Being a mother is a demanding and fulfilling job that requires a lot of dedication and hard work – that goes without saying. But on top of that, many mothers are choosing to also pursue careers while caring for their children, or making the jump into parenthood while advancing their careers.
There are many reasons for a mother to choose both – increasing costs of living has led many parents to both seek employment, while traditional gender roles no longer hold mothers back from becoming leaders in many avenues.
But this presents a unique set of challenges for working moms. Is it possible to juggle both motherhood and career? It’s not an easy feat – and each mom’s situation is unique – but it can’t hurt to try these 5 basic productivity and well-being tips for working moms to thrive:
Tip 1: Prioritize!
As a working mother, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly pulled in different directions. One of the most effective ways to balance motherhood and a career is to prioritize what demands your attention. This means deciding what’s important and making sure those things are your top priority, because the truth is that no one’s perfect and we all operate on the same 24 hours. For example, if your child has a school play, make sure to attend if you know this play matters to them, even if it means skipping a work event. On the other hand, if you have an important deadline at work, make sure to communicate this to your family and set aside uninterrupted time to complete it.
But if you’ve had to make too many tough decisions and compromise your priorities, maybe effective time management is just what you need.
Tip 2: Create a Support System
Raising a family and pursuing a career can be a lot to handle alone. That’s why it’s important to create a support system to help you manage both roles. This could include your partner, family members, friends, or even a trusted babysitter. Having someone you trust to help with childcare or household chores can take some of the pressure off and allow you to focus on work or spend quality time with your family.
Tip 3: Take Time for Yourself & Set Boundaries
It’s essential to prioritize self-care, especially when juggling motherhood and a career. Taking care of yourself ensures that you’re healthy and energized to take on both roles. This means taking time to exercise, getting enough sleep, and doing activities that bring you joy. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so take care of yourself first, so you can take care of your family and career.
To even do this in the first place, you have to ensure that people around you respect your time and space. That said, there are good and bad ways to communicate your boundaries.
Tip 4: Embrace Flexibility
As a mother and career woman, it’s important to be flexible and adapt to change. Things don’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay. When unexpected events arise, be willing to adjust your schedule or work arrangements to accommodate them. For example, if your child gets sick, you may need to work from home or take a day off. Embracing flexibility also means being open to new opportunities that can help you achieve your career goals while still being there for your family.
Tip 5: Communicate and Negotiate
Effective communication is essential in any relationship, and this includes your relationship with your employer. As a mother, it’s important to communicate your needs and negotiate work arrangements that allow you to balance your career and family responsibilities. This could mean negotiating flexible working hours, working from home, or taking parental leave when needed. Be confident and assertive in expressing your needs, but also be willing to compromise and find solutions that work for both you and your employer. After all, a recent University of York study found that 69.3% of managers don’t expect employees to work from the office more than 4 days a week.
In Summary – Finding the Right Routines for You
Balancing motherhood and a career is a challenge, but it’s possible with the right strategies and support. Remember, if being a mother and having a career are both important enough aspects of your life, you will find a way to excel in both.
It’s all a matter of experimenting with what works for you, and a genetic test from CircleDNA can empower that journey with DNA insights into your health, stress management, and much more.
