As mums we give so much of ourselves that sometimes we lose sight of who we are and what our personal and professional goals are.” We spoke to careers guru and local mum of two teens, Jude Reeman, from Shire Mums’ Career Coaching. Jude specialises in offering sage advice to women looking to re-establish their careers after having kids. We chatted to her about her work and what she loves about being a mum in the Sutherland Shire.
Where and how long have you lived in the Sutherland Shire and what do you love about it?
My husband and I moved to the Shire over twenty years ago. We lived in South Caringbah for the first ten years and both my children grew up in that house. We now live just down the road in Port Hacking.
I love the Sutherland Shire and it is the best place to raise a family. We are so lucky to live so close to beautiful beaches and the national park. The Sutherland Shire has great shops, cafes and restaurants, wide open spaces and lovely parks for our children to play in.
Tell us about yourself and your family
My kids Joshua and Taya are now teenagers, both at Woolooware High School, but it feels like yesterday when they were born. My husband is the Business Manager at Waverley College. I juggle my own business – Shire Mums’ Career Coaching and also work two days a week as the HR/ Payroll Manager at The Music Bus.
Barrier Reef trip when the kids were younger.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No day is usually the same. I juggle my work commitments pretty well and make sure I get to my weekly Pilates and Yoga classes. I usually walk at least five times a week, meditate daily and love catching up with my friends on a regular basis.
Favourite kid-friendly cafe and why?
Sometimes I meet with clients in local cafes. The Laneway in Caringbah is awesome. The kids can play in the backyard or park, while I’m chatting with their mum.
Favourite restaurant or favourite night-spot and why?
I love catching up with friends over cocktails and tapas at The Laneway, Caringbah on Friday or Saturday afternoons. I also enjoy going to the Cronulla Sailing Club on summer nights as the sun sets. I love great Thai food – can’t go past Alphabet Street, Cronulla.
Favourite Mother’s group location
When my kids were young, I used to love meeting up with my mother’s group at Camellia Gardens or Darook Beach. The friendships I formed in my mother’s group have lasted forever! I still meet up with my mother’s group on a regular basis (even though my oldest child is 17 years). We plan annual trips together – last year we trekked Larapinta in the Northern Territory together and this year we are heading to New Zealand to walk the HollyfordTtrek and spend a week in Queenstown.
Our Mother’s group in NT last year.
Motherly advice on how to stay sane
I always made sure that I got out of the house with the kids on a daily basis. Connecting with other mums is an awesome way to spend a morning. Making time for yourself is also great if you can!
Funny Mum moment
When my son was about two weeks old, I accidentally left him asleep in his capsule in the video shop. I literally drove off without him, then my sister said “where’s Josh?” OMG – talk about placenta brain! Josh hates me telling that story.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate and champagne!
What makes you lose your shit?
If something bugs me… I try not to lose it. I meditate daily and this usually gets things into perspective for me.
What’s something not many people know about you?
Not sure… probably that I meditate and am very spiritual. I don’t usually talk about it!
Favourite local shop/online store or Instagram business
I like Blue Fish Marketing. I haven’t used Sarah’s services, but we are connected on Instagram and I like her posts. Like me… she’s a local mum running a business and juggling lots of things. I also follow my naturopath, Kylie. She owns Odonata-mindbodysoul at Cronulla and is another local mum running an amazing business.
What’s the best product/service you can recommend since becoming a mum?
I would have to say my own business Shire Mums’ Career Coaching. When you are a mum and have given so much of yourself to raising your family, it is difficult to re-establish a career after having kids. Your goals have changed, maybe you need to find suitable part time work to fit in with your family commitments or maybe your skills are rusty or you lack confidence. This happened to me and I now realize that this must happen to so many mums.
For me, there was no one to guide you through, you just had to navigate it all for yourself. That’s why I started my business. Whether you need a resume makeover or career coaching, I am here to help you. That’s also why I put blogs on my website… so even if you can’t afford my services… you can still get some free tips to increase your chances of successfully re-establishing your career.
What is the greatest challenge you have faced since becoming a mum?
Finding enough time to relax and look after myself was probably my greatest challenge when my kids were young.
Would you like to share your local #mumlife with us like Jude has?
If you would like to feature as our next ‘Local Mum’ we would love to hear from you! Please tell us about yourself here.
