Balancing Motherhood and a Successful Career: Insights from Working Moms

The challenge of balancing motherhood and a successful career is a common experience for many women. According to a study by the Center for American Progress, women with children are more likely than men to work in part-time or low-wage jobs, experience career interruptions, and face workplace advancement barriers. Despite these challenges, many women have found ways to manage the competing demands of family and career while still achieving personal and professional goals.

Here are some insights from working moms on how to balance motherhood and a successful career:

• Set Boundaries and Prioritize Self-Care: “Motherhood is an emotional journey, and the demands of work only add to that emotional toll,” says Dr. Sheryl Ziegler, a licensed professional counselor and author of Mommy Burnout. “To avoid burnout, it’s important for working moms to set boundaries and prioritize self-care.” According to a survey by Care.com, 70% of working moms say they struggle to find time for self-care. However, taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally is essential for managing the demands of motherhood and a successful career.
• Build a Support Network: Finding a support network of other working moms has been crucial. According to a National Bureau of Economic Research study, having a supportive spouse or partner can also significantly affect a woman’s ability to balance work and family responsibilities.
• Embrace Flexibility and Time Management: “Flexibility and time management are key to balancing the demands of motherhood and a successful career,” says Sarah Argenal, a work-life balance coach and author of The Whole Self Lifestyle for Working Parents. “This means finding creative solutions for managing your time, such as working from home, taking advantage of flexible work hours, and outsourcing tasks when necessary.” According to a study by FlexJobs, 82% of working moms say workplace flexibility is the most important factor in achieving work-life balance.
• Communicate with Your Employer: “Open communication with your employer is essential for managing the demands of motherhood and a successful career,” says Emma Johnson, author of The Kickass Single Mom. “This means being transparent about your needs and priorities, negotiating flexible work arrangements when possible, and seeking out resources and support from your employer when needed.” According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, 58% of organizations offer some form of telecommuting, and 54% offer flexible scheduling.
• Focus on What Matters Most: “At the end of the day, the most important thing is to focus on what matters most to you,” says Tiffany Dufu, author of Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less. “This means setting clear goals and priorities, and making choices that align with your values and aspirations.” According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 56% of working moms say being a parent is extremely important to their overall identity. In comparison, 41% say being a good parent is one of the most important things in their life.

Balancing motherhood and a successful career is a challenging but rewarding experience. By setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, building a support network, embracing flexibility and time management, communicating with your employer, and focusing on what matters most, you can manage the competing demands of family and career while still achieving your personal and professional goals. Remember, with the right strategies and mindset, you are capable of achieving great things both as a mother and as a professional.