Osemhen’s Note: And we’re back with the Balance Series! This month, we’re interviewing Olachi who, like me, is a UNILAG Alumna. Like me, she has Warri roots. Unlike me, those Warri roots (e.g. area! behaviour) don’t show up in her personality. She’s super-charming, fun to be with and she’s one of those people who can be so tongue-in-cheek, it’s sometimes hard to differentiate when she’s joking from when she’s being serious. Here she is, sharing her experience as a working mother. Enjoy!
My name is Olachi, I live in Lagos, Nigeria and work with Shell as an Operations Support Engineer, on a contract-basis. I’ve done this for 4 years but I’ve been in the organisation for 10. I have 2 children, Mayode and Folawe, aged 5 & 2. We have no pets unless the toy eggs that hatch into animals count. I went to the University of Lagos and Aberdeen for school and I met my husband in Lagos.
What industry do you work in? Why did you pick this career? How did you get your job?
I work in the oil and gas industry and to be honest my career kind of chose me. After my youth service, I got retained to continue the work I was doing at Shell.
How long have you been a working mom and what’s your biggest concern about working and raising children?
I’ve been a working mom for 5 years and counting. My biggest concern is probably one that most mums share – that you are not available to give your children all the support and guidance they need because you are out there working
If you didn’t have to work (say, you suddenly won the lottery for a million dollars) would you prefer to stay at home with your kids?
Very interesting question. No I would not. I would schedule my time to spend more of it at home with the kids but I’d definitely still be out working.
How did you feel your first day back at work after childbirth?
FAT! Unrecognisable really but other than that, I was chuffed. I had missed the hustle and bustle.
What are your childcare arrangements?
I have a live-in nanny (she is my right hand). She’s been with us for almost 5 years now so when the kids are not in school, they spend their after- school hours with her. Never used a creche, luckily. Between grandparents and nanny – we have been able to cope.
How does your typical day go?
I’m up in the morning – while the whole house is still asleep (except the nanny who is up making school lunch), I get ready and I’m out the house before anyone is up. I leave little notes for my son, just telling him the things I would have told him had I seen him before I left. Then it’s off to work and back home – spend some time with the kids when I’m not too exhausted, cook dinner etc. etc.
Work life balance or work life integration? How do you balance or integrate your life?
I take each day as it comes and try not to get overwhelmed when the things I plan don’t occur exactly how I planned them. I give work my time but when I’m home I try to be present with the family. Weekends are good for me to just bond with the kids. I also have a good relationship with my son’s teacher so we are constantly talking about his progress not just academically but socially and behaviourally.
Do you ever feel mom guilt?
Nope. Guilty for what? You do your best and that’s all you can do. I never have any guilt. When I’m out working or even home working, I am giving my kids a good example and will never feel guilty for that. Sometimes I am not able to attend their school programs or plays etc. but I am always upfront with the kids explaining why I can’t be there and so they understand. It’s life. I do the best I can.
My mother never told me that…
Hmmm… tricky – she never told me many things but I figured out a lot from watching her life. I learnt from her even if she didn’t say things to me.
Is your job friendly to working parents?
I think it is, my bosses are understanding – we are able to work from home when required.
What’s the best part?
My work-mates – they’re a crazy set of people that make work fun on the days it’s hard.
What would you change if you could?
My salary and terms of employment.
What advice would you give to a young graduate just starting out in your field?
Show up early, learn as much as you can – stay hungry and stay foolish. Find a mentor and listen to their guidance.
Olachi @ TedX
What’s your mommy super power?
I don’t know o – we have super powers? Being a mom is my super power. Yaasss!
What (apart from your field) are you obsessed with?
Hahaha. I am falling in love with helping people live better lives. I currently run a personal blog ‘theknowledgeofhow.com’ where I get to help sift the garbage and give people meaningful content to help them/you get ahead in life. Love it!
I also love my country and continent – I don’t want us to lose our authenticity as Africans so I founded a children’s’ clothing line in honor of Africa – called AnkaraBaby.
What are you most terrible at?
Planning, ironically. Tend to do a lot in my head as opposed to sitting down to write stuff down. Working on it.
Here’s a fun fact she didn’t mention: Olachi is also a TedX speaker. So yes, she’s an engineer, a blogger, a children clothing designer, a TedX speaker and a mother. And she goes to the gym! If that isn’t inspirational, I don’t know what is. Thank you for the interview, Olachi! You can watch her talk here: The Danger of Praise.
