MORE THAN A FULL-TIME JOB
Motherhood is a full-time job on its own, but women tend to make it work – like superwoman dressed up for the nine-to-five and putting on that cape – while still managing to be the superhero for their children. Outlook highlights five mothers working in t
Celia Steele, sales manager, The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites
Celia Steele, who has a four-year-old son, always dreamt of being in this field, while many around her wanted to become doctors, lawyers or teachers. In fact, she played hotel at home. She thinks she was inspired by her brother who worked in the industry and seeing the pleasure in the eyes of the employees fuelled her passion.
Just working at the Courtleigh Hotel Group is fulfilling for Steele. The group is home for her, and having customers being pleased with the service that she offers, fills her with exceeding joy and it pushes her to go above and beyond.
With all this passion for the job, Celia still has another full-time job at home and, admittedly, there is not a day that she isn’t tired.
She mentions that balancing her job and being a mother is still a work in progress. However, when she has a hectic day and picks up her son Jaleel from school, the smile and ‘big bear’ hug she receives lights up her entire world. That is all the motivation she needs to balance the two and keep going.
1. What has motherhood taught you about yourself?
Patience. Motherhood proves that I am right there with Job. My four year-old (going on 40) is extremely active and very strongwilled. So if he says he is not eating ‘x’ for breakfast, it requires patience and prayer.
2. How has motherhood influenced your career, and vice versa?
Structure for sure. Children require structured routine in order to function and, actually, so does my career. Both worlds are very diverse, so to get the best result, I now utilise the good ‘ole’ priority matrix to keep on top of my game.
3. Best advice on motherhood you ever received?
‘train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.’
I look to the Bible for advice and Proverbs 22:6 tells me to
4. One bit of advice you would give new career mothers.
BALANCE! It is not an easy road. So I cannot express how important this is. Learn to balance your time to give your career your best and your child your all. Never be too busy to give your time, affection and love to your little ones. What you do today, affects their tomorrow.
Cecile Hyatt-Reynolds, operations manager, The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites
Hospitality chose Cecile Hyatt-Reynolds, and it really became her passion to serve. Some 33 years ago, she started her journey as a HEART trainee and never looked back, working in every department except maintenance.
As operations manager, Cecile Hyatt-Reynolds, mother of one and Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association Manager of the Year 2009, thrives on the joy of her customers. It is their joy that makes the job worthwhile.
Her daughter, is now an adult, so striking a balance is easier, but when she was younger, she ensured that
despite the long hours, adequate quality time was spent. She admits that the support of her husband and other family members also helped her along the way. To date, quality time with her daughter is still crucial to their relationship.
1. What has motherhood taught you about yourself?
Motherhood has taught me how strong I am as an individual, as it propelled me to achieve even more than expected, because someone was depending on me.
2. How has motherhood influenced your career and vice versa?
Motherhood has aided in my career, as it strengthened my nurturing, listening and problem-solving skills, which are all critical to management as well as the field of hospitality. I have also been able to teach my daughter about work ethics and prepare her for the world of work from my career experiences.
3. Best advice on motherhood you ever received?
Create a bond with your child from early, as this will last a lifetime. Spend quality time with your children and ensure there is an open and honest relationship. I have enjoyed each phase and stage of life with my daughter, growing together.
4. One bit of advice you would give new career mothers.
Motherhood does not stop you from fulfilling your dreams, rather, it drives you towards them. Ensure [that you] strike the right balance between career and motherhood while living life to the fullest.