Society may tell us that being a mother is the most important job that any woman can have, but who are they to judge? A recent study done by Monster.com revealed that the number of women in management positions has actually declined since 2002.
If you think about it, there is no set “work hours” or “dress code” for mothers. It’s an unspoken agreement, so it leaves the world wide open for women to pursue any job they want. For many women with kids, this means maintaining a career while taking on the responsibilities of motherhood.
Keeping up with both roles has been known to cause stress and burnout, which is why it’s important that moms learn to manage their time and energy efficiently. This means being flexible with the hours you work, having a supportive family, and finding a way to make staying home after your maternity leave feel like something other than a prison sentence.
Remember, if you’ve been working hard for an extended period of time without taking any breaks or vacations, consider using your time off to recharge. It’s also important that you get enough sleep, exercise, and spend time relaxing with your family so that you return to work refreshed and ready to take on new challenges.
Tips for Juggling Work and Motherhood Successfully
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
If you are considering asking someone to watch your kids after school, working odd hours, or if you need some support on a project, think about hiring a nanny or asking a friend or family member first before resorting to daycare. You don’t have to do it all by yourself!
Be open to changing your hours.
This is the time in your life when you have a lot of flexibility, so take advantage of it! Instead of working from 9-5 every day, consider switching things up by starting work early or staying late for some after-hours bonding with your kids.
Make sure that you are getting enough rest and taking time out to relax.
If you feel like you are about to jump off the deep end, take a deep breath and remind yourself that your health is the most important thing right now. Start taking yoga classes, go for walks with your family, or start planning vacations (even if they are only one-day trips).
Don’t overschedule yourself.
If you are having trouble keeping up with so many tasks, consider cutting out activities like book clubs or monthly brunches until you can get back on top of things at home and work.
Take time to de-stress (and breathe!).
The role of motherhood is rewarding, but it can also be incredibly overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to take a couple of hours out of your day to do something relaxing like go for a massage or join an adult coloring club.
When it comes down to it, both motherhood and career are extremely rewarding if you find the right balance between them. You may have to spend a little more time at the office, but in the end, you’ll have a healthier family and you’ll know that your efforts are being rewarded.