT. Now, she works exclusively with Luna. Jenn has always been passionate about her career, but once she started a family, flexibility became a top priority. “When my kids were little, I would just work evenings when my husband was home and on Saturdays,” says Jenn. “Now, I mostly work when they’re in school.”
When she’s not treating patients, Jenn is parenting (and sometimes playing chauffeur to) her three sons—12, 15, and 16 years old. “I always thought that things would get easier as they got older, but it’s actually much more crazy and hectic,” Jenn admits. “Two of my boys are really into running and one is a competitive swimmer.” Luckily, Luna has made it possible for Jenn to find balance and maintain her sanity. “Some days I see two patients, other days I see five,” says Jen. “The thirty-minute breaks between appointments is a total lifesaver for me. I use the time to run to the grocery store, make dinner, do chores, meet friends, or knock out documentation. I feel really fortunate to have the time between patients to get things done. That kind of flexibility is unheard of when you work at a clinic. Most of the time, you’re stuck there after work hours doing paperwork.”
Jenn has unlocked so much more than time for daily tasks. She’s also found a way to do more of what she loves—being active and spending time with family. Jenn regularly participates in Ironmans, triathlons, long-distance hiking, and more. She spends quality time with her kids and even started a local running group to teach people how to prevent running injuries.
Working moms, we think you’re pretty amazing. If you’re looking for a fulfilling career as a physical therapist with enough flexibility to find balance as a mom, we’d love to talk to you.
