“I Do Feel Guilty”: Jennifer Gates Voices the Difficult Juggle Between Motherhood and Career

Renowned in the equestrian community, entrepreneur and philanthropist Jennifer Gates began her professional training at the tender age of eight. She recently opened up about the intricate balancing act she faces as a mother and as a career-driven professional. Her insights shed light on the complexities many modern women encounter as they strive to excel in both personal and professional realms.

Post the birth of her daughter Leila, how exactly has she been able to hold her own and shatter glass ceilings all over town? Conversely, she got into a tête-à-tête recently to shed light on the same. Is she going to emerge as the paragon of the modern day woman? 

Jennifer Gates shows us how it’s done with the best of both worlds

The 27-year-old medical practitioner and equestrian welcomed her daughter Leila in March 2023 with husband Nayel Nassar, who is also a professional equestrian rider. In a recent episode of the PedsDocTalk podcast, Gates shared glimpses of her journey into motherhood. She expressed feeling guilty for not being with her daughter, which made the interviewer ask her “Why?”. To this, she answered, “At times like now as I’m a new parent, I do feel guilty. Oh gosh I should be making this choice for her, I should be doing this and I’m not and these feelings are natural”. 

However, she expressed in tandem that, “I realise for her to see me confident in the choices I’m making and I can acknowledge that guilt, I can acknowledge those feelings”, as she concluded. “It’s okay to have ambiguity”, she expressed, as she admits her learning-phase is going on right now and getting into groove trumps everything else. 

Talking about her experience donning the hat of a working mother and a doting one as well, she talked about maintaining a relationship that sets her as a role model to her daughter. She said, “I think like seeing two parents that really love and prioritise each other, prioritise time with each other I want her to see”. Adding to that, “I hope she looks to a long term relationship and finds someone that respects her as much as her dad respects me” the 27-year-old said. According to her, it is more important than the actual parenting because they’re watching that and learning about self love. We’d be remiss if we didn’t delve deeper into Jenn, the superwoman herself.

A harken back to the woman herself

Jennifer studied at Stanford University after completing high school, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Biology. She graduated in 2018. Being a professional show jumper, she also achieved crown in 2023 of securing bronze at the High Junior/Amateur Jumpers, navigating 1.40m jumps at Tyron International. However, welcoming her daughter has prompted her to limit her priorities and give time simultaneously for her family and career.

As a young mother, Gates finds joy in the exciting moments that come with raising children. Alongside great academic pursuits, Jennifer actively engaged in volunteer work at the Crisis Clinic from April 2011 to January 2014. Through her perspective, Gates shares a refreshing take on the complexities of modern motherhood and career ambitions, highlighting the beauty that can be found in embracing life’s challenges with open arms.

Read More: Juggling Between Motherhood and Career, Equestrian Jennifer Gates Surprises the Internet With a New Achievement