Working Moms: Mastering the Juggle Between Career and Family

Being a career woman is hard work especially if you have kids, regardless of where in the world you live. I still remember when my daughter had to perform Garba at school during Navratri, and I barely had time to help her practice. Instead of teaching her the dance moves, I told her to clap through the whole song. Clap up, clap down, clap forward, clap back, twirl around and clap. ‘Just keep clapping,’ I said, ‘until the music stops.’ She wasn’t the best dancer on stage that day, but she participated. That’s what mattered most—or at least, that’s what I kept telling myself.

This situation reminded me of the 'homemade cookie' story by Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo. She said, 'The truth is, there is no such thing as balancing work and family. It's a constant act of juggling priorities.' Her words resonate deeply with me and most working moms.

There’s no magic solution to perfectly “balance” everything. Instead, it’s a constant juggling act—and sometimes, we drop the ball on the smaller things, like remembering that it’s Yellow Day at school and sending your child in regular school uniform when every other child is dressed in yellow. 

The Challenges of Being a Working Mom

Here are the common struggles every working mom goes through. Let’s break them down:

• Time Management: A Constant Struggle

Managing time as a working mother can feel like an uphill battle. Time feels like it’s slipping through our fingers. Between attending meetings, finishing work assignments, cooking, and making sure our kids are doing their homework, 24 hours feels painfully insufficient. The result? Exhaustion.

• Guilt and Self-Doubt

A common theme for many working mothers is guilt — it often arises from feeling like you're failing at work, at home, or both. Society paints this picture of the “perfect” mother, and the pressure to live up to that can be overwhelming. When we fall short in any area, self-doubt creeps in. Should I be working less? Am I spending enough time with my kids? It’s a mental battle that many of us face daily.

• Lack of Support

While some companies offer flexible schedules and parental programs, many do not, making it even harder to balance work and family. Without flexibility, balancing work and family becomes a near - impossible feat, leading to stress and frustration.

• Cultural and Societal Expectations

In many families, the burden of childcare and household management still falls disproportionately on women. Even when we’re working full-time, the expectation remains that we’ll still handle everything at home. This invisible load can be emotionally and physically draining.

• Health Implications

The constant juggling act often leads to physical and mental health issues. Many working moms push themselves to the brink, ignoring their own needs to make sure everyone else is taken care of. But this cycle of neglect can lead to anxiety, chronic fatigue, and even burnout.

Mastering the Juggle: Practical Tips for Working Moms

So, how do we cope with these challenges? The truth is, that the juggling act will always be there, but there are ways to make it a little easier. Here are some strategies and tips that worked for me when I started working again as a mom of two kids, and might just work for you too:

• Embrace the Imperfect

First, let go of perfection. It’s okay if the house is messy or if you can’t make it to the extracurricular activity again due to a work assignment. What matters is that your kids are loved and taken care of. Instead of trying to be perfect at everything, aim to be present in the moments that matter. 

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• Prioritize Self-Care

It’s easy to push our own needs to the back burner, but we can’t pour from an empty cup. Make time for yourself — whether that’s enjoying a quiet cup of coffee before the kids wake up, reading a book, or going for a walk. Prioritizing self-care isn't selfish—it's essential for your well-being and mental health. Drop the kids at a friend’s place and treat yourself to a lunch date with your spouse. Prioritize those moments to recharge.

• Set Boundaries Between Work and Home

Creating clear boundaries between work and home life is crucial. Set dedicated work hours and communicate them to your family. When it’s family time, be present — put the phone down, shut the laptop, and enjoy quality moments with your kids. 

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• Lean on a Support Network

Whether it's family, friends, hired help or other working moms, having a support system can make a world of difference. Asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s necessary. Whether it’s babysitting, chauffeuring, or venting after a long day, lean on your support system. We all need someone in our corner. Join online communities of fellow working moms. These groups provide an invaluable source of advice and support, it’s a space for you to share stories, learn from one another, and form meaningful connections.
 

• Plan and Prioritize

Organizing can be a working mom's best friend. Use planners, calendars, and apps to keep track of everything—from work deadlines to school events. By writing things down, you have fewer things to remember and less load on your brain. Prioritize what’s more important and let go of the rest. You can't do it all, and that’s okay. 

• Outsource When You Can

It’s okay to ask for help with household chores or order food delivery when you’re too tired to cook. Consider hiring help for meals. With convenient food delivery services and grocery delivery apps, you can now outsource time-consuming tasks like grocery shopping so you can spend more time with your family. 

• Teach Your Kids Independence

Encourage your kids to be more independent. Teaching your kids to be independent with tasks like packing their school bags or tidying up can help reduce your load and teach them valuable life skills. Plus, it also makes the kids grateful for the hard work that you do as a working mother. 

• Seek Employer Support

If your workplace isn't offering the support you need, don't be afraid to ask for it. Whether it's requesting flexible hours, remote work options, or even just a more understanding manager, advocating for yourself is key to finding some balance. 

Finding Purpose Amid the Chaos

At the end of the day, juggling work and motherhood is a challenge, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Every day won't be perfect—there will be missed school events, messy houses, and forgotten tasks—but that doesn't mean we’re failing. We're creating a life that fulfils us, both in our careers and in raising our families.

The next time you miss a school event or feel overwhelmed, remember: you’re juggling priorities. It's okay to let a few things go because you're doing great.

Ready for more support and guidance? Join the Glow & Lovely Career Community on SHEROES today and start your journey to finding balance.