Parenthood Bytes

In this episode, we sit down with Can Envarli, who lives in Washington and is the VP of Engineering at Liquidity Book. Can shares insights from his life as a working parent, where he balances a demanding career with raising 10-and-a-half-year-old twins. He delves into the topic of work/life balance, emphasizing the fleeting nature of childhood and the importance of cherishing every moment with your kids. Can reflects on the rapid growth of children and the significance of being fully present in their lives, highlighting the irreplaceable nature of each developmental stage. He offers practical tips on keeping kids engaged during family dinners and acknowledges the inevitable frustrations that come with parenting. Can encourages listeners to give themselves grace when facing challenges, including moments of anger or frustration with their children.

In this episode, we catch up with Vicky Fang, a parent of two kids aged 8 and 10, who shares her journey from a tech career to becoming a children's book author and illustrator. She discusses the challenges of transitioning careers and how parenthood has influenced her approach to work efficency and prioritization. Vicky offers candid insights into the realities of parenting, acknowledging both the expected and unexpected aspects.

Vicky's diverse range of books caters to children of all ages, starting as young as newborns. To check out her books, visit her website at www.vickyfang.com or check out her books on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Vicky-Fang/e/B07YH9YYQX.

In this episode, we have a conversation with Tameez Sunderji, who not only serves as a Product Manager but also navigates the joys and challenges of fatherhood with his 10-year-old daughter. Tameez provides insights into the balancing act of managing both his professional career and personal life, offering a candid look into his recent globetrotting adventure and how he manages to juggle it all.

In this episode, we chat with with Mei, a data scientist based in Singapore. She shares her experiences of parenting two young children, aged 3.5 years old and 4 months old. Mei candidly discusses the struggles and challenges she faces while juggling her career and family life.

One key piece of advice Mei offers to fellow parents, whether they are planning to have children or already have them, is the importance of sharing at-home challenges with coworkers. Mei emphasizes the value of making colleagues aware of the difficulties parents may be navigating.

Tune in to gain insights from Mei's journey through parenthood.

In this episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing Susan Lee Neth, a Software Engineer at LaunchDarkly. She is based in the Bay Area and also serves as a Girl Scout Troop Leader. Susan is a mother of three children, aged 18, 16, and 14. Throughout our conversation, Susan highlights the significance of establishing boundaries in the workplace and prioritizing activities outside of work that hold personal importance.

One key point Susan emphasizes is the importance of inquiring about work benefits before accepting a job offer. Understanding the level of flexibility a job offers can greatly impact one's ability to balance work and personal life effectively. She shares a valuable tip about advocating for oneself by allowing others to accommodate your needs and inviting them to be a part of your journey.

Overall, Susan's insights shed light on the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and advocating for oneself in the workplace. Her experiences as both a software engineer and a parent offer valuable lessons for anyone striving to navigate the demands of career and family life effectively.

This episode is sponsored by ⁠Camera Roll Curator⁠.

In this episode, we chat with David Anderson, a filmmaker and UI developer based in the Bay Area. David shares insights into his life as a single parent raising three boys, now adults aged 32, 28, and 26. He provides candid reflections on the challenges and joys of parenting solo. Despite the inevitable hurdles, David cherishes the fun and precious moments he shares with his kids, underscoring the rewarding nature of parenthood. His experience offers valuable perspectives for anyone considering or navigating the journey of raising children.

This episode is sponsored by ⁠Camera Roll Curator⁠.

In this episode, we chat with Karthik Sethuramen, a seasoned Staff Software Engineer based in the Bay Area. Despite the demands of his career, Karthik generously shares his experiences and strategies for maintaining a balance between work and family life, particularly with a lively 3.5-year-old son.

Karthik provides a candid glimpse into the dynamic of being a dual-career household with a young child. He discusses the challenges he and his wife face as they navigate their busy schedules while ensuring their son receives the attention and engagement he deserves. From managing hectic workdays to orchestrating family activities, Karthik sheds light on modern parenthood.

A standout takeaway from Karthik's insights is the importance of community support. He emphasizes the invaluable role that a community plays in their parenting journey.

This episode is sponsored by Camera Roll Curator.

In Episode 22, we engage in a conversation with Erin McKean, the founder of wordnik.com and a member of the open-source programs office at Google, currently based in Oregon. Erin provides insights into the experience of parenting an adult child, as her son approaches his 24th birthday.

Throughout the discussion, Erin delves into the contrasts between parenting an adult child and a younger one, noting the opportunities for more friendship-like interactions as children mature. Erin highlights the significance of trusting kids and assuming they have things handled and that they will ask for help when they need it.

Furthermore, Erin shares a valuable piece of advice for parents, emphasizing the transient nature of challenges, even though they may appear forever in the moment. She encourages parents to embrace the idea of seeking support when necessary, emphasizing its acceptability and beneficial outcomes.

If you'd like to learn more about Erin's non-profit, wordnik, be sure to check it out at www.wordnik.com and adopt a word if you'd like!

In this episode, Anna Sulkina, Director of Engineering at Airbnb and mother of 15-year-old twins, shares her insights on parenting and balancing a demanding career. With over 25 years of tech experience, Anna offers valuable advice for parents raising twins. She emphasizes the importance of syncing their schedules, suggesting that when one wakes up to feed at night, it's best to feed both to establish consistency.

Anna also highlights the significance of self-care for parents. She advocates prioritizing one's well-being, asserting that the quality of time spent with children matters more than quantity. As a parent, you will make mistakes but give yourself grace. She reassures listeners that striving for perfection isn't necessary, but continuous growth is attainable.

Tune in to gain insights from Anna's candid experiences and practical parenting tips.

In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Fischetti, a former director at Affirm turned career and life coach in the Bay Area. Lauren, who is a mother of two young children aged 3 and 1.5, shares her insights on parenthood and finding a balance between work and family responsibilities.

One of the key points Lauren emphasizes is the importance of being intentional about how you allocate your time between work and home life after having children. She acknowledges that priorities may shift on a daily basis, but it's essential to accept that you may not be able to work as intensely as before. Lauren offers practical strategies for achieving work-life balance, including scheduling activities around her parenting responsibilities and carving out "me" time.

A valuable tip she offers to new parents is to carefully consider the roles they want work and family to play in their lives and to approach this decision with mindfulness and reflection.

If you're in search of a life and career coach to help navigate these challenges and/or help you figure out what you want to do next, you can connect with Lauren Fischetti on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-fischetti/.