Dear Moms,
I apologize for the delay in responding to your messages; I wasn’t quite sure where I fit into the dialogue. While we all share the common goal of wanting the best for our children and ourselves, the online world often creates a divide that doesn’t seem to include moms like me, who balance work and parenting from home.
In the spirit of connection and support during this incredible journey of motherhood, here are five insights about me, the hybrid mom who juggles work and family life from home.
1. The Pressure to Do It All is Real
Despite having a wonderfully supportive partner, I often feel the weight of expectations. My workspace is in the dining room, which makes it hard not to feel guilty if I don’t manage to complete a full day’s work, tidy the house, and tackle the laundry. The first time I met a deadline after my son was born, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fearing I was neglecting him by focusing on my job. I constantly battle the “shoulds” of both work and motherhood, reminding myself that I’m only human.
2. Scheduling Can Be Challenging
I’ve learned to work efficiently during nap times (thank goodness for baby carriers!), yet I still feel a pang of guilt when I need to pass the baby to my husband to wrap up a project. While playing with my son, I can’t shake the nagging thought of whether I’ve accomplished enough work for the day. It’s not simply about achieving work-life balance anymore; it’s a tiring juggling act that my type-A personality strives to manage, even as my baby’s changing needs keep altering the schedule.
3. Finding My Tribe is Tough
Friends with traditional jobs seem to have their own communities, while stay-at-home moms gather in their circles. Yet for someone like me, who works from home, it can feel lonely. I often search for other moms in similar situations, feeling somewhat isolated in my unique journey.
4. I Admire Both of You
There are days I long for the structure of working outside the home, or even just the ability to focus solely on my son (and household tasks) without the distraction of work. But I also recognize that balancing both roles is a challenge I embrace, even if it’s not always easy. I have immense respect for both stay-at-home and working moms alike; each path has its own hurdles.
5. The Conversation We’re Having is Amazing
Can you imagine our mothers engaging in such discussions? It’s inspiring that we have so many choices today, and I believe that the diversity of our experiences will empower our children to pursue their own paths. With many incredible role models among us, I hope our kids will have even more options when it comes time for them to make their own family decisions.
Ultimately, I feel fortunate to create a work-life that allows for both my career and my child, though it’s not without its challenges. I truly appreciate the different paths we all take as mothers. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a working mom, your contributions matter, and I commend you for all that you do. At the end of the day, if the kids are fed and we’re still mostly sane, that’s a success to celebrate!
Warm wishes,
A Work-From-Home Mom
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Summary: This piece reflects on the unique challenges and experiences of a mom who works from home while navigating the demands of parenthood. The author shares insights on feeling pressured to fulfill multiple roles, the complexities of scheduling, the need for community, admiration for other mothers, and the significance of open conversations among diverse parenting paths.