I apologize for the delayed response to your messages; I wasn’t quite sure how to insert myself into your discussion. While it’s clear that we share more common ground than differences, especially when it comes to wanting the best for our kids and families, the prevailing “us vs. them” narrative online often leaves little room for moms like me, who navigate the dual roles of working and parenting from home.
In the spirit of solidarity and mutual support on this wild journey of motherhood, let me share five things about me, the hybrid mom who balances work and home life.
1. The weight of expectation is heavy.
Even though my partner is incredibly supportive of my career, working from the dining room table makes me feel like I need to excel in both areas. When I first met a deadline after my son was born, I spiraled into a stressed-out, crying mess, worrying that I was letting him down by focusing on work. Once I completed my tasks, I questioned if I had shortchanged my role as a mom. I constantly have to remind myself that I’m only human, yet the pressure to meet the “shoulds” of both my job and my parenting responsibilities often feels suffocating.
2. Juggling schedules is a real challenge.
I’ve learned to maximize productivity during nap times (thank goodness for baby carriers!), but I still feel a twinge of guilt whenever I have to hand off my son to my partner to finish a project. Even while I’m playing with my little one, there’s that nagging thought about whether I’ve accomplished enough work for the day. It’s no longer just about achieving work-life balance; it’s an exhausting act of juggling, and my type-A tendencies keep me on high alert. Just when I think I’ve nailed the routine, my son decides to switch things up again!
3. Finding a community can be tough.
My friends who work outside the home seem to have built-in support systems with other working moms, and those who are stay-at-home moms have their own communities. As a mom who works from home, however, I often feel a bit isolated, struggling to connect with other moms in similar situations.
4. I admire both of you.
I sometimes miss the structure of an office job and ponder how it would feel to focus solely on my child (and the household) without the distractions of work. At the same time, I recognize that I couldn’t manage both of your paths, no matter how much I may desire it. Working from home while parenting is challenging, but it suits me, and I have deep respect for the hard work both of you do.
5. I think it’s fantastic that we’re having this conversation.
Can you even imagine our mothers engaging in such discussions? The variety of paths we take in life is empowering, and I believe it will inspire our children to explore even more options in the future. We’re providing them with incredible role models, and I hope they’ll embrace diverse choices when it comes time for their own family decisions.
Ultimately, I feel fortunate to create a work life that includes my child (and a parenting life that accommodates my work). However, this choice is far from easy. Still, I appreciate that we are living in a time that allows for such varied options. While being a stay-at-home mom or a working mom may not be my paths, I want you both to know how much I value the work you do, in every form. There’s no singular way to navigate motherhood today, but I believe we’re all doing an amazing job. After all, our kids are fed, and we’re mostly sane by day’s end—that’s certainly worth celebrating!
Warm wishes,
A Work-From-Home Mom
P.S. For more insights on family-building options, check out this excellent resource from Resolve. And if you’re interested in home insemination, you might want to explore the details in our post about the at-home insemination kit. Plus, for additional support, check out the BabyMaker kit for your journey!
Summary: This letter from a work-from-home mom addresses the unique challenges faced by mothers who balance careers and parenting. She shares insights into her experiences, the pressure of expectations, the difficulty of finding community, and her admiration for both stay-at-home and working moms. Ultimately, she emphasizes the importance of support and the celebration of diverse motherhood paths.
Keyphrase: work-from-home mom struggles
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