By Patrina Pellett & Sarah Snyder

Being a parent and having a full-time job is tough in any industry. You basically have 3 full-time jobs. The MSL role is no exception and introduces some additional challenges. Many aspiring MSLs wonder if the MSL role is compatible with being a parent.

The answer is maybe. It depends on your situation and preferences. In this article, Sarah Snyder, ex-MSL and mom of 3, and I will give you what you should be considering when deciding if being an MSL rhymes with being a parent, including:

• Common concerns and considerations
• Pros and cons
• Sarah's top tips for balancing the two

Remember, there is no right answer here. It's about figuring out what works for you! Please weigh in by sharing with us on the MSL Mastery LinkedIn page. How does MSLing work with being a parent or not?

Is the MSL Role Compatible With Being a Parent?

Common Concerns of Being an MSL and a Parent

From attending scientific conferences and traveling to KOL meetings all over your territory, the MSL role can be incredibly rewarding professionally. However, when you throw kids in the mix, these concerns come up:

• How to balance work responsibilities with parenting
• The frequent travel required (especially problematic for those with young kids)
• The need to be available for late-night conferences or early-morning KOL meetings can disrupt family routines
• How to ensure quality time with family and meeting professional commitments

Some MSLs feel doing the job with young kids is impossible. They don't want to travel and just want to be home with their kids. The thought of going to another conference or long dinner causes a sense of dread. Others find it hard to juggle both and feel like they are bad at both of their jobs.

What Makes MSLing and Parenting Work

Here is what those who are both MSLs and parents say about what makes them compatible:

• Having a flexible schedule to be able to pick up the kids, do activities, etc
• Working from home adds to the flexible work hours and allows for more time with the kids
• Having a reliable support system, your partner, family members living close by, or childcare providers, is crucial

Some MSLs love the flexibility of the job and say it allows them to be the type of parent they want to be. One MSL said she had more time with her kids after switching from retail pharmacy, even with the nights away from home. An aspiring MSL in the Aspire MSL program has grown children and is excited to be able to focus on her career more. She is really excited about all the travel.

The Realities of the MSL Role: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Flexibility
• Work from home
• Intellectual & Professional Fulfillment
• Great pay

Cons:

• Frequent Travel
• Irregular Hours
• High Expectations

Share your thoughts! What would you add to these lists?

The Balancing Act: Can You Manage Both?

Balancing the MSL role with parenting is possible, but it requires good planning, robust support systems, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Here are Sarah's top tips on how you can make it work (listen on the MSL Talk Podcast and subscribe if you haven't already):

1. Mindset Get a Positive Mindset

Tip: Flip the Script from “Have to” to “Get to”

Sarah’s Wisdom:

• Embrace Imperfection: You’re not a stay-at-home parent. Stop trying to be one. Accept that you’ll have different challenges and victories.
• Ditch Superparent Syndrome: Newsflash: You can’t do it all. Prioritize what matters and let go of the rest.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Whether it’s a successful KOL visit or your kid acing a test, celebrate it all.
• Invest in Personal Growth: Books like “Everything is Figureoutable” by Marie Forleo can be game-changers. Podcasts like “Passion-Minded Mom” are gold mines of inspiration.
   

2. Childcare That Doesn’t Suck: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Tip: Choose Between Daycare and Nanny—Wisely

Sarah’s Strategy:

• Be Honest: Your nanny needs to know your schedule and expectations. No surprises.
• Flexibility is Key: Find someone who can roll with the punches, whether it’s a last-minute meeting or an extended trip.
• Pay Well: Good help isn’t cheap, and cheap help isn’t good. This isn’t where you cut corners.

3. Get Super Organized

Tip: Label Everything and Be Prepared

Sarah’s Secrets:

• Label Freak: Give everything a home and label it. When stuff is easy to find, life is easier.
• Busy Boxes: For those unexpected “Oh crap, the nanny’s late!” moments. Fill a box with office supplies for the kids to ‘work’ while you handle business.
• Snack Stash: Hangry kids (or moms) are no fun. Keep snacks handy at all times.

4. Guilt-Free Screen Time: Educational Edition

Tip: Make Screen Time Work for You, Not Against You

Sarah’s Picks:

• Educational Netflix Profiles: Set up a profile with only educational shows.
• Epic Reading App: Perfect for kids who love books. Bonus: It reads to them.
• Podcasts for Kids: “Kid News” and “Who Smarted” are great for keeping kids engaged and learning.

   

5. Travel Like a Pro: Surviving the Road

Tip: Travel Doesn’t Have to Suck—Make It an Adventure

Sarah’s Travel Tips:

• Positive Departure: Frame your travel positively. “I get to go to New York!” not “I have to leave.”
• Routine is King: Keep as much of your routine as possible. Hydrate, limit alcohol, and get your exercise in.
• Stay Connected: Facetime at the same time every day. Leave notes or small gifts for longer trips.
   

Bonus Tips for the Super Moms: Going Above and Beyond

1. Pre-Buy Gifts: Stock up on birthday party gifts so you’re never caught off guard.
2. Gratitude Chains: Start a family text chain to share daily gratitude.
3.  Day-of-the-Week Organizers: Lay out kids’ outfits for the week to avoid morning chaos.

Conclusion: Is the MSL role compatible with being a parent?

This depends on you, your situation, and your preferences! This article outlines what to consider when it comes to deciding if the MSL role is compatible with being a parent. And a ton of amazing tips!

Share your thoughts. Do you think the MSL role is compatible with being a parent?

This is a major topic covered in the Aspire MSL program. Sarah and the others in the community not only give you the blueprint to landing your first MSL role, but they also provide the support and practical advice for you to figure out what works for you! If you are trying to land your first MSL role, the Aspire MSL program is a no-brainer.