Working moms are often juggling a lot of balls. They are trying to be the best employees possible while also being the best mothers they can be. And on top of that, they are also trying to maintain some semblance of a personal life. It’s a lot to handle, and it’s no wonder that working moms often feel guilty. After all, something can always suffer when you’re trying to do it all. If you’re a working mom struggling with guilt, here are five tips to help you cope without sacrificing your career.
Find Your Support System
No working mom can do it all alone. You need a strong support system to help you through tough times. If you don’t have family or friends you can rely on, plenty of online communities full of other working moms understand what you’re going through. Find your tribe and lean on them when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Having a good support system also helps you set healthy boundaries. You don’t have to do it all; having someone who reminds you of that can be a huge help. If you have a partner, talk to them about your workload and how it’s affecting both of you. If you don’t have a partner, talk to co-workers or friends who are also parents. It might help to vent about the challenges of being a working mom.
Schedule Some “You” Time
It’s important to schedule some time for yourself, even if it’s just 30 minutes a day. Use that time to do something that makes you happy and rejuvenates you. Whether it’s reading, taking a bath, running, or anything else that brings you joy, make sure you carve out some time each day to do it. You’ll be a better mom and employee if you take care of yourself first.
Taking a step back from your responsibilities at home and at work can help you gain perspective on what’s essential and what isn’t. It may also help you feel more confident about your ability to balance all of your responsibilities. It can be hard to take time for yourself when you have so much going on, but it’s important. You’ll feel better and more energized if you take some time to relax and do something that makes you happy.
Find What Works for Your Family
Every family dynamic is different, so it’s important to figure out what works best for your family. Supporting your family can mean a lot of different things. It could mean providing emotional support by being a listening ear when someone is having a hard time. Or, providing physical support by helping out around the house or running errands for an elderly relative. It could also mean sending a cash remittance to financially support your family while you work abroad.
But whatever support you provide, it’s important to remember that every family is unique. What works for one might not work for another, so it’s important to figure out what works best for your family.
Set Realistic Expectations
One of the biggest sources of guilt for working moms is the feeling that they’re not meeting everyone’s expectations. But the truth is, it’s impossible to please everyone all the time. So, instead of agonizing over whether doing enough, set realistic expectations for yourself and others and then just do your best.
It’s also important to remember that being a working mom doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. You’re human, just like everyone else. And no one expects you to be Wonder Woman 24/7. In fact, it would help if you let people know your limitations and ask for their support when you need it. Open communication and realistic expectations will help you avoid feeling frustrated, inadequate, and stressed out.
Make Quality Time Count
Lastly, making the time you have with your children count is important. Clearly define what quality time means to you and then commit yourself to making it happen. When the kids are small, this can be as simple as reading a story or playing games together; when they’re older, quality time might mean having an extended conversation about their day at school or catching up on what’s been happening in their lives.
By making the most out of your time together, you not only strengthen your relationship with your children but also give them the gift of knowing that they are important to you and that you care about what’s going on in their lives. This also helps ease your mind about the fact that you’re not spending time with your child every day. Quality time is better than quantity, building a stronger bond between you and your kids.
The Bottom Line
It’s possible to deal with working-mom guilt without sacrificing your career. With a bit of effort and investment, you can be a successful working mom and feel great about it too. It’s a challenging task, but with the right mindset and strategies in place, you can make it work.
