Finding Work-Life Balance
All moms are working moms who balance a heavy load of responsibilities. If you are a mom who also works outside the home for a paycheck, work-life balance might seem like an unachievable goal. But there are many ways to make your routine a bit easier and avoid mom guilt. Here are just a few tips to consider as you strive to balance it all:
Be present at work AND home.
When you’re a working mom, it’s important to work as efficiently as possible to avoid spillover into your home. Focus on being present in your job during your work hours. When you’re at home, focus on being present with your family, and avoid checking work emails. If you give your full attention to your work when you’re working and to your kids when you’re at home, you’ll avoid an awful lot of guilt for not doing something else.
Let your kids really LIVE with you.
It may be true that some tasks can only be done while your children are sleeping, but there are a lot of daily tasks that can be done with your kids! Whether you’re cooking, cleaning, or running errands, find ways to get your kids involved. It’s a good way to get things done and teach your children about some of the responsibilities of life.
Ask for a more flexible schedule.
Today’s employers are beginning to offer new ways to help their employees experience a better work-life balance. It’s a good idea to chat with your boss about implementing a flexible schedule that works for everyone. You might suggest telecommuting on certain days, working an earlier or later shift, or coming into the office for four 10-hour workdays. If all else fails, you might consider pursuing a different job with the schedule you need.