Being a mother in the business world comes with its own unique set of challenges. You are stuck between the demands of work and the responsibilities that come with motherhood, and sometimes it feels like you’re failing equally at both. 

“Work-life balance” has been a hot topic of discussion for years, but what does this balance look like for moms in the business world? Is work-life balance an “unattainable ideal” for working moms, or is it something we should all be working toward?

Does the Term Work-Life Balance Stress You Out?

Many working moms say that the idea of “work-life balance” is another standard they feel like they need to reach. If the phrase “work-life balance” stresses you out, then forget about it! A perfect balance between work and life outside of work isn’t the real goal after all— the goal is to create a situation where you feel like all of life is manageable rather than a constant struggle. 

So, how can working moms get to a place where they no longer feel chronically stressed? The answers will vary depending on individual situations but recruiting help is one way that moms can make their lives easier. Whether it’s teaming up with neighbourhood moms to carpool to sporting events or hiring someone to do your laundry, working moms shouldn’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help when it comes to balancing it all. Sometimes getting help requires some creativity, but if you look for it, you might be surprised by how many people out there are willing to lend a hand.

When You Feel Out of Balance

When you start to feel out of balance (which inevitably you will), take a step back and evaluate your situation. What is it specifically that is making you feel off-balance? Do you feel like you’re not spending enough time at home? Or are you focused on work even when you’re at home with your family? Only you can decide what the best course of action is, but it’s never beneficial to beat yourself up about not having everything figured out.

Sometimes, your feelings of imbalance may be a result of unrealistic expectations. Much of the problem when it comes to “work-life balance” for moms is that we are too hard on ourselves. We have high standards about the kind of mothers we want to be, but we also want to be successful in our businesses. We can’t expect to perfectly balance all of our responsibilities all the time, even with help. 

Whether or not you have help readily available, go easy on yourself. Don’t compare yourself to other moms on social media. We all have different situations. Comparing yourself with others will only lead to more stress, and you’re usually comparing yourself to a highlight reel rather than someone’s actual life. 

If you find it helpful to aim for work-life balance, though, then go for it! If that idea feels like another unrealistic demand, let it go. Rest when you need to, take care of yourself, and keep doing your best. No one can ask more of you than that.