THE CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS OF A HAPPY WORKING MUM
Being a working mum is a balancing act, a constant juggling of priorities. It's a beautiful chaos, a rewarding journey, and often, a source of immense guilt.
On one hand, I adore my children. Spending quality time with them, watching them grow, and cherishing every moment is a joy unparalleled. On the other, my career brings me fulfilment, purpose, and a sense of identity. The challenge lies in harmonising these two roles, often at odds with societal expectations.
The Double Standard
One of the biggest challenges is the societal expectation that we should be able to do it all: be supermums at home and superwomen at work. We're expected to parent like we're not working and work like we don't have kids. This double standard can be incredibly draining.
The Weight of Guilt
The guilt can be overwhelming. The guilt of not spending enough time with our children, the guilt of not being fully present at work, the guilt of feeling inadequate in both roles. We're constantly second-guessing ourselves, questioning our choices, and striving for perfection.
Breaking Free from the Guilt Trap
However, it's crucial to remember that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to motherhood. Every woman's journey is unique, and our choices should be driven by our individual needs and aspirations.
Here are some strategies that have helped me break free from the guilt trap and embrace my role as a happy working mum:
Identify your Values and Priorities
Write down a list of the things that bring you joy and rank them according to how important they are to you.
List your top 5 values and check if you’re currently living your life according to these values. If not, this will be the first step to identify where you need to make changes in your life.
Set Realistic Expectations:
Don't strive for perfection.
Be kind to yourself and celebrate small victories.
Set achievable goals and break them down into smaller, manageable tasks.
Prioritise Self-Care:
Make time for yourself, even if it's just a few minutes a day.
Practice mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and anxiety.
Ensure you're getting enough sleep (this is often a tough one but there are ways to achieve this).
Communicate Effectively:
Openly communicate your needs and expectations with your partner, family, and colleagues.
Seek support from other working mums.
Find a Supportive Workplace:
Look for a job that offers flexible work arrangements.
Negotiate a work-life balance that works for you.
Breaking Free from Guilt
One of the most important things I've learnt is that it's okay to feel guilty sometimes. But it's not okay to let guilt dictate your choices. By recognising and acknowledging our feelings, we can begin to let go of them.
Remember, you're not alone. Many women are navigating the same challenges. By sharing our experiences and supporting one another, we can create a more understanding and supportive community for working mums.
If you're struggling to find your balance or are feeling overwhelmed, please reach out. I'm here to listen, offer support, and share my experiences. Let's work together to find solutions that work for you.
Together, we can create a world where working mums are celebrated, not judged.
