October 31, 2024 | Abbie Sorrel-Fleet

Balancing your career and family life

Balancing a career and family can feel like walking a tightrope. For many women, managing roles as a mother, partner, or caregiver alongside building a career can be overwhelming.

At WayfinderWoman, we believe finding that balance is not only possible but achievable in a way that allows you to thrive. It’s not about perfection; it’s about recognising your limits, being flexible, and building a routine that works for you.

Let go of the pressure!

We’ve all seen those Instagram posts of mums doing it all in spotless homes, prepping healthy meals, and making it look effortless. While that’s great for them, remember: social media isn’t real life.

Society often pushes unrealistic expectations on women, making us feel we need to excel in every role, whether at work, as a mother, or keeping a perfect home. But balance doesn’t mean perfection; it’s about focusing on what matters to you.

At WayfinderWoman, we hear from women who feel guilty for not doing enough, but doing your best is more than enough.

What matters most?

As mums you can’t give 100% to everything all of the time, and guess what? That’s okay! That’s why one of the most important steps you can do is prioritise. So ask yourself – What’s most important to me right now?

Is it being fully present with your children when they’re not at school? Focusing on a project at work? There will be times in life when your career comes first, and other times when your family does, and again, this is normal!

The key is to be flexible with these priorities and accept that they may shift from day to day or week to week. By allowing yourself the space to adapt, you can avoid burnout and guilt.

It’s time to set some boundaries too!

When you’re a parent, sometimes there is a fine line between work and home life, especially if you are a remote worker or must be on call all the time. Learning to set boundaries is essential for your wellbeing.

At work, set clear hours and stick to them, even if it means saying “no.” Let your employer or team know when you’re available and when you need to switch off. Many companies now offer flexible options like remote work or adjusted hours, so explore what works best for your family.

At home, create boundaries between work and family time. Set up a dedicated workspace, and when it’s family time, focus on being fully present, put away work, switch off your devices, and enjoy the moment.

Say goodbye to guilt and perfection

Many working women experience guilt, whether it’s for spending too much time at work or focusing on family instead of work. This guilt only adds to your existing stress.

Instead of allowing guilt to weigh you down, shift your mindset. It’s perfectly okay to have both career ambitions and family responsibilities, even if one takes precedence at times. There’s no ideal balance and striving for it can lead to frustration.

At WayfinderWoman, we encourage women to embrace the idea of “good enough.” You don’t have to be the perfect mother or the perfect employee, you just have to do your best. By letting go of perfection, you free yourself from unrealistic expectations and can focus on what truly matters.

Build a support system

You don’t have to face the challenges of balancing career and family life alone. A strong support network can make all the difference. Whether it’s your partner, family, friends, or a community like WayfinderWoman, connecting with those who understand your struggles is invaluable.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether it’s sharing household tasks, childcare, or just having someone to talk to.

At WayfinderWoman, we offer workshops, coaching, and support groups to help women build confidence, manage stress, and connect with others navigating similar experiences. These resources can be a vital lifeline for balancing work and family life.

Find what works for you

It’s difficult, but find what works for you when it comes to juggling family life and your career. There’s no one size fits all, and what works for one woman won’t work for another.

The important thing is to create a routine and a mindset that allows you to feel fulfilled in both areas of your life.

It’s also important to recognise that balance isn’t a static state, it’s something that will evolve over time. As your career progresses or your family grows, your needs and priorities will shift, and your approach to balance will need to adjust accordingly.

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