Having experienced life as both a working mom and a semi-stay-at-home mom (being from Canada and having three kids means I’ve enjoyed three year-long maternity leaves), I can attest to the fact that both paths have their own joys and challenges. The journey of a working mom brings a unique set of hurdles. At the top of this list is the overwhelming mom guilt that seems to tag along daily. You often find yourself torn between missing special moments with your children at work and feeling that your professional priorities have taken a back seat. Despite these struggles, there are also many positives; you get to engage your mind, utilize your skills, and maintain your identity outside of being “Mom.” Nonetheless, it can be tough.
Here are 16 undeniable realities of being a working mom that I believe many of you can relate to:
- Savoring a hot cup of coffee is a rare joy that your child-free colleagues may not fully understand.
- You’ve honed the ability to function on very little sleep.
- At least once, you’ve shown up to work with spit-up, boogers, or remnants of food on your clothing.
- A sick child in the morning leads to intense negotiations with your partner about who will stay home.
- When you see daycare’s number popping up on your phone at work, dread fills your heart as you frantically review your schedule for the day.
- You inevitably miss events—be it Mother’s Day brunch at daycare, school plays, soccer games, or countless other activities your kids participate in.
- The hours between 5:00 and 8:00 PM feel like a frantic race every single day…
- …and the same goes for the hours between 6:00 and 8:00 AM.
- Your monthly daycare expenses might rival, or even exceed, your mortgage. You often wonder how you managed finances before having kids and dream about the lavish lifestyle that awaits once they’re all in school.
- In the morning, you pull your child off your leg at daycare, shower them with hugs and smiles, and then fight back tears once you’re in the car. Some days, after a long day at work, you’re excited to see your child, only for them to barely acknowledge your presence. Sometimes, both scenarios occur on the same day.
- Well-meaning strangers often comment on how they “could never let daycare raise their kids,” leaving you at a loss for a suitable response.
- You receive deeply personal inquiries about your life as a working mom—something few would dare to ask a dad.
- You constantly feel as if you’re barely keeping your head above water. You can’t give 100% to work or to your kids; it’s a perpetual juggling act, and you often question if you’re striking the right balance.
- Your organizational skills have skyrocketed beyond what you ever thought possible (or even desired).
- Enrolling your child in daycare was one of the hardest decisions you ever made. However, over time, their teachers have become integral to your “village.” Your child will acquire skills and form bonds with their teachers and classmates, expanding their circle of care.
- You’re setting a remarkable example for both your daughters and sons.
To all the working moms out there: I see you, and I admire your strength.
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In summary, being a working mom is a complex blend of joy and struggle, where guilt and triumph coexist daily. You’re not alone in this journey.
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