A Different Look at Being a CFP®

If you’re a parent, you know how hard it can be to leave your kids at home and head off to work. This is especially challenging when they’re young and they react to every morning goodbye with tears. Sadness and guilt can be strong emotions, and of course that leads us to question our ability to be a working parent.

Even if you’re not a parent, you probably still have times when you feel sad or guilty leaving home to go to work. Maybe it’s your dog’s sad eyes or the knowledge that you’ll need to put off a personal project while you take care of things at work.

I’ve had to wrestle with my decision to continue my career while my kids are young. And although it’s been hard, it’s been really good. What has really helped me is taking the time to explain my career to my children. Putting myself in their place and seeing my work through their eyes has helped me regain confidence in my decision to be a working mom.

Work Is Important and Fulfilling

No matter what your personal situation is, there are times when going to work can be emotional – when you feel sad, guilty, or disillusioned about your career. When you question whether your job is worth whatever you’re giving up to pursue it.

I’ve definitely felt this way, especially since becoming a mom. I’ve had weeks when my daughters are in tears every day as I leave for work – and it’s gut-wrenching. But as hard as it is, being a working mom has forced me to gain a new perspective on my career. And part of that new perspective is remembering how much I enjoy working in this profession.

Finding joy in your work is a good thing. It doesn’t mean that you’re a bad parent or that your priorities are wrong. Quite the opposite – when you can show your children the value and satisfaction of having a job you love, you can encourage them to build a positive view of work as they grow up.

CFP® Professionals Help People

Another thing I want my children to internalize about work is that it’s a chance to be a positive force in the world. I’m trying to show them how a career offers the chance to help people and give back. When they know that I’m going to work to help people, it gives them the chance to see the bigger picture.

If you’re feeling down or unmotivated, take a minute to think about the good you can do as a financial planner. You have the opportunity to make your clients’ lives better by helping them understand their finances. As a CFP®, you can help people overcome spending guilt and debt shame and replace them with the confidence they need to manage their finances well.

You Can Prioritize Your Family and Still Have a Career

Changing your perspective to remember why you chose your career can help on those days when it’s hard to leave home. But balancing work and family doesn’t mean just helping your kids understand and accept your work schedule. You can also be proactive about listening to their needs and taking steps to meet them.

For my family, something that’s worked well is taking extra time before work to show my daughters how much I love them. Some days that means extra hugs or a few minutes of chatting about whatever they want to talk about. Other times it means blocking out some time in my schedule to be home or even bringing my kids to the office.

Taking your kids to work might not be an option for you, but the point is to figure out what you can do to help your kids feel “filled up” with love before you leave for work. When you do that, you can make sure they know that they’re more important than your work. It’s a practical example of work/life balance in action.

How Do You View Your CFP® Career?

If you have children, you know how difficult it can sometimes be to leave them at home and go to work. Even if you aren’t a parent, you’ve probably felt disillusioned about work or questioned the importance of your financial planning career.

In those times when it’s hard to find motivation or meaning in your job, try seeing things from a different perspective. Remember that you’re helping make your clients’ lives better and that you’re showing your children (or colleagues) that work can be positive and fulfilling.

What do you do when it’s hard to leave your kids and go to work? Add your thoughts in the comments!

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