I am doing my best, at least that’s what I say to myself all the time to ditch the guilt of being a working mom. I am a mom of 4 kids (yes 4) and I am still trying to achieve that so-called “work-life balance”. While I have yet to figure it, out here are 8 things I have learned through the past 8 years of being a working mom.
- Motherhood is a strength in the workplace. Yes, that’s right. We are killing it in the workplace. Don’t believe me? Watch a mom multitask at work with such efficiency and accuracy.
- Being overwhelmed is completely normal. Not only do we have to put in a 35-40 hour work week but somewhere in the 3 hours you have before bedtime you have to feed them, bathe them, read a book, complete homework and put them to bed 100 times before they actually fall asleep(and that’s just the bare minimum, add sports in there and you are taking it to a whole other level). So of course, you are going to feel overwhelmed and that’s okay.
- Let go of the guilt. Rather then thinking about how you’re not with your child, think about how your job is benefitting them. Maybe its that extra educational opportunity, or even that vacation to Disney that you get to go on. You are providing those experiences for them that they may not have otherwise.
- Talk about your kids at work & talk about work at home. It is okay to talk about your family at work. Find that colleague in the workplace that shares your experiences as a working mom. Being a working mom is hard and what better way to overcome those struggles than sharing with another parent who is in the thick of it with you. Don’t feel guilty about bringing work conversations home either, its okay to talk about your workday, the good and the bad.
- Cry over spilled (breast) milk. Yes, I said breastmilk. (Everybody gasps!) This year, I experienced a catastrophe, I spilled 5 ounces of pumped breastmilk all over my pants, right before a meeting. Do you know what I did? I laughed and then I cried. And guess what, my co-workers in that meeting laughed about it right alongside me.
- Stay Positive. Negativity does not do any good in and out of the workplace. Have you ever had that friend or fellow mom that seems to simply complain yet never seems to find the good in life? I know I have. Who you choose to surround yourself in the workplace really matters. Choose those positive people who lift you up daily and motivate you to be better. I promise, this simple step will make all the difference.
- Plan ahead. Look at your calendar, both work and home, and plan out as far as you possibly can. My husband and I share a calendar, so we are always on the same page and have a clear understanding of our schedule as a team.
- Make time for me time. This is probably one of the most important things to do, but its also the one I struggle with the most. As mom’s, we typically put everyone else’s needs before ours. Stop doing that. Go to yoga or spin, get a massage, or plan that coffee date with a friend. I promise, doing these simple things can be life-changing.
While working moms will never find that perfect balance, having a successful career and a fulfilling family life is possible. It may not look like what you originally envisioned but appreciate the things you do have both personally and professionally and take it one day at a time.
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