As a working mom, I’ve learned that balancing career ambitions with being present for my son is no easy feat. It’s a constant juggling act where I’m trying to make sure I’m excelling at work while being emotionally available and present for him. There are moments when I feel like I’m winning, and then there are moments when I feel like I’m barely keeping it together. But through all the ups and downs, I’ve picked up a few key lessons and strategies that help me find a balance and navigate the overwhelming, sometimes guilt-ridden, journey of being both a dedicated professional and a loving, present mom.
Time Management: The Art of Prioritizing
Time management is the cornerstone of any working mom’s survival. If you don’t have a plan, it’s easy to feel like you’re spinning your wheels, trying to be everywhere at once. I learned this the hard way. In the early days of juggling work and parenting, I’d be caught off-guard by deadlines, forgotten appointments, and moments where my son needed my attention, but I was tied up with work.
The first thing I realized was that I had to create a structure in my life—without feeling like I was locking myself into a rigid schedule that would add stress. For me, it’s about prioritizing what truly matters, and not everything on the to-do list is of equal importance.
Tip: At the start of each week, I set aside time to review my work schedule and my personal commitments. I break my tasks down into “urgent” and “important,” and then I try to delegate, reschedule, or eliminate anything that doesn’t meet these criteria. This helps me avoid overloading myself.
I also learned to protect my evenings and weekends as much as possible. When work demands it, I push to get things done during the workday, so I don’t end up taking over family time with emails and calls. I’ll never be perfect at this, but it’s a continuous effort.
Self-Care: Recharging Is Not a Luxury
When you’re managing a career, home life, and motherhood, self-care often feels like a distant dream. The idea of taking time for yourself can seem selfish or even impossible. But I’ve come to realize that if I don’t make self-care a priority, I will burn out. It’s not just about getting a manicure or going for a run (although those things do help!), but about finding small ways to recharge and refuel, both physically and mentally.
There were times when I felt guilty about stepping away to do something for myself, even something as simple as taking a bubble bath or reading a book. But I soon understood that when I’m well-rested, happy, and healthy, I’m able to show up more effectively for both my work and my son.
Tip: I schedule time for myself, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day. Whether it’s having a quiet cup of coffee before the chaos begins or enjoying a quick walk during my lunch break, these moments allow me to center myself and reset. You don’t have to carve out an hour every day (though if you can, that’s fantastic), but even small pockets of time can make a huge difference.
It’s also important to build a support system. Lean on your partner, family, or friends to help with childcare or errands. Accepting help doesn’t make you any less of a mom or professional. It makes you human.
Overcoming Guilt: You’re Doing Your Best
Let’s face it—guilt is a constant companion for most working mothers. There’s this ever-present feeling that we’re not doing enough for our children or our careers. We worry about not being the perfect mom and not giving 100% to our work. I’ve felt it many times. When I’m busy at work, I feel guilty about not being with my son. When I’m focused on him, I feel guilty about not progressing in my career.
What helped me overcome this guilt was shifting my mindset. I realized that it’s okay not to be perfect, and I don’t need to be everything to everyone all the time. I also recognized that showing my son what it means to be passionate about your career, to work hard, and to prioritize goals is an incredibly valuable lesson.
Tip: One of the most important things I’ve done is to have honest conversations with myself about what “enough” looks like. There are days when I’m not going to be able to attend every school event or work late on a big project. But that’s okay. I remind myself that I am giving my best to both my son and my job in my own unique way, and that’s enough.
I also give myself permission to leave work behind when I’m with my son. My family time is sacred, and while I may not always be perfect in how I balance both, I focus on being present during the moments I do get with him. Whether it’s playing cars on the floor or helping with homework, those moments matter.
Work-Life Balance: Maintaining Harmony, Not Perfection
The elusive “work-life balance” is something I’ve chased for years. In reality, balance doesn’t mean that everything is perfectly split between work and family. Instead, balance is about harmony—finding ways to prioritize and adjust depending on the demands of both your career and your personal life. Some days work takes precedence, while other days my son needs me more. And that’s okay.
I used to think that I had to be perfect in every area of my life to feel like I was balancing it all. But over time, I’ve learned that the key to maintaining balance is flexibility. The rigid approach I used to have only left me feeling frustrated when things didn’t go according to plan.
Tip: Learn to be flexible with your plans. If something unexpected comes up at work or your child needs extra attention, adjust accordingly. It’s not about having every moment perfectly planned—it’s about being adaptable and accepting that some days will be harder than others.
A big part of maintaining work-life harmony is setting boundaries. One of the best things I did was establish boundaries around my work hours. When I’m off the clock, I try to turn off email notifications and focus on family time. While I’m not perfect at this, I’ve found that creating clear boundaries helps me manage my mental energy.
Empowering Conclusion: You’re Doing Great
There will always be days when you feel like you’ve failed at balancing work and motherhood. But let me tell you, you are doing great. The simple fact that you care enough to read an article about improving your balance shows that you’re invested in being the best mom and professional you can be.
There will be moments when you’re stuck in traffic, rushing to your child’s school event, and feeling like you’re behind on work. But don’t let those moments define you. Instead, focus on all the other moments—the moments when you are present, engaged, and doing your best for both your career and your family.
So, here’s my advice to you, from one working mom to another: You are enough. You don’t have to be perfect. Focus on what truly matters, and remember that balance isn’t about doing it all—it’s about being intentional with your time and energy.
You’ve got this, and you’re doing your absolute best. Keep going.
I’m Zara Michell
