7 Reasons Working Moms Are WAY Happier, Says Study

Ditch the guilt! You really CAN have it all.

By Michelle LaRowe — Written on Apr 13, 2015

Good news, moms! Whether you have to work, want to work or fall somewhere in-between, a study by the American Psychological Association revealed that a mom who works full time is happier and healthier than her non-working counterparts.

Do you know what this means? You can finally let go of the working mom's guilt. Instead, focus on the many benefits working full-time brings to you and your family. Here are seven ways being a full time mama is just better.

1. It gives you a bigger sense of purpose.

For many moms, their purpose doesn't stop with motherhood. Every woman is created for something special. Most of the time, this something special includes and extends beyond being a mother.

Passions, talents and interests often guide a woman's educational career path and choices. If their purpose beyond motherhood is left unfulfilled, mothers may feel unsatisfied and even resentful.

2. You have more financial control.

Working means that you won't be forced to rely solely on the income of your spouse. Mothers who earn a full-time income often feel more confident in their right to make financial choices for their family. Having your own job means you won't feel guilty about spending someone else's money.

3. You won't lose yourself.

Here's the brutal truth. Your identity exists outside of being a mother. Too often, once a woman becomes a mother, she completely loses her own personal and individual identity. Working full-time allows mothers to maintain and nurture their sense of self.

As children grow up and discover that they are separate beings from their mothers, having a firm grasp on who you are becomes even more vital. Mothers who don't have their own identity may have a hard time separating and letting their child grow.

4. You can form stronger social connections.

Even though being a mother is filled with busy days and a constant companion, you can still feel incredibly lonely and isolated. At the end of a tiring, long day, being proactive about staying connected to friends is super challenging.

Working full-time guarantees you a chance at maintaining social connections with other adults. For some moms, this is totally a sanity saver.

5. It gives you a sense of independence.

Working full-time can put a woman in the driver's seat of her life. While she may value and appreciate the contribution her spouse brings to her life, she's confident that she doesn't need his influence or support to exist. Mothers who work full-time have a sense of self-sufficiency and self-reliance.

6. Working forces your husband to pick up the slack!

One of the most overlooked benefits of being a full-time working mom is the opportunity to cultivate a more involved spouse and dad. For starters, your husband must increase his level of daily involvement in child rearing. If you want a dual-income family, you both must contribute a fair share to helping care for the kids and the home.

7. You're a special role model for your kids.

There's no question about it. Working moms set the bar for having a solid work ethic. They also teach their children the value in prioritizing, decision-making and sacrifice.