On the occasion of International Working Women’s Day
Being a mother is hard. Being a working professional is even harder. Now imagine combining these two roles—what kind of challenges might arise? Without a doubt, it creates one of the most demanding and complex roles in the world. From feelings of guilt to trying to balance work and family life, social pressures, outdated stereotypes, and the impact of these circumstances on both physical and mental health—all of these make up the reality of a working mother’s life.
Let’s start with one of the most obvious challenges faced by working mothers: “The never-ending guilt.” No matter how successful we are at work or how much love and attention we give to our families, there’s always a voice in our minds saying: “It’s not enough.” It feels as though we are running an endless marathon, constantly trying to meet the expectations set by the world around us.
The saddest part of it all? Most of these expectations we place on ourselves.
Give yourself some grace. Whether at home or at work, you are doing the best you can—and that is what truly matters.
Challenges of Working Mothers
Balancing Work and Family
Managing both work responsibilities and family life can feel overwhelming. Finding the time to fulfill professional duties while also spending quality time with one’s children is an ongoing challenge.
Feeling of Guilt
Many working mothers struggle with guilt—guilt about not spending enough time with their children or not being able to attend all their events and activities. This emotional burden can be incredibly heavy and often hard to overcome.
Childcare
Finding reliable and affordable childcare options is one of the biggest struggles for working mothers. This includes evaluating options like daycare centers, hiring a babysitter, or relying on family members for support.
Career Advancement
Balancing career aspirations and family responsibilities is often challenging. Many working mothers feel they have to sacrifice career growth or professional opportunities for their families. This issue is particularly common in countries like India, where there’s a widespread belief that babies primarily need their mothers, and societal norms often expect mothers to spend most of their time at home. As the saying goes: a mother’s “main” job after childbirth is presumed to be her family.
Stress and Burnout
Trying to meet the demands of both work and family life can lead to stress and burnout. It’s crucial for working mothers to prioritize self-care and find effective ways to manage stress.
Societal Expectations Faced by Working Mothers
Unrealistic Expectations
Society often imposes unrealistic expectations on working mothers: to excel in their careers while simultaneously being perfect as mothers. This pressure to “have it all” can be overwhelming and foster feelings of inadequacy.
Financial Pressures
For many working mothers, especially those who are the primary breadwinners, managing financial pressures alongside their desire to spend time with their families can be a significant challenge.
Lack of Support
Some working mothers feel isolated and unsupported, particularly if they don’t have a strong support network of family members, friends, or colleagues who understand their struggles.
The Importance of Family Support
The role of the family in supporting working mothers is undeniably crucial. It’s not just limited to a spouse but extends to the entire family, who must understand the working mother’s circumstances and avoid criticizing her decision to return to work or continue her career journey.
Despite these challenges, many working mothers manage to achieve success both professionally and as parents. Finding the balance that works for each individual, asking for help when needed, and prioritizing self-care are essential strategies for overcoming these challenges.
Ways to Overcome Challenges Faced by Working Mothers
Mastering the Art of Balance
As a working mother, one of the most persistent challenges is trying to balance work and home life.
On one hand, you want to be your best self at work and advance your career. On the other, you want to dedicate time to your children, be an exceptional mother, and not hold back your support for your spouse. It’s a delicate dance, and it’s normal to occasionally feel as though you are failing on one—or even both—fronts.
But the reality is that there’s no such thing as “perfect balance.” It’s all about finding a system that works for your family and career while occasionally making compromises when necessary.
Some weeks may feel like everything at work is falling apart, while other weeks may leave you feeling like you’re not doing anything right as a mother.
Rather than stressing about not being perfect (because nobody is), focus on your achievements and appreciate yourself for all that you’re doing.
Overcoming Stereotypes and Double Standards
Now let’s talk about stereotypes and double standards. As working mothers, we are often judged from every direction.
Some think we are neglecting our children, while others believe we are not committed enough to our jobs. Some see us as overly strict, while others view us as too lenient.
It’s a no-win game, and navigating this can be incredibly tough. But as they say: “What others think of you is none of your business.”
Do what works for you, your family, and your career. Don’t let the whispers and opinions of others hold you back from achieving your goals.
Making Time for Yourself
Last but not least, don’t overlook the impact of these challenges on your physical and mental health. Stress and constant efforts to push through can drain your energy and leave you feeling exhausted.
Taking care of yourself is essential. Do whatever helps you recharge, whether it’s watching a movie and eating ice cream, or taking a few minutes with a cup of coffee between meetings.
This rest not only enhances your mood but also makes you a better employee, a more effective leader, and a happier mother overall.
Highlighting Strengths
Being a working mother is no small feat. But let’s be honest—it can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of your life. It’s a journey filled with challenges and victories that showcase the strength and resilience of women across the world.
So, hold your head high, stay positive, and don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether at work or home.
