Parenting
The Sole Disadvantage of Being a Working Mother
by Emily Carter
Updated: Aug. 20, 2015
Originally Published: March 29, 2015
Balancing the demands of motherhood with a professional career often presents significant challenges. As a working mother, you may encounter judgment from others who question your commitment to raising your children. Sleep deprivation can leave you feeling unkempt and disoriented upon returning to work. You may grapple with the complexities of managing breast pump equipment and the endless cycle of cleaning associated with it. And, of course, there’s the pervasive guilt that accompanies the role.
As your infants transform into toddlers, the emotional toll can intensify. The heart-wrenching reality is that you may miss out on treasured milestones such as the first smile, the initial words, or those first exciting steps. Important events, like a preschool performance or a Mother’s Day celebration, may also slip through your fingers. Striking a balance between being a consummate professional and a devoted mother can feel like a daunting juggling act, and the inevitable outcome is often disappointment—typically, your own.
However, the most challenging aspect of being a working mom is when your child falls ill. In those moments, they crave their mother’s comfort, yet someone else—be it a babysitter, teacher, or family member—takes on that nurturing role. While you’re stuck at work, your heart aches as you anxiously check your phone for updates or images, desperately hoping for reassurance that your child is okay.
The overwhelming guilt I experienced on a recent evening was unlike anything I’d felt before. My heart ached as our caregiver took my daughter from my arms; she was crying and asking to come with me. Our youngest child was unwell, running a high fever, which was particularly distressing due to her history of febrile seizures. All day she had just wanted to be held and comforted, opting out of play and food. When it was time for me to leave, her little lips quivered as she sweetly asked, “Can I please come with you?”
In those heartbreaking instances, the desire to abandon my career and focus solely on motherhood becomes overwhelming. But I know firsthand that being a full-time mom is no simple task—I’ve attempted it and do not succeed. Yet, this remains the most difficult aspect of being a working mother, a challenge that seems to grow more intense with each passing year.
Working in a freelance capacity has its perks, allowing for a more flexible schedule compared to a traditional 9-to-5 job. I can arrange my editing days and interviews around my children’s school hours. However, there are months when work opportunities arise, and the pressure to accept them is immense; declining work could mean losing future opportunities. Unfortunately, these busy periods often coincide with when our children require the most support.
I extend my heartfelt apologies to those mothers with whom I once worked right after college, who would arrive late due to their sick children. I remember silently judging them for their struggles. Now, however, I fully understand the battles they faced at home, and they genuinely deserve my utmost respect.
The term “working mother” is almost redundant, as our children are always present in our thoughts, no matter where we are. Tomorrow, I will return to my professional life, but today, I will cherish every moment spent with my little one.
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Summary
The emotional challenges of being a working mother are multifaceted, particularly when facing issues such as judgment from others, sleep deprivation, and the constant struggle for balance. The worst moments arise when a child is unwell, and the deep guilt of not being able to provide comfort can be overwhelming. As working mothers navigate these trials, it is essential to acknowledge the complexities and dynamics of their roles.
Keyphrase: challenges of being a working mother
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