How to Balance Your Career with Motherhood
For moms who want to maintain a career outside the home, as well as being an active parent, it can be tricky to get the balance right. However, you shouldn’t feel forced to choose between your professional career and your child. With the following tips, you can ensure that you continue to be both a fantastic parent and a valued employee:
1. Create a Workable Schedule
You’ll need to develop a schedule that best suits your family. Instead of working 9-5, for example, you may find that shift work is particularly advantageous. Alternatively, working through the night could give you the flexibility to manage school drop offs and pickups.
When it comes to finding a work schedule that meets your needs, think outside the box. An increasing number of employers are implementing more flexible programs, so make the most of this chance to create a sustainable schedule that allows you to be present at home, as well as at work.
2. Take Accelerated Courses
Obtaining a qualification may be necessary to further your career. Even if it isn’t mandatory, you’ll find that having advanced credentials may significantly increase your employability. As a working mom, however, you may not have the time to undertake lengthy programs.
Fortunately, accelerated programs give you the opportunity to obtain accredited qualifications in record time. With flexible, online accelerated bsn programs and courses, for example, you can acquire the credentials to launch a career as a registered nurse more quickly than if you studied on campus. And, if you want to achieve a possible promotion in your given field, studying online can be a great option. Plus, it may prove more cost-effective and enable you to study from home, so you can spend more time with your family.
3. Find a Family-Friendly Employer
Working for a company or organization that doesn’t recognize the importance of family or the need for a healthy work-life balance isn’t an ideal choice. Family-friendly employers tend to cultivate a more empathetic, supportive and collaborative work environment, in addition to being conscious of potentially offering schedule flexibility. As a result, you’ll find that employees are happier and more motivated when working for an employer who appreciates and respects them as a whole. Choosing an employer whose values align with your own is a great way to ensure you’ll be able to succeed as a working mom.
4. Access Support
As the old saying goes, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, so don’t feel like you have to struggle alone. If you have a partner, sit down and work out how you will split childcare and professional responsibilities, while still making time for yourselves and each other.
In addition, assess the support you’ve got available in terms of family and friends, as well as potential more formal options. Daycare, nannies and au pairs are all great childcare options. By creating a strong support network, you can ensure that you’ll have the practical and emotional help you’ll need at every stage of parenting.
5. Identify Your Goals
If you’re choosing to return to work after an extended break, ask yourself why. For many working parents, the decision to resume their career is based on finances. For others, the desire to fulfill their professional goals is the incentive. By identifying your underlying reasons for wanting to return to work, you can find the most suitable job opportunities for career progression.
If you want to boost your household income, for example, taking a role closer to home which doesn’t offer as much career progression might be a viable option. Alternatively, finding a daycare provider closer to your place of work might give you more flexibility if you’ll be working long hours in pursuit of a promotion.
6. Have Contingency Plans
Being a working parent can feel like you’re constantly trying to keep multiple spinning plates in the air, but sooner or later, one will come crashing down. If you suddenly need to stay late at work or your childcare arrangements fall through, for example, you’ll need to have other options available. Thinking ahead and having contingency plans in place will ensure you always have a back-up strategy to rely on.
As well as getting you out of a pinch, contingency plans can put your mind at rest, even when things are going well. Knowing you can cope with a sudden change in plans or you can adjust your schedule if you need to will help reduce stress and give you peace of mind.
Make the Most of Being a Working Mom
For many moms, being a working parent means feeling guilty when you’re away from work and feeling guilty when you’re away from your child – which really is a no-win situation! However, being a working mom can be an asset. As well as providing a secure and stable environment for your child, your professionalism will show them just how many options they might explore as they get older.
Furthermore, many moms find that spending time in a professional environment gives them a much-needed break from parenting duties and helps them feel more fulfilled. No matter why you choose to be a working mom, balancing your career with parenthood can allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
