18 August 2025
Let’s be honest—juggling a career and motherhood can feel like walking a tightrope while balancing a plate of spaghetti on your head (and probably doing it in heels). It’s chaotic, messy, beautiful, and overwhelming—all at once. And while society praises the idea of “having it all,” no one really talks about the burnout, the guilt, and the constant tug-of-war between ambition and affection.
So, how do you actually find that sweet spot between work and parenting without losing your identity in the mix? Let’s talk about how real moms do it—not perfectly, but intentionally.
What we often forget is that “having it all” looks different for everyone. For one mom, it might mean running her own business from the comfort of her home. For another, it could be climbing the corporate ladder while raising two toddlers. Your version of success doesn’t need to mirror anyone else's.
Let’s remember what makes you, well... you. That’s the first step in not losing yourself through all the daily chaos.
Whether it’s setting work hours that don’t bleed into bedtime stories or saying no to things that drain you, boundaries help you protect your time and energy.
🕒 Set Work Hours – Stick to a start and end time. Just because you work from home or have flexibility doesn’t mean you should be available 24/7.
📵 Unplug After Work – Emails can wait. Your child’s story about what they drew at preschool? That’s the stuff that can’t.
🙅♀️ Practice Saying No – You’re not a bad employee or a bad mom for turning things down. You’re just human.
Try this:
- Morning routines that include quiet time for YOU before the chaos begins
- Meal prep on Sundays so weekday dinners aren’t a circus
- Bedtime rituals that help you unwind (yes, you—you deserve that, too)
Habits aren’t about being rigid. They’re about creating flow so you spend less time running around and more time being present—at work and at home.
But newsflash: Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish. It’s survival.
Go to the gym. Read a book. Get your nails done. Take a nap. When you fill your own cup, you have more to pour into others.
Also, remind yourself that your kids are watching. They’re learning how to balance life by watching how you take care of yourself. You’re not just raising kids—you’re modeling what healthy adulthood looks like.
- Ask your partner to split household duties.
- Hire a babysitter or get help from family when you need to hustle at work.
- Use grocery delivery services if it buys you even an extra 30 minutes with your kids.
Delegating doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you're smart enough to know that your time is valuable.
Whether it’s a hobby, journaling, dancing, or bingeing your favorite Netflix show, carve out at least 20–30 minutes a day for YOU. It doesn’t need to be “productive.” It just needs to remind you that you’re a person, not just a provider or a caregiver.
Sit down (yes, for real) and talk about:
- Work schedules
- Parenting responsibilities
- Emotional load
- Financial planning
- Each other’s needs
Think of it as weekly maintenance for your family machine—without it, the engine starts to break down.
It’s OKAY. You’re not failing—you’re navigating life.
Instead of striving for constant balance, aim for daily presence. Some days your energy will lean more toward work. Some days, your kids will need you more. Balancing career and motherhood is less about equal time and more about intentional presence.
Find or build your village—friends, family, neighbors, or even other moms online. Having someone to vent to about how your toddler poured syrup in your shoe or how your Zoom call got interrupted by a diaper explosion can make all the difference.
Community reminds us that we’re not alone in the struggle, and sometimes, just knowing that can be a huge relief.
Success can be whatever you want it to be—don’t let anyone else define it for you.
You won’t always get it right—but you’re trying. And that counts for a lot more than you think.
- Ditch the “supermom” myth. You’re human.
- Protect your identity outside of work and parenting roles.
- Build a routine that serves your life, not society’s expectations.
- Set boundaries and stick to them—without apology.
- Ask for help. Often.
- Make time for things that light your soul on fire.
- Surround yourself with people who get it.
- Define success your way.
- Give yourself grace—every single day.
Because balancing career and motherhood isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, staying grounded, and remembering that you matter just as much as everyone else you’re caring for.
all images in this post were generated using AI tools
Category:
MotherhoodAuthor:
Noah Sawyer