Have you ever noticed how often we move from one thing to the next… without pausing to take in how far we’ve come? The moments that shaped us? The quiet strength it took to juggle so much, and still show up with heart?

Over the years – as a mother, an educator, and someone committed to learning out loud – I’ve realized that our journeys are rarely linear. They’re layered, imperfect, and full of growth we don’t always see until we slow down.

In this episode, I reflect on the messy, beautiful juggle of motherhood and meaningful work. I share the chapter I wrote five years ago for a collaborative book project, and how revisiting it today offered fresh perspective and renewed appreciation. We’ll explore what it means to find your own way, to ask for help, and to build a version of life that works for you. Whether you’re in the thick of it or coming up for air, this one’s a gentle reminder: You’ve got this.

Listen in as we talk about:

Connect with Tiana:

• Website: https://tianafech.com
• LinkedIn: Tiana Fech
• Instagram: @tianafech 
• Facebook: @tianafech 
• Book: You’ve Got This, Boss Mama: A Mother’s Guide to Embracing Growth and Living an Aligned Life
• Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course 

“These connections led to my connections, more learning, and more growth”

When was the last time you truly paused to appreciate how far you’ve come? In this episode, I’m inviting you to do just that – to take a moment to reflect, to look back, and to celebrate the journey. That’s exactly what happened when I picked up a book that’s been with me for five years: You’ve Got This, Boss Mama, a collaborative project I’m proud to have co-authored. Holding it in my hands brought back so many memories – not just of the chapter I wrote, but of the incredible women I connected with through that experience. This includes Dina Ottoni-Battistessa, Gillian Sawyer, Shannon Christensen, Monica Hui, and Sabrina Greer – each of them has played a meaningful role in my journey, and many have joined me here on the podcast. That book sparked friendships, collaborations, and learning that helped shape who I am today. It also reminded me of the many others who supported me along the way. As I’ve moved forward from the Part-Time Jungle chapter of my work, I’m grateful for what it taught me and how it helped me grow into what I am doing and who I am today. Sometimes, the most powerful way to move forward is to pause, reflect, and honour all the steps – and people – that got you here.

“Life is too short and time is too precious to be living the life that others think we should lead.”

Especially when it comes to motherhood and work, there’s no one-size-fits-all path – and that’s a good thing. Maybe you’re home full-time, working full-time, or juggling something in between. However it looks for you, it’s valid. And yet, the judgment still shows up – those passing comments or sideways glances that suggest there’s a “right” way to do things. But the truth is, every family is different. Every woman’s story is layered and unique. What works for one person won’t work for another, and that’s okay. There’s room for all of it – for all of us. Let’s stop measuring our choices against someone else’s expectations. Your way is the right way for you.

Motherhood doesn’t come with a roadmap, and neither does figuring out how work fits into it. For years, I’ve been navigating the in-between – working part-time while raising three kids and trying to find roles that not only fit our family life but also feel meaningful. The truth? Those roles rarely come from job postings. They come from conversations, connections, and a lot of hustle. Along the way, I’ve questioned why it’s still so hard to talk openly about flexible work and why so many employers struggle to see part-time working moms as the valuable assets they are. For me, choosing part-time work wasn’t about picking one dream over another. It was about breaking the mold and finding a path that allowed space for both. And while there have been moments where things looked “perfect” on paper but felt lonely in practice, every step has taught me more about what really matters: connection, purpose, and carving out a version of motherhood and work that actually works for you. Your path doesn’t have to fit the mold. iIt just has to fit you.

Motherhood often comes with a mix of joy, pressure, and the constant feeling of needing to do it all and do it well. In the midst of teaching, caring for my boys, and managing the nonstop juggle, I realized how essential it was to carve out space for myself. Going back to school to pursue my master’s degree became more than an academic goal. It was a lifeline. It gave me adult connection, intellectual stimulation, and something that was just mine. It wasn’t always easy and it did require a village. It taught me that it’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to build in windows of time for your dreams. Because when you take care of your own spark, it lights the way for everyone around you. You don’t need to do it all alone and you don’t need to lose yourself in the process. Make space for you.

After completing my master’s degree and navigating another round of parental leave with baby #3, I found myself once again facing that familiar panic about returning to work. Trying to balance what felt right for me with what made sense for our family. I took on a part-time teaching job but I began to wonder if something else might be possible. The turning point came with a piece of advice I now hold close: you can’t fully open yourself to new opportunities until you close the door on what no longer fits. Saying no to a teaching contract and a steady path was terrifying, but it made space for something new. I started sharing my dream job out loud, even with strangers in the grocery line. Part-time. Education-based. Some work from home. Flexible. Saying it out loud made it real – and eventually, doors started to open. Speak your dreams into the world. You never know who’s listening or what’s possible when you finally make space for what lights you up.

Four months after leaving the school board, a surprising call led me to what turned out to be the perfect part-time job – writing high school curriculum with the flexibility to work mostly from home and still be there for my kids. I negotiated working about 20 hours a week, mostly on two days, which meant on the days I wasn’t working, I could do school drop-offs and pick-ups, visit the park, and enjoy quality time with my kids. Childcare was a challenge especially when the first option turned out unsafe. But with family support, I found a wonderful day home that became a real blessing. The job wasn’t permanent, though, and when the contract ended, I faced the tough feeling of starting over, even after having grown so much and feeling proud of what I’d accomplished. Sometimes the right opportunity doesn’t last forever, but it helps you grow, learn, and create the life you want – step by step, day by day.

After taking a step back and leaning into my network of family, friends, and co-workers, I found a job that truly fit our family’s needs. Thanks to a connection from my sister, I landed a position supporting young children with developmental delays, which allowed me to choose my hours and work around my kids’ school schedule. This flexibility meant I could do drop-offs and pick-ups, only needing a couple of childcare afternoons, saving costs and stress. The work was meaningful and inspiring, partnering with amazing therapists and educators. But even with all the positives, working part-time left me feeling like I wasn’t doing enough for the kids, their families, or my team. That guilt started to affect my energy and family life. It reminded me that part-time work isn’t just about fitting into a schedule. It’s about finding a rhythm that fuels you and lets you show up fully where it matters most.

Sometimes, a simple conversation can open doors you didn’t even know were there. At my youngest child’s gymnastics class, I met a fellow mom and teacher who mentioned that she was applying to be a sessional instructor at the University of Calgary’s Werklund School of Education. It sparked a memory of my dream to work with student teachers that had fueled my master’s degree project on new teacher mentorship. I applied and was thrilled to get a role, teaching 2 lab sections of a course and supervising student teacher practicums. Leaving my current job with no clear fall plan brought anxiety, especially facing my 20-year high school reunion, where everyone seemed to have “it all together.” But being honest about my journey resonated. Many classmates were also rethinking their paths and seeking change. It reminded me that beneath the surface, we all face uncertainty and growth in our own ways.

When our youngest started grade one and all three kids were suddenly in school full-time, I felt a big shift like I’d lost a part of who I was. The busy days of preschool and kindergarten routines and having a little one by my side were gone, leaving me alone and without a job. I tried filling the space with volunteering, reconnecting with old friends, and tackling neglected home projects, but none of it felt quite right. A part-time curriculum writing contract gave me flexible work from home, but the constant extra requests and feeling undervalued left me deflated. When the start of my teaching position at the University of Calgary arrived, I was nervous, doubting if I was the right fit. But standing in front of my students that first day, everything clicked. It felt energizing and right, like I had found where I was meant to be. This experience showed me how important it is to be patient with yourself during transitions and to stay open to new opportunities even when you’re not sure what’s next.

Starting a new teaching role was both thrilling and draining. I loved my students and team, but settling in took a lot of energy and adjustment. Over the past two fall seasons without paid work, I focused on creating something meaningful: The Part-Time Jungle, a community and business that connects and supports moms seeking part-time and more flexible jobs that fit their lives. I’ve pushed myself by joining mastermind groups, taking business classes, and saying yes to opportunities that challenge me. It’s not perfect, and progress sometimes feels slow, but I’m learning to be patient and gentle with myself. Balancing work, family, and personal goals means making tough choices and accepting that sometimes something has to give.

I realized early on that part-time work was the right fit for me, but it hasn’t always been easy to explain or defend that choice. Balancing the demands of a busy family with three kids, my husband’s flexible but long hours, and my own desire to keep learning means making decisions that work for us – not anyone else’s expectations. Having a strong village of family and friends who support, laugh with me, and share the ups and downs makes all the difference. I’m learning to be okay with the chaos, accept that I don’t have it all figured out, and focus on filling my own cup first so I can show up fully for my family. Everyone’s version of their juggle looks different, and that’s okay. You get to choose what works best for you. Your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Trust yourself to create a life that fits your family and fuels your joy.

Podcast episodes featuring the amazing humans mentioned in this episode:

• The Part-Time Jungle Podcast:
  • Episode 8: Finding Clarity in the Chaos with Sabrina Greer
  • Episode 37: Time to Play with Dina Ottoni-Battistessa
  • Episode 49: Mamas for Mamas with Shannon Christensen
  • Episode 53: Honouring Ourselves as Moms with Dr. Gillian Sawyer
• The People Teaching People Podcast
  • Episode 2: Struggle is Your Success with Jill Drader
    • Jill was not specifically named in my chapter (and was not a co-author in the book) but has been a friend and mentor for me since we first met. She is the friend I mention in my chapter who shared the invaluable piece of wisdom with me that “You can’t be truly open to opportunities and possibilities until you shut the door and step away from what is holding you back.”