How can I be a good mom if I work full time? Or vice versa. It’s hard. Plain and simple. You have your good days where you feel like you’re this badass boss bitch. Then you have other days where you can barely get anything done and end the day feeling like a failure. Here’s my advice to any parent juggling both career and parenthood.
Lower your expectations. Don’t be so dang hard on yourself. Be as present as you can be in the moment, whether that’s in front of your screen or in front of your baby. Time batch accordingly.
Compartmentalize
This is so important to long-term success and maintaining mental sanity. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is no competition to be the mom who does the most. You’re going to feel guilty not giving 100% in either role, so it’s important to BE PRESENT in your role during that specific time. When you’re with your baby, give your baby 100% of your attention. Yes it can be so hard not to catch up on social media or texts but take this opportunity to just BE PRESENT. And when it comes time to work, be as focused as possible so you can crank it out. Less distractions equals more time saved. Multitasking is no longer effective.
Set Expectations
Set those expectations, whether that’s with your boss, yourself as the boss, or your partner. I am so lucky to have a boss who fully supports my work-life-mommy balance. Basically I am able to work around the clock versus core hours. As long as my deliverables are being met and I’m accomplishing what I need to do. Of course things happen too. Also, remember to communicate with your partner too. If you have important meetings scheduled that day, make sure your schedules align to where someone can watch baby.
Find Your Support System
I seriously don’t know what I’d do without the help of my mom and grandma. A couple times a week I go to my mom’s so they can help out while I work. I devote these days to taking meetings and doing most of my focus work and big projects there. If you are fortunate enough to have help be so thankful for that.
Carve out Time to Fill Your Cup of Coffee First
This seriously sets the day. If I lose that tiny window to wash my face, brush my teeth then that sets the tone for my day. Whereas if I jump on it and get ready first, like when baby is sleeping, no matter how comfy and warm my bed is. This is an imperative first step I need to take in order to set the productive tone of the day. Otherwise sorry out of luck.
Utilize Time Saving Hacks & Other Resources
Whatever you don’t have time for, outsource it! Don’t feel bad about doing so or even “wasting” money on that. Get your groceries delivered, hire a part-time nanny, or maid. As long as it fits in the budget. And be sure to communicate with your partner. It needs to be an equal contribution from both sides. If you’re the primary caregiver of baby because you’re breastfeeding, make sure your partner is taking care of other areas, such as cooking and cleaning.
The key is to not over-exert yourself. Get past the misconception that mothers should ‘have it all together’ because that is so 1999.
What are ways you juggle motherhood and career?
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