“I wrote a white paper.”
“Let’s circle back on that strategy.”
“Did you brush your teeth?”
“Where are your shoes?”
Somewhere between client calls and packing lunches, this is what my life sounds like most days.
Being a working mom is a constant exercise in shifting gears, and if I’m being honest, “balance” isn’t something I’ve mastered. It’s something I’m always working toward. Because the reality is, work-life balance isn’t a perfect split. It’s an ongoing battle. Research even defines it less as equal time and more as a sense of effectiveness and satisfaction across both roles.
And some days, that balance feels easier than others.
The Myth of Balance (and What I’ve Learned Instead)
There’s a lot of pressure, both spoken and unspoken, on working moms to “do it all.” To show up fully at work and fully at home, without dropping a single ball.
But the truth is, something always gives. There are days when work needs me more… deadlines, meetings, client needs, etc. And there are days when my kids need me more, whether that’s a school event, a tough moment or just time together.
I’ve learned that balance isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention and being where you are, when you’re there.
Why Where You Work Matters
This conversation isn’t complete without talking about workplace culture.
At Shift•ology, there’s an understanding that people have lives outside of work and being a great employee and a great parent are not mutually exclusive. They’re connected.
That looks like flexibility when it matters, trust instead of micromanagement and a focus on outcomes, not just hours. And here’s the thing; research backs this up. Organizations that support work-life balance see higher motivation, stronger loyalty and better performance. It’s not just good for people; it’s good for business.
For me, it means I can take my kids to school, log back on, get the work done and sometimes pick it back up again after bedtime if needed. It’s not always clean or predictable, but it works.
What Being a Communications Professional Has Taught Me About Parenting
One of the things I didn’t expect was how much my career would shape the way I show up at home. Communication isn’t just what I do; it’s how I think. It’s funny, some of the same principles I use to guide messaging strategies with clients are the ones I lean on in conversations around the dinner table. And it shows up in parenting more than I ever realized. For example:
- Clarity matters. Whether it’s a client or a 7-year-old, unclear expectations lead to frustration.
- Tone matters. How you say something is often more important than what you say.
- Listening matters. Not just hearing, but truly understanding what’s actually being said (or not said).
- Consistency builds trust. At work and at home, people need to know what to expect from you.
- And, maybe, most importantly, pause before you respond. I’m still working on that one, especially when the questions are something like, “Can I have dessert before bed?” or “Can I paint the dog’s nails?” (Let’s just say… the pause is getting better. The answers? Still mostly “no.”)
All of this (and more) is why Mother’s Day hits differently now. Not because everything is perfectly balanced, but because I can see how far I’ve come in learning how to navigate both worlds.
I’m proud of the work I do. I’m proud of the kids I’m raising. And I’m grateful to work somewhere that allows me to do both.
So if you’re a working mom reading this, here’s your reminder: you don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t have to get it right 100% of the time. And, you definitely don’t have to do it alone.
Here’s to all of the working moms this Mother’s Day!