# Conquering Working Mom Guilt: Embracing Career and Family Without Shame

Estimated time to read 7 minutes

In the complex tapestry of modern motherhood, the term "working mom" often carries with it a weighty companion—guilt. As if all moms aren’t “working moms!” The delicate balance between pursuing a fulfilling career and nurturing a thriving family can leave many mothers grappling with a profound sense of guilt. We know this well, our founders had their baby the same day our products launched! Integrating a hard but fulfilling career with the hard but fulfilling job of parenting has been a key part of our success. We wish that this wasn’t so hard but we know that it is so let's talk about it - why does it happen and what can we do to overcome it?

## **Understanding the Roots of Working Mom Guilt**

For centuries, men worked outside the home while women stayed home to do the hard work of caring for the home and raising children. While it is wonderful that women have more opportunities now, many of the expectations of women at home have not changed, including the expectations that some women put on themselves. Women may want or need to work for a variety of reasons, but working mothers often feel guilty for the time that they aren't spending with their kids.

## **How to Overcome Working Mom Guilt**

Guilt is a terrible feeling, and in the case of mom guilt, it simply isn't productive. As Alan Watts said, "No work or love will flourish out of guilt..." So we're sharing some tips to help you overcome working mom guilt.

### **Embrace Your Identity as a Working Mom**

Being a mom is hard work for both working moms and stay-at-home moms, just in very different ways. Each has its tradeoffs, so embrace the benefits that you get by having a place to be yourself outside of your home life. You get to engage in an adult conversation outside the home and can take bathroom trips by yourself.

### **Prioritize Self-Care**

This can be especially hard for working moms who already spend time away from their little ones to feel like they have enough time—how will taking time for yourself make moms feel _less_ guilty? But taking a scheduled break to refuel your battery means that your family will get a healthier, happier mom.

### **Stop Comparing Yourself to Others**

The saying holds true—”comparison is the thief of joy”. Unfortunately, it’s hard to avoid comparison in a time when social media is full of seemingly spotless homes and perfect lives. The highlight reel that is social media can lead anyone to feel bad as they look around at their sink full of dishes and floor scattered with toys.

### **Focus on Quality Time Over Quantity**

It probably feels like there is never enough time to get everything done at work and home, all while trying to spend the few waking hours you have with your little one. So rather than focusing on the amount of time you have with your little one, focus on the quality of the time that you do have.

### **Stop Negative Self-Talk**

We tend to speak to ourselves in a way that is far more critical than how we would talk to our friends. Bring awareness to the dialogue that goes on in your head and practice talking to yourself as you would talk to a friend so that you can break free from feeling guilty.

### **Accept Help**

As the saying goes, “It takes a village”. And while your village may look different than someone else’s, there is likely someone who would step in and help out if you ask, like a friend or neighbor. This might also mean being a little more open with your partner about what you need from them.

### **Establish Clear Work-Life Boundaries**

It's easy for work to creep in at home, and home to creep in at work - especially when you work from home. This can add additional stress and feelings of guilt, as you constantly feel like you "should" be paying more attention to whatever is not getting your attention at the moment.

### **Communicate Openly with Your Partner About Responsibilities**

Communication is key to so many things, including balancing a family and a career. If you have a partner, set aside time each week to determine responsibilities. Keep the perspective that you are on the same team, both working to support your family in different ways.

## **Breaking Free from Societal Expectations**

Mom guilt can stem from a woman feeling like she is not fitting into societal expectations. It is an unfair truth that these expectations are often unrealistic for the modern woman and modern family. The more you can ignore these or any other expectations you feel, the better able you will be to overcome working mom guilt. Take a step back and define what success looks like for you, then embrace and celebrate your own unique journey.

## **Takeaway**

Being a working mom can be tremendously fulfilling both personally and professionally. Rather than let mom guilt take over, try to build a supportive network of working parents, embrace your journey, and release unnecessary guilt. Whatever path you choose, you're a great mom!