How Not to Neglect Your Career as a Working Mom

The life of A Working Mom comes with its own unique set of challenges. This is particularly true when trying to balance career aspirations with the demands of childcare and household responsibilities.

According to the Federal Reserve, women between their mid-30s and 40s make up almost half (46%) of total employment. Yet, with the responsibility of childcare largely on them, they end up missing $20,000 a year in lost wages. 

While home offices seem like the perfect solution, they often present more distractions than expected, especially with young children around. So, how can you find a balance without neglecting your professional ambitions?  

In this article, we’ll explore practical and actionable strategies that will help you manage your time effectively and cultivate a productive, harmonious environment at home. Let’s dive in. 

Your Career as a Working Mom 

Balancing a career as a working mom is no small feat, but it’s also an incredible journey of growth and resilience. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, running your own business, or pursuing a passion project, every step you take is a powerful example to your kids of dedication and determination.

It’s all about finding a rhythm that works for your family—maybe it’s early mornings to tackle emails or evening playdates to make up for a busy day. Celebrate the wins, big or small, and don’t be afraid to lean on your support system when needed. Remember, you’re not just working for your family—you’re working with them, showing them that chasing dreams and caring for loved ones can go hand in hand.

1. Understand That a Home Office Won’t Work 100% of the Time

One of the biggest hurdles of working from home is the constant presence of distractions. For moms, these distractions often come in the form of young children who may not fully understand boundaries. A toddler’s need for attention or a school-aged child’s homework emergency can derail even the most carefully planned workday.

As McKinsey notes, 45% of moms with kids under five cited childcare as a reason for quitting the workforce during the pandemic. The responsibility of raising kids is as big as a full-time job, and you need to be aware of this reality. 

You may have days when you have to invite and meet clients in person at your home office, and that can be tricky. No matter how much you prepare or coach your husband, kids are unpredictable. 

They might talk loudly or yell while you’re trying to have an important discussion. This is why, for major work meetings and deals, it’s a good idea to take the work out of your home. You’d be surprised to see that conference room rental prices are surprisingly affordable these days.

According to The Farm Soho, even in big cities like NYC, you can rent a fully equipped space for about $30/hour. Hiring office space for an hour or two might seem unnecessary to some, but it’s worth it. You get a dedicated space in which you can handle all your super important matters, and it’s not heavy on your pocket either.

2. Plan Your Day the Night Before

According to Motherly’s State of Motherhood report, 62% of moms say they get less than an hour to themselves each day. This is unsurprising when you consider that 58% of moms feel they are primarily responsible for managing household duties and childcare. 

For working moms, every day is a delicate balancing act—managing career responsibilities, tending to children, maintaining a home, and finding time for personal self-care. One of the most effective ways to reduce the daily stress that comes with juggling these responsibilities is by planning the night before. 

This simple yet powerful strategy can dramatically streamline your morning routine, reduce anxiety, and set the tone for a productive and successful day. One of the first and most impactful steps is laying out clothes for both yourself and your children. When you decide what everyone will wear the next day, you eliminate the stress of scrambling to find something appropriate during the chaotic morning rush.

Of course, your plans also need to extend to your own work-related matters. Planning out how you handle the next day’s work and meetings can help you optimize small aspects that all contribute to a better experience. For example, remember to charge all your devices so you aren’t scrambling for cables when a forgotten online meeting starts. It’s small, but it counts.

3. Avoid The Blame Game Route and Turning on Your Family

As a working mom, emotions can often run high. The pressure you face can lead to moments of frustration, exhaustion, and even resentment. In these moments, it’s easy to fall into the trap of placing your frustration on those closest to you. However, it's essential to recognize that your family members are your allies. 

Motherhood and parenting are tough– everyone understands this, so it’s extremely important that you communicate your needs to your partner and your older kids. Rather than bottling up your emotions or lashing out, express your feelings in a way that invites understanding and cooperation. 

For example, instead of saying, “I’m so overwhelmed, and you’re not helping,” try framing your needs more collaboratively. Maybe something like, “I’m feeling really overwhelmed right now, and I could really use some help with X.” 

At the same time, try to look at the bigger picture of child-rearing. As Parents.com notes, part of finding peace is accepting that it’s not always going to be a 50/50 responsibility split. There’s simply no point in trying to make this counting game where you keep score. Sometimes, the best you can do is take advantage of those areas where your partner contributes significantly. 

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