To All the Stay-at-Home Moms and Working Moms, From a Work-at-Home Mom

Hey there, friends! I know I’ve been a bit slow to join in on this conversation, and it’s taken me a minute to figure out where I fit in. We all want the best for our kids and families, right? But sometimes, the online chatter can feel like a divide between SAHMs and working moms, leaving little room for those of us who juggle both worlds by working from home.

In the spirit of camaraderie in this crazy journey called motherhood, here are five things you might not know about me, the mom who balances work and parenting from home.

1. I often feel like I need to do it all.

My partner, Mark, is incredibly supportive of my work, but since my office is literally in our dining room, I can’t help but feel like I’m slacking if I don’t manage a full workday along with cleaning and laundry. When I first hit a deadline after my little one was born, I was a total wreck, worrying that I was neglecting my daughter by finishing my work. It’s a constant battle of “shoulds” trying to weigh me down.

2. Scheduling is a major challenge.

I’ve learned to work efficiently during nap times (thank goodness for baby-wearing!), but I still feel that nagging guilt when I have to pass the baby to Mark to finish a project. There’s always this little voice in my head during playtime asking if I’ve done enough work for the day. It’s not just about finding work-life balance; it’s a tiring juggling act, and my type-A personality keeps me on high alert to keep everything in check.

3. It’s tough to find other moms who understand.

My friends who work outside the home have their own communities, and those who stay home have their own support systems, but I often feel a bit isolated as a work-from-home mom. I wish I had more people who truly get my situation!

4. I admire both of you.

I miss the structure of a traditional job and sometimes wonder what it would be like to focus solely on my child and home without a million tasks swirling in my brain. However, I recognize that what you both do is incredibly challenging, and while I might wish for your roles, I know I could never take on the responsibilities of being a working mom or a stay-at-home mom. Balancing work and parenting is tough, but it’s what suits me best right now.

5. The fact that we’re sharing this conversation is pretty amazing.

Can you imagine our moms having these kinds of discussions? We’re lucky to have so many options today, and I believe that the diversity in our paths will inspire our kids to reach even higher. There are so many fantastic mom role models out there for our children, and I hope they’ll have even more choices when it’s their turn to make family decisions.

At the end of the day, I feel fortunate to create a life that intertwines my work and parenting, but it’s definitely not an easy path. I’m grateful for this era where we have choices, and even if I’m not a SAHM or a working mom in the traditional sense, I truly value both of your journeys. There’s no singular way to be a modern mom, but we’re all doing a pretty fantastic job—after all, our kids are fed, and we’re still mostly sane at the end of the day!

With love and respect,
A Work-at-Home Mom

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Summary: This post shares the unique challenges and experiences of a work-from-home mom, highlighting the balancing act of managing work and parenting while expressing respect and admiration for stay-at-home and working moms. The author emphasizes the importance of community, understanding, and the diverse choices available to mothers today.