How to manage the conflicting demands of work, career ambitions and family aspirations and not be a burned out working Mom?

A raw, relatable, and quietly powerful episode of Rest and Recreation for anyone trying to juggle work, identity, and a brand‑new baby. In this conversation, licensed mental health counsellor Christi Gmyr shares with host Michael Millward the truth behind returning to work after “only 10 weeks [with her new born] before I was expected to be back at work” and the emotional whiplash of wanting a career while wanting to be home.

From midnight on‑call shifts to the guilt of daycare drop‑offs, Christi’s story captures the pressure modern parents face — and the courage it takes to redesign your life when the old version no longer fits. As she puts it, “what was working before maybe isn’t working now.”

Christi describes her journey from agency work and on‑call nights to the difficult decision to leave a nine‑year career and rebuild her professional life in a way that aligned with her values and the demands of parenthood. Along the way, she reflects on resentment, exhaustion, shifting identities, and the invisible work mothers often do; all while acknowledging the supportive role of her husband and the absence of a local extended family.

This episode is bold, honest, and full of the kind of clarity that makes you rethink your own balance. Perfect for working parents, HR leaders, and anyone who’s ever felt stretched thin by competing priorities.

Discover more about Christi Gmyr and Michael at Abeceder.co.uk

Audience Offers

Rest and Recreation is made on Zencastr, because it is so easy to use. You can as well. Visit Zencastr.

Travel – at trade prices to anywhere in the world at trade prices as a member of The Ultimate Travel Club.

Health – The Annual Health Test from York Test is conducted by an experienced phlebotomist at your home or workplace. Hospital standard tests for 39 health markers.

A Personal Wellness Hub provides easy-to-understand results and guidance for effective lifestyle changes anytime.

Visit York Test and use this discount code REST25.

Tech Problems? – Visit Three for information about business and personal telecom solutions from Three, and the special offers available when you quote our referral code WPFNUQHU.

Be a Guest Visit Matchmaker.fm. Use code MILW10 for a discount on membership.

We recommend that potential guests take one of the podcasting guest training programmes available from Work Place Learning Centre.

Thank you to you for listening.

We appreciate every like, download, and subscription.