Reconciling family and career

Having her first child changed a lot for Maren, which also had an impact on her company.

After the pregnancy, it was clear to Maren that I wanted to reorientate myself professionally and set my priorities differently.

Maren talks about her new everyday life and how it fits in with her family.

 

Independence and children need to be well organised, Maren tells us how she organises her tasks for the day – with useful little helpers.

 

Maren talks about the challenges a startup faces when it comes to balancing work and family life. You can also find out what different requirements start-ups and established companies have.

 

In order to adapt my work-life balance measures to the needs of my employees, I first have to analyse their requirements. Maren gives tips and insights.

There are many support networks and offers, Maren gives an insight.

Maren talks about what she would like to see socially and politically so that the work-life balance works even better.

🎙️ Episode Title: Balancing Entrepreneurship and Family Life – A Conversation with Maren Will

Being self-employed offers freedom, but it also comes with many challenges – especially when it comes to balancing family, children, and running a business. In this episode, we talk to Maren Will, co-founder of Mara Mea, a fashion brand that combines maternity wear with modern design. In 2019, Maren became a mother – an experience that, in her own words, completely turned her life upside down.

She decided to leave the company and take a new direction. Today, she is once again self-employed, working as a systemic coach for female founders.

We talk about her journey from university to her first startup, what she learned from working in the fashion industry, why she chose to step away from her company, and how she now balances family life with her work as a coach. Tune in to our conversation – enjoy!

How do I find the right working time model for my situation?

After the course, many people ask themselves: “What suits me best—flexitime, part-time work, or working from home?” The answer depends on your personal circumstances. If you need more flexibility in your daily routine (e.g., due to school hours), flexitime is a practical option. Part-time work makes sense if you want to work fewer hours on a permanent basis. Working from home is suitable if your tasks can be done digitally – but it requires clear rules for boundaries and communication.

 

How do I plan parental leave without losing touch with my job?

After the parental leave modules, the question often remains of how to stay in touch. “Keep-in-touch” agreements with your employer, such as regular updates or invitations to team events, are helpful. This keeps you informed and makes it easier to return to work.

 

What childcare options are particularly helpful for working parents?

The choice depends heavily on your work model. Daycare centers and daycare providers offer reliability, while flexible solutions such as large daycare centers or company-run facilities are ideal if your working hours vary. Tip: Secure places early – waiting times are often long.

 

How do I implement methods such as the Eisenhower Matrix or Pomodoro in everyday life?

Many people are familiar with these methods but wonder how they work in everyday family life. The Eisenhower Matrix helps to separate the important from the urgent – e.g., “pediatrician appointment” (important & urgent) vs. “folding laundry” (not urgent). Pomodoro is well suited for concentrated work phases between family tasks: 25 minutes of focus, 5 minutes of break.

 

What should I do if my schedule is constantly disrupted despite using tools?

This is normal when family and work collide. It is important to regularly reset priorities and not use too many methods at once. A mixture of weekly planning (e.g., Kanban board) and daily focus (e.g., 1–2 Pomodoro sessions) is often sufficient.

 

Why are health and wellness programs also important for parents?

Many people underestimate how much their own health affects work-life balance. Regular exercise, stress management, and short recovery periods give you the energy to manage both your job and your family. You should actively take advantage of employer offerings such as yoga, back exercises, or health budgets.

 

What support is available for caring for relatives?

Participants often ask, “What are my rights?” In Germany, for example, there is care leave, family care leave, and relief services. Flexible working time arrangements can also help to balance care and work. Tip: Contact care insurance funds or company contact points early on to secure support.

 

How do I talk to my employer about my needs?

Open communication is crucial. Prepare yourself with specific suggestions, such as “I would like to work from home one day a week” or “I suggest working hours between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.”. Employers tend to respond positively when they see that you are offering solutions.

 

Which networks help with balancing family and career?

There are regional parent networks, counseling centers, professional associations, and online communities. It is also worth using networks for parents or caregivers within the company. Talking to people in similar situations often provides valuable tips and emotional support.

 

How can I balance family and career as a self-employed person?

This is a particularly big challenge. Clear time blocks, external childcare, and the use of networks (e.g., co-working with childcare) are important building blocks. It also makes sense to consciously outsource certain tasks in order to create space for family and regeneration.