Gone are the days when mothers could hope to stay at home and nurture their young children before exploring what the job landscape was offering. The harsh reality is that modern life has become financially demanding, with the cost of living rising exponentially over the last few years.
Many mothers are forced to juggle careers and raising the family to afford a decent life. The good thing is that many women have managed to make significant progress in their careers while raising great families.
Yes, it’s possible to strike a balance between mom duties and the modern-day job demands. And if you’re looking to enjoy your well-deserved downtime, head over to Thunderbolt ZAR casino for some exciting games and offers.
Who is an Ideal Working Mom?
Society places expectations on working mothers, which at times may result in the pressure to live up to them. Here are some qualities working mothers are expected to uphold:
Work-Life Balance
While women have embraced formal employment and made strides in their careers, they are still expected to be the perfect mothers and wives, sometimes leading to unrealistic standards. Apart from achieving targets and meeting deadlines at their workplaces, working moms have to take care of their children’s needs.
Many mothers may end up doubting their efforts and feel inadequate, not just at home but also in the workplace. Feeling guilty about not living up to what society expects can lead to mental anguish and affect the overall well-being of moms.
Active Participation in Their Children’s Lives
Working mothers face unique challenges when it comes to participating in their children’s lives. They have to make arrangements to attend school functions, observe doctor appointments, and participate in their children’s extracurricular activities.
This is besides the fact that getting time off work may be an uphill task, depending on the employer. Other aspects, like commuting to work daily and commitments at the workplace, often conflict with the school calendar, leading to feelings of frustration.
Maintaining an Organized Home
The career mom is expected to be an excellent homemaker who can keep her home clean and well-organized always. Time constraints may not allow a working mom the luxury of keeping her household spic and span around the clock.
Keep in mind that managing a home is demanding, even for moms who stay at home. It’s even harder for working moms, and striking a balance between what is achievable and what can wait can be nerve-wracking.
The Realities of Career Moms
Making Sacrifices
Unfortunately, many women have to put their ambitions aside just to find harmony between their work and family commitments. This may entail forgetting about that enticing promotion that offers better perks but guarantees a headache due to more commitments and expectations. Sometimes, moms may opt to take breaks from work altogether and resume only when they have things figured out.
Feeling Guilty
Leaving behind a grumpy child in the hands of a nanny or a daycare facility can be gut-wrenching for moms. Many working mothers have to put up a brave face while thoughts of inadequacy and guilt flood their minds. Not spending much time with their kids or missing out on important events due to work commitments also triggers guilt.
Time Constraints
Working and maintaining a home are both time-intensive, which leaves many moms feeling overstretched. It’s easy to neglect oneself since all the attention seems to go to the workplace and the kids. In the long run, it can lead to burnout and increased stress levels.
How Working Moms Can Navigate Challenges
With careful consideration, moms can achieve a balance between homemaking and working. Though it’s not a walkover, here are some practical ways you can embrace as a working mom to help you cope.
Setting Achievable Goals
At some point, you might have to accept that some of your ambitions, while noble, might not be possible to achieve in light of the demands of raising a family. Identify your attainable goals and establish a reasonable schedule to adhere to. This might mean breaking up responsibilities into smaller tasks that can be done daily, weekly, or even monthly. Having a to-do list will go a long way in helping you remain focused and effective.
Seeking Support
Trying to handle all the demands of work and home alone is a mistake that many working women make, to the detriment of their health and sanity. Establishing a support system is a simple way to ease the burden of caring for a family while thriving at work.
Your support network may include your friends, neighbors, family members, or other working moms. Sharing responsibility with your partner, or exploring options like co-parenting will free up some of your time so you can recharge.
Prioritizing Self Care
Many moms barely have time for themselves and often neglect their well-being. Without proper self-care, it will be difficult to raise children, let alone excel in the workplace.
Simple steps such as embracing physical exercise or pursuing a hobby can bring much-needed relief. Caring for yourself will ensure that you have the energy and health required to play your role as a mom and employee effectively.
Communicating Openly
Don’t overlook the role open, honest communication can play in helping you achieve sanity as a working mother. Not everyone understands your struggle, especially if you haven’t talked about it. If you have a partner, discuss how to share parenting responsibilities. At work, explore the possibility of flexible work arrangements, including remote work where possible, that will help you find reprieve.
As a working mom, it’s perfectly fine to feel your path is miles away from society’s expectations. Balancing a career and motherhood is a unique experience for each mom, where what works for you might not be ideal for another.
Whatever it takes, keep in mind that you’re not in this struggle alone, many mothers face these challenges. Your love and dedication to your family is all that matters and will eventually pay off, at home and work.
Also Read: 5 Ways to Close the Leadership Development Gap for Women
