Many of you are new moms, or have really young kids and have this little voice in the back of your head; “but what about my career?” I hear, see and feel you. It’s really hard. The disparity for women is 💯there. In both cases of motherhood and career, it took blood, sweat and tears and now it feels like you have to pick or neglect one severely. Just know you’re not alone, the cluster feeding WILL end, diapering will come to a happy end and you will find your footing and schedule again. I wanted to share my working mom guilt tips, because that is one thing that seems to never end.
At this point my kids are 5 & 7 and they need me less physicallly. However, it seems they need so much more emotionally and mentally! Energy-wise, it’s about the same amount of exertion. Perhaps, I may not be carrying them every second of the day (I still carry the little one while I can), but they notice if I’m distracted or not there after school.The problem? I love working, creating and being me. Almost as much as I love being their mom and not missing A THING! Something always has to give. Here are some of the working mom guilt tips that have helped me at times, being a type A and equally passionate mom and careerist!
Working Mom Guilt Tips
1. Ask for help- my version of help does not/will not look like your version of help. You may need a nanny, while others will need a housekeeper. Some moms need more help from extended family, and others will never thrive with it. Trust your gut on what that means for you and get it! 💪🏽
2. Seasonality- everything has its season. Sometimes, it’s the season to hustle and divide and conquer as a family. Other times, it’s the time to nest and nurture. There are big macro seasons and micro seasons. Throw away the idea of balance (it doesn’t exist!) and think of seasons instead. Rest assured in knowing seasons always change. 💕
3. Time management- does anything make you more productive than having a baby? I can’t even begin to tell you where my time went pre-baby? Why I’m not fluent in Mandarin or ran a hedge fund while performing in a circus before kids, is beyond me.🔥
4. It’s 2021. Perhaps you can’t have the career you thought you’d have with kids. But in 2021 you may find something that’s infinitely better thanks to social media, online marketplace, etc. We have access to basically anything! Dig deep and be honest about what you really want to do. 👊🏼
5. Gratitude for the struggle- I can witness their development and all their interruptions. Not all moms are as lucky. Some moms around the world work in other countries to send back money and will miss every bedtime I complain about. 💔
Disclaimer: I don’t have it all figured out myself. I have working mom guilt, my to do list always fails me and I’m not a great housewife. For tips on nursing see here, for my favorite mama care products see here! However, my family seems happy most days and that’s my only report card! 💘 Love, Z