You've got this. It just takes some planning and skill.
By Zoe Shaw and Estee Kahn — Written on Dec 18, 2017
Let's take a moment to acknowledge the superheroes out there — mothers!
But let's be honest for a moment... being a superhero is hard!
As any mother will tell you, there just never seems to be enough hours in the day. Between the cooking, cleaning, parenting, loving, and supporting... it's a wonder we ever find the time to sleep! And when you add having a job to the mix, it just seems impossible.
That is one reason why many women choose to leave careers they love when they have kids — as many as 43 percent of them! But most of the time, they end up wanting or needing to go back to work, and it can be hard to get back into the workforce.
Society does NOT make it easy to do both.
In fact, it's that very struggle that has led to the misconception that a woman cannot be a mother, raise a family AND have a full-time job.
So let's clear this up once and for all: You can do it all!
Yes, you read that right: YOU. CAN. DO. IT. ALL.
In our latest Ask an Expert video (which you can watch above), Relationship Expert and life coach Zoe Shaw — a licensed psychotherapist — explains just how you can get it all done without being overwhelmed by stress. And it's much easier than you think!
Here's a 5-step plan to get you started:
1. Play on your strengths.
Some people are early birds and others night owls. Others prefer to do in in advance and some just work better under pressure.
Work your schedule so you have the time you work best to get things down, whether that means staying up to burn the midnight oil or waking up extra early.
Whatever YOUR strengths are, use them!
2. Stop feeling guilty about working.
There is nothing wrong with having a full-time job, so stop feeling like you're letting your family down. You're not!
In fact, you're actually setting your children up for success. Think about it — by balancing both a family and work, you're teaching your children that they too can do it all and that nothing can stop them from pursuing their dreams.
3. But prioritize your family schedule first.
It's also important not to let your family feel that they come second to your work life.
Yes, you might not be able to go to every single after-school game or show. But sometimes, you have to reschedule that not-really-time-sensitive meeting to tomorrow to watch your child in the school play.
Because while your family can understand — and learn from — your work ethic, they also need to know that they come first.
4. Stick to your work hour schedule.
Very often, we feel guilty (see above!) and we try to leave work early to see our family sooner and plan to finish up at home.
While that might seem like a good compromise, the truth is it's actually the worst thing to do. Neither your family nor your work will get 100% of your attention and both will end up neglected.
Instead, work your full hours and then leave your work at work — don't bring it home with you. That way your family knows that when you are home, they have your undivided attention and love.
5. Remember you are not alone.
You have a family and they can all help out.
Yes, there are some things you have to do but there are probably just as many, if not more, that you take upon yourself.
Learn to delegate to your husband and your children. I know it's in our nature to pile it on ourselves but even Batman had a Robin to help him!
It may seem totally overwhelming at first but just remember:
If you need help balancing your work and family life, parenting any other relationship problem, reach out to Zoe. She's here to help!