Are we able to enjoy both- having a successful career and a happy family life?

After having babies, some momma enthusiastically return to a job they love, while others begrudgingly go back because their family needs the money. Many of us, most likely reside somewhere in the middle. 

No matter the reason, one thing is for sure; being a working mom is hard!

 
With parenting, job responsibilities, and household duties, we often carry a heavy burden of mom-guilt that we just can’t shake. From difficulty balancing it all, missing those babies, and struggling with the guilt. Often times we feel alone in these challenges but I’m here to say that is most definitely not the case!

 
However, I’m a believer that we need to find a way to overcome these challenges so we can thrive as working mommas!

When mommas come into the Moms in Motion Community Group over on Facebook, they are asked the biggest struggle they are facing in motherhood and today we are going to discuss the top four answers that I see from working (outside the home) mommas!

This is the number one thing I hear from moms “I really love my job and I’ve worked really hard for my career but its just so difficult to figure out how to get that work-life balance.” 

Accepting that balance is bullshit is your first step. There is no such thing as work life balance. 

As mommas and as business women, we will have different seasons in our parenting life and our career. And that will determine where a bit more of our focus needs to go in that season – and that’s ok! There are going to be times in your kiddos lives that they need you more, whether they are sick or have activities that are important for you to attend. Then there will be times that you have a big project at work that needs a bit more attention. You will never be able to evenly balance it all so accept that you simply need to work through the seasons and put your focus where it needs to be in those moments.

My first piece of advice is to lower your expectations. Not everything needs to be clean and organized at all times. Make sure you are being realistic with what you and your family needs from a housework perspective and what you are doing because society has set some sort of standard. 

Second, try to accomplish a task when you first wake up or when you first get home from work. If you put it off until after the kids are in bed, you’ll end up not doing it because you are too tired.

Set your boundaries. Focus on work when you are at work. Focus on your kiddos when you are with them. I refuse to let people make me think that I’m not as good a mother because I won’t stop working and be a stay-at-home mom but in order to calm your own mind, those boundaries are important. And if you employer doesn't respect those boundaries, that's a conversation that needs to be had.

Someone once told me “working mom guilt is a first world problem.” Now that can be triggering so don't come at me… but think about it. The mom in a third-world county is incredibly grateful for an opportunity to provide for her family and we are feeling guilty about it.  Kids love daycare, they get to socialize make friends and learn so much! Remind yourself that your kiddos are happy and you are doing a good job.

There are many benefits to living the working mom lifestyle. It sets a positive example for your kiddos and you can inspire them by showing them that you are a strong woman and you can work hard for what you want. Plus, having a career often gives us a purpose that allows us to feel refreshed, accomplished, and excited to see our kiddos at the end of the day.

Studies continually show that daughters of working moms grow up to have successful careers and the sons of working moms often play a larger role in their family. 

Just remember, you are amazing and there are many other women in the same boat as you. Find what works best for you and remember the positive influence you have on your kiddos.

If you want to connect with other Mommas looking build their businesses without sacrificing their family, join us over on Facebook!