Work-Life Balance…What?
Hey there,
If you're a working mom, you know that 'balance' often feels like a mythical creature you're forever chasing. Well, let's change that. You need to go in the office on the day of your daughter’s field trip. Work calls when you are reading a bed-time story. One pull from your house and the other pull from your employer. Guess what? It's tough, but not impossible. There is no such thing as balance. But your two worlds can ebb and flow with a little less guilt implementing some actionable tips and self-care strategies to help you find that elusive blend of both worlds. October is National Work and Family Month after all.
The Hybrid Work Schedule: A Blessing in Disguise
One of the silver linings of the pandemic has been the shift towards remote work and hybrid work schedules. Although not all jobs offer this flexibility, if yours does, it's worth taking advantage of. If your job allows it, this can be a game-changer. You can manage household chores, spend quality time with your family, and still be productive at work. It's all about setting boundaries and communicating clearly with your employer and family. It’s about being kind to yourself, and knowing when you are “at work” you are not unloading the dishwasher in between calls. It’s not putting the pressure on yourself to run laundry while finishing up or pitching a new project. It’s taking those precious commuting moments and using them for a minute to yourself. Boundaries are non-negotiable and a foundation of self-care.
Build Your Village
You've heard the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child." Well, it also takes a village to support a working mom. Surround yourself with people who understand your job frustrations and those who help you disconnect and be fully present with your family. Whether it's a supportive partner, a reliable babysitter, or understanding colleagues, your village is crucial. It’s also ok to ask for help or to hire out those tasks that you do not excel at. Yes, I'm talking about hiring a cleaning service.
Schedule "Me Time"
Yes, you read that right. Schedule time for yourself just like you would for a work meeting or your kids' doctor’s appointment. It’s non-negotiable just like those countless activities you will take your kids to over the next 8 months. And despite what the marketing world tells us, self-care doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. You don’t need a spa day, yes it would be nice but it’s not mandatory. This time can be as simple as taking a 10-minute walk, reading a chapter of a book, or even enjoying a cup of tea in silence. The point is to recharge so you can be your best self in all areas of your life.
The Importance of Flexibility
Life is unpredictable, especially when you have kids. Being flexible and adaptable is key to maintaining a work-life balance. If your child gets sick or you have an unexpected work deadline, having a flexible mindset will help you navigate these challenges without added stress. Learning how to pivot with these nuances can be a game changer when it comes to overall stress levels.
The Power of Saying No
Yes, it’s okay. You can decline additional responsibilities at work or social invitations if it interferes with your family time or self-care. Saying no is not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of knowing your limits and prioritizing what's truly important. We often feel the pressure to say 'yes' to everything and everyone, which serves no one—except maybe the local wine store.
Confronting Mom Guilt: The Uninvited Guest
I’d be remiss to skip the elephant in the room: mom guilt. It's that nagging feeling that you're not doing enough, not being enough, and it can be especially intense for working moms. What would it look like to shift your perspective? Instead of feeling guilty for working, focus on the positive aspects it brings to your family—financial stability, role modeling, and personal fulfillment. Instead of thinking of all that’s piling up at work by going through emails, put your phone down and play a game with your kiddo for 10 minutes. The amount of time we spend scrolling or surfing could be meaningful moments with our little ones. I recently read a great article on INC titled, 20 Years From Now, the Only People Who Will Remember That You Worked Late Are Your Kids. Yes you are setting an example for your children about the importance of hard work, ambition, and the value of having a fulfilling career. In this “balance” the benefit of being truly present with your kids can go a long way.
So the next time mom guilt tries to sneak into your thoughts, confront it with the reality of the incredible job you're doing, both as a professional and a parent. You're not splitting your time; you're multiplying your impact. And remember, guilt is a wasted emotion that serves no one, especially not your kids. Finding a work-life balance as a working mom is challenging but not impossible. This October, let's celebrate National Work and Family Month by taking actionable steps to find that balance. Remember, you're not just another working mom; you're a supermom juggling work, family, and everything in between.
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