For generations, women have been told we can “have it all”: the career, family, financial independence, a successful marriage, a healthy lifestyle and a perfectly managed home.
There is just one problem: No one really taught us how to balance it all.
That was one of my biggest takeaways from Episode 2 of the “Lift & Glitz Podcast,” when I sat down with my cousin, Jordan Teichman. Jordan is a vice president and certified financial planner who has built a successful career in finance while also navigating marriage, motherhood and everything that comes with creating a life beyond work.
Although our careers look very different, our conversation made me realize how similar our experiences as working women are.
We both grew up surrounded by strong women — women who worked hard, cared for their families, supported others and figured things out along the way. But as Jordan and I talked, we acknowledged something important: We were never really taught how to balance a career and a family.
Honestly, I am still learning.
Women can place tremendous pressure on themselves to succeed in every part of their lives at the same time. We want to be present as mothers and wives while continuing to pursue our professional goals. We want to care for our health, maintain friendships, manage our homes, build financial security and somehow still find time for ourselves.
When one area receives more attention, another can feel neglected.
That does not mean we are doing it wrong.
Maybe balance is not about giving everything equal attention every day. Perhaps it is about recognizing what needs us most during a particular season of life.
Our conversation also touched on something more women need to feel comfortable discussing: money.
Jordan has built her career around helping families understand their finances, identify their goals and plan for the future. Women should be active participants in those conversations. Understanding your finances, asking questions and knowing where you stand are not just about money. They are essential to building independence and confidence.
What I appreciated most about the episode was that neither of us pretended to have everything figured out.
We are two women with careers we are proud of, families we love and goals we continue to pursue. Like so many others, we are learning as we go.
Maybe “having it all” was never supposed to mean doing everything perfectly.
Maybe it simply means building a life that feels like your own.
Episode 2 of the “Lift & Glitz Podcast” is available on YouTube and Apple Podcasts.
Rachel King is the owner and operator of Lift & Glitz Training Studio in Northfield.
