One of the issues Michelle Obama may take on as first lady is how to keep work and family in proper balance. She’s had plenty of experience, having spent years juggling a high-profile career and motherhood. Here are some glimpses of her life that show her sometimes frustrating journey from highly focused careerist to do-it-all woman:

When she first joined law firm Sidley Austin, she pushed for more interesting assignments and sought significant responsibility, even if it meant ruffling feathers, according to biographer Liza Mundy.