Can you work and be happy?
The baby is crying, your toddler is tugging on your skirt and pleading with you to not go to work, But if you don’t run out the door RIGHT now, you’re going to be late AGAIN. Your heart is pounding, your head is throbbing and it’s only 8 a.m. Welcome to life as a working mom.
For millions of working moms the daily struggle and stress of balancing career and family is enough to bring on premature gray hair. We thought we could do it all but we constantly feel like we’re burning it on both ends and something’s got to give. There may be no such thing as balance but we are desperate to make it work.
You are not alone. Below are 10 tips for how to stay sane, stay organized and yes, dare we say it, do it all – maybe not perfectly, but good enough.
Rule No. 1: Identity, Love Thyself
You must know who you are and why you work. Yes, most of us work for the money, but many more also work because they enjoy their careers and the stimulation they get from their jobs. Embrace this. Don’t feel you have to apologize for having a career after you have children. If it makes you feel good and also helps support your family, then feel empowered about having a career particularly one that gives you personal satisfaction. Don’t feel guilty, feel good.
Rule No. 2: It Takes a Village
To be a successful working parent you must have good infrastructure in place and be organized including the right childcare. Some children thrive in day care; others do better with in-home care. Find a solution that works for you and your family’s needs.
Rule No. 3: The Right Support
You and your spouse or partner should develop a strategy and plan for running your household. Who does the mornings, the baby feedings, breakfast, getting dressed, off to school, day care etc. Who’s in charge of homework? Who cooks dinner? Who does the grocery shopping, laundry etc.? Who makes the doctor’s appointments, signs up for classes, and makes the play dates? If the answer is always you, then it’s time to renegotiate.
Rule No. 4: Be Organized
Doing things like packing the sippy cups, bottles or lunches the night before. Buying birthday presents in bulk. Staying organized helps keep you sane.
Rule No. 5: The Ego
If you have an ego, conquer it. You cannot work 15-hour days, six days a week and give your children the time they need. At the same time, you cannot be at your kids’ school every day and at home every afternoon and give your clients and colleagues what they need from you either. If you’re going to be a working parent with a solid job performance review and with happy, well adjusted kids, you must learn to re-evaluate your ambitions – both personal and professional.
