Can We Really Have It All?
What Dr. Giselle Goodwin Wants Every Working Mum to Know
Returning to work after having children is rarely simple. For many mums, it’s a whirlwind of emotions: excitement, uncertainty, guilt—and a powerful tug toward something more meaningful.
In this weeks episode of Mama’s Flightpath, I spoke with Dr. Giselle Goodwin—mum, academic and author of Can Women Really Have It All? Together, we explored the expectations modern mums face and what it really means to build a life that fits the person you’ve become.
🎯 Why “Having It All” Feels So Hard
The struggle isn’t because we’re not trying hard enough. It’s because the system isn’t designed with modern motherhood in mind.
“I felt broken trying to go back and be the same person after maternity leave. But I wasn’t broken. The system is.”
— Dr. Giselle Goodwin
We talked about the four key barriers that make it so challenging for women to “have it all”:
Tall Poppy Syndrome: Ambitious women are often penalised for their success, facing criticism or social ostracism.
Greedy Jobs: Certain professions demand excessive time and commitment, making it difficult for mothers to balance work and family responsibilities.
The Domestic Load Gap: Women typically bear a disproportionate share of household and caregiving duties, adding to their overall workload.
The Good Motherhood Penalty: Societal expectations place a higher standard on mothers than fathers, pressuring women to meet idealized notions of motherhood.
It’s not about a lack of desire. It’s about an overload of expectation—and very little support.
💡 Redefining Success on Your Terms
Instead of asking, “How can I do it all?”, Giselle encourages us to ask:
“What do I want to do with the time and energy I have?”
Whether you’re a mum who’s already returned to work or someone standing at the crossroads, the answer isn’t about giving up or powering through. It’s about getting intentional.
💬 My Favourite Takeaways from Giselle
Burnout is not a badge of honour. We are more stressed than ever—and we need new ways of working that honour our wellbeing.
Work can bring joy and purpose. It doesn’t have to be a drain. Done well, it actually improves mental health and identity.
You can rewrite your story. Whether you’re in early motherhood or approaching midlife, it’s never too late to reinvent your next chapter.
🎧 Want the full conversation?
Listen:
🎙 Can We Have It All? With Dr. Giselle Goodwin
➡️ https://apple.co/3EOm5yy
Buy the Book:
📘 Can We Have It All? With Dr. Giselle Goodwin
➡️ https://amzn.eu/d/6obn2Et
💌 Ready to reflect on your own return-to-work story?
Download my free guide, The Return Reset™, and take your first step toward clarity and purpose.
👉 The Return Reset Journal