How to Make Work and Motherhood Work with Loz and Lu of Ready or Not
Balancing a career and motherhood is a conversation close to many hearts, and few tackle it with more honesty and humour than Loz and Lu of the Ready or Not podcast. In this episode of Thriving Parenting, we dive into their inspiring journey, navigating careers, maternity leaves, and podcasting while raising young children. Loz and Lu open up about their realities, lessons learned, and the importance of flexibility, resilience, and reimagining what thriving really means.
From a Pub Meeting to Podcast Partners:
The roots of Ready or Not trace back to an unexpected pub encounter where Loz and Lu met as young adults. Their bond grew stronger over shared life stages, eventually evolving into an insightful partnership. During long walks and voice note exchanges during the pandemic, the idea of a podcast focused on the intersection of work and motherhood took shape. However, the road to launching the show was far from linear.
"We had this amazing concept," Lu explains, "but life was happening—pregnancies, redundancies, and newborns. It felt like the stars never aligned. But we realised we couldn’t wait for perfect conditions. We just had to start."
Navigating Career and Motherhood:
Loz and Lu spoke candidly about the pressures mothers face when returning to work, especially when juggling the unpredictability of daycare sickness, logistics, and sleep deprivation.
Lu shared how the first year of sending her child to daycare felt like a revolving door of illnesses, throwing work-life balance off course: “The only guarantee is that your child will get sick.” Loz, on the other hand, discussed how her approach to morning routines became strategic:
“I get ready before my toddler’s even out of bed. Toys in the cot, a robe over my work clothes—it’s not glamorous, but it works.”
Both women agreed that logistics are challenging, but the emotional tug-of-war—wanting to be present while also craving professional fulfilment—is often the hardest part.
The Birth of Witching Hour and Ask Ready or Not:
The Ready or Not journey didn’t stop at one podcast. Loz and Lu introduced Witching Hour, a candid and relatable series filled with the unfiltered moments of motherhood. Recently, they launched Ask Ready or Not, a bite-sized advice series addressing listener questions on work-life balance, career decisions, and the emotional rollercoaster of parenting.
“I love the five-minute format,” Loz says. “It’s designed for those moments when you have minimal time but need real advice.”
Key Lessons and Surprising Insights:
Throughout their journey, Loz and Lu have been dedicated to understanding the diverse ways mothers make work work. Their Instagram polls often provide surprising insights.
“The one that shocked me the most was about friendship post-motherhood,” Lu recalls. “The response was overwhelming. Friendship dynamics change drastically, and many mums feel isolated.”
Loz adds that another hot topic is grandparents’ roles: “We asked about grandparents’ involvement, and the conversations exploded. It highlighted how varied support networks really are.”
Thriving in the Mess:
One standout takeaway from this episode is Loz and Lu’s belief that thriving as a working mum doesn’t look like perfection. Lu explains, “We often believe that thriving means having everything under control. But thriving can also mean embracing the mess and chaos and knowing it’s okay to let go of the small stuff.”
Jen shares a similar sentiment: “In those early days, I learned to ask myself, ‘Is this really an emergency?’ Often, the answer was no. I had to let go of perfectionism.”
Practical Tips for Mornings and Beyond: Loz and Lu shared invaluable tips to help parents navigate the daily chaos:
Prep Before the Kids Wake Up: "Even waking up 20 minutes earlier can give you a moment to breathe and get ready without chaos."
Layer Up: "Put a robe over your work clothes to avoid spills and stains during breakfast."
Clear Communication: "Talk openly with your partner about responsibilities to avoid last-minute stress."
Find Pockets of Self-Care: Loz admits she has come to love her commute: "Two hours in traffic without the kids? It’s become my favourite time to decompress.”
What Employers Can Learn:
Loz and Lu also tackled the broader issue of workplace flexibility. They emphasised that COVID-19 opened the door for remote work, but many companies are now pulling back.
“Flexibility shouldn’t mean being on-call 24/7,” says Loz. “True support means understanding the challenges parents face, like illness and daycare pick-ups, and creating policies that ease these pressures.”
Loz’s Mantra:
To wrap up the conversation, Loz shared her go-to quote: “If you don’t change it, you choose it.” This mantra reminds parents to reclaim their power: “If something isn’t working, take steps to change it—even if it’s just shifting your mindset.”
This episode of Thriving Parenting with Loz and Lu is a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to balancing work and motherhood. It’s okay to redefine what thriving looks like for your family. Whether you’re negotiating toddler meltdowns or presenting at board meetings, remember that resilience is built in the messy middle.
For more from Loz and Lu, check out their Ready or Not podcast and their comprehensive resources on childcare, returning to work, and navigating the mental load at Ready or Not. Their honest insights and practical guides are invaluable for anyone stepping back into the workforce after maternity leave.