Balancing Motherhood & Career: Tips for Working Moms

Balancing motherhood and a career is one of the most challenging—and rewarding—journeys a mom can take. As a working mom of five, I’ve experienced the highs and lows of juggling a full-time job and a busy household, often while my husband was deployed.

Not for the faint of heart

One of the most challenging moments of my journey came after we PCS’d to Georgia. I secured a full-time job in the aerospace industry, only to discover that I was expecting our third child a few months later. At the same time, my husband was preparing for a nine-month deployment. Navigating that season required patience, resilience, and a strong support system.

Here are some practical tips that helped me—and can help you—balance work and motherhood successfully.

Time Management

Managing your time is essential to keeping everything on track.

• Prioritize Tasks: Focus on what matters most each day.
  • For me, this meant creating a “Top Three” task list to complete daily, whether at work and/or home.
• Create a Schedule: Develop a solid routine.
  • Creating a repeatable routine saved my sanity during my husband’s deployment. I planned everything, from work deadlines to meal prep, to ensure nothing slipped through the cracks.
  • Pro Tip: Use a shared digital calendar to align schedules with your partner or family. Also, leverage a responsibility chart for older kids.
• Delegate and Automate: Where possible, assign tasks for completion and automate recurring bill payments.

Set Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries at work and home is crucial for maintaining balance.

• Communicate Effectively: Be transparent about your needs with your employer and family. 
  • I worked closely with my manager to align my work responsibilities with their priorities. This task required daily conversations to ensure I worked on the most critical items for success. This saved me time and ensured I focused on the most important things.
• Give Yourself Permission to Say No: It’s okay to decline commitments and assignments that don’t align with your priorities.
  • Pro Tip: Saying no to non-essential tasks and/or assignments creates space for what truly matters, like family time or self-care.
• Practice Self-Care. Taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s non-negotiable. Taking time to enjoy the small moments, like enjoying tea or taking a fifteen-minute walk around the office parking lot, can make a big difference.

Seek Support

No one can do it all alone. Finding and leaning on your support system is essential.

• Partner Involvement: Create opportunities for your partner to participate in childcare and household responsibilities. Open communication about expectations is key to teamwork.
  • Pro Tip: Write down your family management routine or “Task Wishlist” so your partner will have a Birdseye view into
• Childcare Solutions: Explore options that work for your family, whether daycare, hourly care, a nanny, or help from relatives. Your employer may also have resources available through their Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Explore flexible work options with your employer. Remote work or adjusted hours can provide much-needed breathing room.

Find your balance

Balancing a career and motherhood isn’t easy. However, with the right strategies and support, it's achievable. The key is finding what works best for you and your family and being flexible as your needs evolve.

 Now, take on your career and motherhood with confidence.

Through my journey, I’ve learned the power of balancing my career and motherhood with the support of my network. Remember to lean on your support system, clearly communicate your needs, and take time to recharge. With patience and planning, you can confidently navigate your career and motherhood and thrive in each role. You’ve got this!

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