Juggling a Career and Motherhood
Reading an article in The Age this weekend on this very topic prompted me to reflect again on whether it really is possible to have it all.
Can you feel satisfied at work and as a mum?
In an earlier blog I spoke about women carrying greater responsibility for domestic and parenting load regardless of their work status.
Why is it like that in 2018? Women were burning their bras in the seventies fighting for equity of pay and conditions and yet we still struggle for recognition. When returning to work after having a child, it is an opportunity to show how productive you can be when you’re motivated to get the job done to get home to your child.
Some practical ways to find balance and keep the guilt at bay from the trap of thinking you’ve not done enough in either camps.
Firstly, involve your partner and or support network in the domestics and child cre arrangements. Be specific about what everyone is responsible for. That may mean outsourcing for paid help. Do what is right for your family unit.
Cut yourself some slack when it comes to choosing work over time with your child. In my clinical experience, working mothers often feel better about themselves and are more able to provide financially. Self esteem is also bolstered when you engage in work you enjoy.
Start being good at compartmentalising home and work time. That means sticking to a work schedule of what needs to be done and letting go of always doing more. Keep to the schedule means leaving on time.
Only work in a job that allows for flexibility and ensure the demands match what time and energy you have to give. This may mean changing jobs but it will mean you are not flying interstate or entertaining clients when you need to be home being a mum.
Make time to recharge whether that is exercise, early nights, socialising or whatever it is that refills your cup.
And most importantly let go of perfection. This is a tough one as it is easy to worry you’ve not spent enough time with your child or that the house is a mess.
The right job is out there and when you find it, you too will have that highly sought after work life balance.
