Mommy and “Me” – The Guilt Complex of the Working Mom Part 1

I wish I could be more like her.

If only I could… [insert your dreams here].

Stop the wishing and start realizing your dreams!

I can be a wife, a mom, a friend, a volunteer. I can be involved. Working moms can do all of these things.

It Takes A Village – A Working Mom’s “Network”

I’ve gone from working full time, to staying at home, and going back to work again.

“Am I doing the right thing?” I felt the guilt of everyone judging me for not staying at home with my children.

When I was at home, I was not feeling I was being a ‘good mom’ and I wanted to go back to work. I’m shaped to being a working mom.

Not only did I feel I had to be “okay” with being a working mom, I was fortunate to have the luxury of making it happen. That’s not the case for all women and here’s how working away from home can be a possibility.

Spouses Make a Good Team

While I’m extroverted and enjoy being in an active working environment, my husband is more introverted and takes comfort in working independently. This mix of personalities enables the successful collaboration of managing busy schedules.

We have created a parenting partnership.

Our seven children range in age from 5 to 14. The youngest starts Kindergarten next year. Extracurricular activities in the Seeker home include choir, guitar, math, chess, soccer, softball, and building LEGO® sets! That’s a lot of driving and commitments. And we make it work.

My husband is able to telecommute for work and has the ability to be at home with our children during the day if they are sick or on a school break.

If you don’t have a partner, plug in with other single parents. Rely on each other and ask for help.

Plugged In to Community

For the first few years we lived in our community, we did not have the benefit of local family to turn to. So we relied on the close connections we created in our community.

For me, it was our local church. It’s an extension of our support system. The church is able to provide meals, babysitters, and help fill in needs in times of emergency.

For you, a community you tap into might be involved in something you’re passionate about.

My husband and I coordinate schedules with neighbors who also have children attending the same activities. Carpooling and collaboration on a hefty schedule saves time and money, too.

So, stop wishing and start doing. Women can do it all. Being a working mom is a constant struggle. But, it’s not impossible.

Categories

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SHARE THIS ARTICLE

RELATED ARTICLES

Menu