The toughest part of being a working mom is grappling with the feeling that you should be doing it all perfectly, while in reality, it often feels like a chaotic juggling act. When I was a full-time stay-at-home mom, I managed to keep things running smoothly—kids were fed, we were mostly clean, and we got to places on time. But once I re-entered the workforce, the stakes changed dramatically. Suddenly, I was balancing drop-offs, pick-ups, babysitter schedules, and meal prep, all while trying to meet work deadlines.
I often felt like I was failing everywhere: my family’s dinners were less than gourmet, I was perpetually running late, and my work felt rushed and subpar. Yet, even with these challenges, the transition has been rewarding. Here are six compelling reasons why it’s okay to not be a perfect working mom.
1. You Might Be Better Than You Realize
Ever heard of “imposter syndrome”? It’s that nagging feeling, particularly common among women, that you’ve somehow deceived everyone into thinking you’re more capable than you truly are. Chances are, you’re doing just fine, so keep carrying on as the competent person you are!
2. Your Income Still Matters
As my friend Lucy wisely puts it, “Don’t fire yourself!” Many people in the workforce are just going through the motions, and you’re not one of them. You deserve that paycheck, so keep it coming!
3. Skills Are Still Being Sharpened
Even if you feel lost, you’re still absorbing valuable information. I remember my first day back at work after a long break; I was so nervous that I asked a young HR guy how to use the messaging program. It turned out to be just like Outlook! If I hadn’t panicked, I would’ve caught on right away. The working world evolves quickly, but you’ll adapt, even if it feels overwhelming at first.
4. You’re Building Social Connections
I adored my time as a stay-at-home mom, especially for the friendships I formed with other parents. However, having a diverse social circle, including colleagues, enriches your life and supports your mental well-being—it’s great for your career too!
5. Action Beats Inaction
I hesitated to dive back into work because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. But figuring it out often comes from simply taking action. No one develops a perfect plan in isolation, and by working, you can discover what resonates with you.
6. Perfection Isn’t the Aim
Ultimately, we all strive for fulfilling lives, but that doesn’t mean they have to be flawless. “Good enough” can be just that—good enough. I’d rather embrace the beautiful chaos of a busy life than chase an unattainable ideal.
If you want to explore more about building your family, check out this resource on family-building options. You can also learn about this home insemination kit that can be useful for those on this journey. If you’re interested in more about the insemination process, visit this post to keep you engaged.
In summary, it’s perfectly alright to feel like you’re not excelling as a working mom. You’re likely doing better than you think, earning a paycheck, maintaining your skills, building connections, and figuring out what you want—all while embracing the imperfections of life.
Keyphrase: Working Mom Struggles
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