Advocate / Partner
January 29, 2025
Balancing Work and Motherhood: A Survival Guide from a Mom in the Trenches
Let’s be real—balancing work and motherhood is hard. Like, eat-a-cold-dinner-while-standing-and-answering-emails kind of hard. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably Googled, “How do I balance work and mom life without losing my mind?” at least once. Spoiler alert: there’s no magic formula, no one-size-fits-all answer, and definitely no perfect mom (she doesn’t exist, trust me).
But here’s the good news: you can figure out a rhythm that works for you. It won’t always feel perfect, and that’s okay. What matters is that you’re showing up—for your work, your family, and yourself. Yes, yourself. Because here’s the thing: you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’re constantly flipping between “work mode” and “mom mode” without ever taking a moment to just be you, burnout isn’t a matter of if—it’s a matter of when.
So, in the spirit of solidarity, here are a few things I’ve learned (and am still learning) about juggling work, motherhood, and the ever-elusive concept of self-care.
Let’s be honest: balance makes it sound like everything is split perfectly—50% work, 50% mom life, 0% chaos. But life doesn’t work like that. Some days, work will demand more from you. Other days, your family will. And that’s okay. Instead of chasing balance, aim for flexibility. The goal is to adapt, not feel guilty when one thing needs more attention than the other.
No one can do it all, despite what Instagram might suggest. Whether it’s a partner, a friend, family, or a trusted babysitter—lean on your people. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it, and definitely don’t feel guilty about it. If you’ve ever told yourself, “I should be able to handle this on my own,” I’m here to tell you: nope. You shouldn’t.
This one is tricky but necessary. If you’re working from home, make it clear when you’re “on” and when you’re “off.” Close the laptop when it’s family time. Put the phone away during dinner. (And yes, tell your toddler for the millionth time that your Zoom calls are not an open audition for American Ninja Warrior.) Boundaries aren’t about being perfect; they’re about creating space for each role in your life to coexist without constant overlap.
Listen, you’re not just a mom or a worker—you’re still you. Whether it’s a yoga class, journaling, painting, hiking, or even binge-watching a terrible reality show, carve out time for something that’s just for you. It’s not selfish. It’s necessary.
Here’s a hard truth: some days will be a mess. The laundry will pile up. Work emails will flood in. Your toddler will have a full-blown meltdown because their toast “broke.” And you know what? That’s life. When it happens, remind yourself that you’re human. Laugh when you can, cry when you need to, and let go of the pressure to have it all together.
It’s so easy to get caught up in taking care of everyone else that you forget to check in with you. How are you feeling? Overwhelmed? Burned out? Lonely? Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your family and your job. Whether that means therapy, journaling, or venting to a friend who “gets it,” do whatever helps you reset.
Forget Pinterest-perfect definitions of success. Success doesn’t mean doing it all—it means doing what matters most. Some days, that might be crushing it at work. Other days, it’s cuddling on the couch with your kid and ignoring the dishes. Success is going to look different for everyone, and that’s a good thing.
We’re all just doing the best we can. Motherhood is hard. Work is hard. Doing them both? It’s a marathon. Celebrate the wins, no matter how small, and don’t dwell on the setbacks. If you’re showing up with love and effort, you’re already doing an incredible job.
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