Until six months ago, I had no idea what it meant to juggle work and motherhood. As a new mom, I’m now navigating the challenges of being a working parent with my little one by my side, managing spreadsheets and emails for two different companies.
Unexpected Changes
My journey into this dual career path began unexpectedly. I was five months pregnant when the pandemic hit the U.S. In March, my husband and I had a heartfelt conversation about our plans after our baby arrived. Would I return to work? Would I take on the role of a stay-at-home mom? Thankfully, we had options. We decided I would take a year off to avoid daycare expenses and bond with our baby. Who wouldn’t want to spend their days gazing at a cute little face?
However, everything changed when the pandemic struck. By April, with unemployment rates skyrocketing, I felt grateful to have a job as a Senior Marketing and Communications Manager for a tech company. Leaving that position would risk our financial stability, so I opted to stay put.
Shifting Responsibilities
At the same time, my husband, a commercial airline pilot, faced unprecedented challenges in his industry. To prevent furlough, he took an unpaid leave, which shifted the financial responsibility onto me just as I was adjusting to motherhood.
During my maternity leave, I received an exciting offer from my former manager to lead communications at her new company. Eager to diversify my experience in a challenging job market, I accepted while continuing my role at my existing company. Balancing both jobs while caring for a spirited baby was no small feat, but I needed the stability of my salaried position as my husband adjusted to being a stay-at-home dad.
Managing Chaos
We made the decision not to hire outside help, preferring to manage things ourselves during these socially distanced times. My husband’s unexpected chronic pain complicates our situation. His condition varies, sometimes confining him to bed, which means I often step in to provide structure and routine for our son.
From the outside, our lives look perfectly organized: dishes are clean, laundry is folded, and the living room is tidy. My coworkers think I have additional support, and I often let that misconception stand. The reality? It’s just me and my husband, navigating the chaos of parenthood while managing our careers.
A Day in the Life
On a typical day, I juggle virtual meetings while tending to my baby, quickly switching gears to cope with diaper changes and feedings. Once my workday wraps up, I dive into quality time with my son, prepping dinner, and preparing him for bed. Once he’s asleep, I often find myself back online to catch up on work that slipped through the cracks during the day.
Though exhausting, the rewards of parenthood make it all worthwhile. To all the moms out there—whether single, partnered, or married—you’re not alone in this struggle. Some days are tougher than others, but we persevere. Even amidst the chaos, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.
Resources for New Parents
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Conclusion
In summary, my journey from expecting to be a stay-at-home mom to becoming the primary earner has been challenging yet rewarding. I’ve learned to navigate work and family life amid the chaos, reminding myself that it’s okay to ask for help and prioritize self-care along the way.
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