As a working mom, my days are jam-packed with responsibilities both in and out of the workplace. Balancing my career ambitions with my role as a mother can be challenging, but it’s a choice that I make every morning. Despite the difficulties, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
One of the biggest benefits of being a working mom is the satisfaction that comes from pursuing both personal and professional growth. Being able to contribute to my company’s success while raising my children to be thoughtful, caring individuals is a sense of fulfilment that I cherish. However, it does come with its own set of unique challenges and stressors. From juggling daycare and school drop-offs to giving presentations at work, it can be difficult to strike the right balance between home and office. But, it’s a challenge that I’m committed to meeting head-on each day.
In this article, I’ll be sharing my experiences as a working mom, including tips and advice on how to navigate the ups and downs of this multifaceted lifestyle. Whether you’re a new mom returning to work, a seasoned pro looking to share your own experiences, or just someone interested in learning more about the lives of working mothers, there’s something for everyone.
Struggles of Being a Working Mom
As a working mom, I constantly find myself juggling a million tasks and feeling like there are never enough hours in the day. Even though I love my job and the satisfaction it brings, there are some definite struggles that come with being a working mom. Here are just a few that stand out to me:
- Balancing work and family: It can be tough to find the right balance between work commitments and family obligations. There always seems to be something that needs to be done, whether it’s preparing dinner, helping with homework, or tending to a sick child. It’s a constant battle to divide my time and attention between work and family responsibilities.
- Guilt and pressure: Despite the fact that I work hard to provide for my family, there are times when I feel guilty for not being present enough for my kids. It’s tough to shake the feeling that I’m somehow letting them down by not being there for every school event or extracurricular activity. Additionally, there can be pressure from society or even fellow parents to prioritise family over work, which can be stressful.
- Discrimination and bias: Unfortunately, there is still an underlying bias against working mothers in some workplaces. Whether it’s unfair assumptions about our dedication or discriminatory policies that make it difficult to take time off for family obligations, it can be tough to navigate the professional landscape as a working mom.
- Time management challenges: As mentioned earlier, time management can be a huge struggle for working moms. Between commuting, administrative tasks, and unexpected events, it can be challenging to find the time to get everything done. This can lead to feelings of stress, burnout, and overwhelm.
- Lack of support: Finally, one of the biggest struggles I’ve encountered as a working mom is the lack of support available to help me manage my many responsibilities. Whether it’s affordable childcare options or workplace policies that allow for more flexibility, there’s a lot of work to be done in order to make things easier for working moms.
Overall, being a working mom definitely has its challenges. With that said, it’s a rewarding and fulfilling experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. By being aware of these struggles and working to overcome them, we can continue to pave the way for a more supportive and inclusive professional landscape for working mothers everywhere.
Tips for Balancing Work and Family
As a working mom, finding a balance between my career and family can be challenging, but it’s definitely achievable. Below are some tips that have helped me maintain my work-family balance:
1. Set Priorities and Manage Time
Identifying and prioritizing important tasks has made a huge difference in my life. In addition to my work schedule, I also create a to-do list for household chores, children’s school activities, and family events. I also make sure to manage my time effectively by letting my child hang out in their baby swing next to me while I work and setting aside specific blocks of time for each activity.
2. Involve Your Family
Balancing work and family requires the cooperation of everyone in the household. I make it a practice to involve my family in all that I do. When the kids are old enough, I assign them simple tasks such as putting away their toys or setting the table for dinner. Including them not only takes some of the burden off my shoulders but also teaches them valuable life skills.
3. Practice Self-Care
Taking care of ourselves is crucial in maintaining balance. I learned this the hard way. When I started working, I would make the mistake of prioritising work over myself. I wasn’t getting enough rest, exercise or proper nutrition which affected both my mental and physical health. I have since made self-care a priority in my daily routine. Even if it’s 10-minutes of relaxing deep breathing or a 30-minute workout, I make it a point to recharge myself.
4. Learn to Say No
It’s human nature to want to please others, but sometimes it’s essential to say no. Allowing or taking on too much will only lead to burnout. Prioritise your schedule and only take on what you can handle. Saying no can sometimes be the best way to maintain your work-family balance.
In conclusion, balancing work and family can be a daunting task, but it’s definitely achievable. Learning to set priorities, involve your family, practice self-care, and say no will help you maintain the balance you need.
As a working mom, I understand the challenges and juggling act of maintaining a career and caring for children. It’s easy to put ourselves last on the list of priorities, but it’s important to remember that taking care of ourselves is crucial for our own well-being and that of our families. Here are a few reasons why self-care is critical for working moms:
- Reduces stress: Juggling work and family responsibilities can be overwhelming and stressful. Taking time for yourself helps to reduce stress levels, making you more equipped to handle the demands of everyday life.
- Improves physical and mental health: Prioritising self-care can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health. Simple activities like regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and getting enough sleep, can keep you feeling physically strong and ready to tackle whatever the day brings. Also, activities like mindfulness meditation, yoga, and therapy can help to improve mental health.
- Set an example for your children: As a parent, one of our main priorities is to set a good example for our children. By prioritising self-care, we show our children the importance of self-love and self-respect, which will benefit them throughout their lives.
As a working mom, it’s important to remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish. It’s a necessity for your own well-being and that of your family. So, make sure to carve out some time each day to do something just for you, no matter how small it may seem. You deserve it!
