When I first started my business, I was a new mom with a one-year-old who had just discovered the art of toddler tantrums. The idea of launching a business at that stage seemed borderline lunacy—not just to everyone I mentioned it to but also to myself. So instead of diving in, I tiptoed.

Here’s how I sugar-coated my ambitions: “Don’t worry, I’m just freelancing until I find the right job.” But deep down, I was navigating uncharted waters. My professional goals, parenting aspirations, and my identity as a new mom were all at war.

Fast forward ten years, and spoiler alert: I made it work. But not without a lot of trial, error, and messy middle moments. Along the way, I learned a lot about how to build a career without feeling like you’re sacrificing motherhood—and I’m sharing it all here.

Redefining Success as a Mom and Professional

Forget “having it all”—that’s a myth cooked up by someone who probably had a live-in nanny, a private chef, and a time machine. Success doesn’t mean doing everything; it means doing what matters most to you.

For me, it took burning out—spectacularly. Three years into running my agency, Summary Content Marketing, I was stretched thinner than my favorite pair of pre-pregnancy jeans. Between managing a growing business, surviving on two hours of sleep thanks to mastitis, and chasing a toddler while pregnant with my second, I hit a wall.

Here’s what I wish I’d done sooner:

  1. Define Your Own Success. Not your mom’s, not your boss’s, not your Instagram feed’s. Ask yourself: What does success look like for me and my family?

  2. Assess Your Job’s Fit. Are you happy? Is your family thriving? If not, what small (or big) shifts can you make?

  3. Dream Boldly. If you’re daydreaming about a different career or starting a business, start planning. Dreams can’t grow unless you water them.

Building a Support System

Here’s the truth no one likes to say out loud: You can’t do it all alone, nor should you want to. Asking for help isn’t weakness; it’s wisdom.

But there’s a catch—it starts with letting go. (Yes, Elsa was onto something.) The desire to control everything, from snack time to screen time, can make you feel indispensable—but it’s also exhausting.

Here’s how I learned to embrace support:

  • Delegate without guilt. Whether it’s childcare, school pick-ups, or meal preps, let others step in.

  • Lean on your village. Tap into family, friends, and professionals.

  • Set clear expectations. Communicate what you need and how others can help, whether it’s your partner, boss, or babysitter.

Time Management Strategies for Working Moms

I hate the phrase “time management.” It sounds so corporate and boring. But here’s the plot twist: time optimization (ugh, fine, management) is a working mom’s secret weapon.

These hacks helped me go from chaos to mostly calm:

  1. Pick three priorities a day. Forget the never-ending to-do list—start with three must-dos.

  2. Theme your days. Try “Meeting Mondays” or “No-Meeting Wednesdays.” Game-changer.

  3. Calendar everything. Family events, work deadlines, self-care—if it’s not scheduled, it doesn’t exist.

  4. Build in a “wild card” day. Fridays are my flex day, where I catch up, relax, or do something spontaneous.

Setting Boundaries to Protect Your Dual Roles

Boundaries are like baby gates—they keep the chaos at bay. But let’s be real: setting them is hard, especially when guilt creeps in.

Here’s the thing: boundaries are about clarity and connection. Your family, coworkers, and kids actually thrive when expectations are clear.

Easy ways to set boundaries:

  • Create family routines. Designate screen-free dinners or family nights.

  • Be honest at work. Let your boss or clients know your availability and stick to it.

  • Say “no” more often. Your calendar isn’t a public resource; it’s your sanctuary.

Leveraging Flexible Work Options

If the pandemic taught us anything (besides how to bake sourdough), it’s that flexible work is the future. From remote gigs to hybrid schedules, the options are endless.

If you’re job-hunting, make flexibility a must-have. If you’re already employed, advocate for hybrid options or fewer hours onsite. And if you run your own business, structure it to work around your life—not the other way around.

Letting Go of Mom Guilt

Ah, mom guilt—the unwanted guest who never leaves. Whether it’s skipping a recital for a meeting or ordering takeout instead of cooking, it’s always there to nag.

Here’s the thing: guilt doesn’t make you a better mom; it just makes you miserable. The antidote? Perspective and self-compassion.

Quick tips to ditch mom guilt:

  • Celebrate Your Wins. Did you make your kid smile today? That matters more than whether dinner came from scratch or a takeout bag.

  • Focus on Quality Over Quantity. Even 15 minutes of undistracted time can mean the world to your kids.

  • Be Kind to Yourself. Treat yourself like you would a friend. You wouldn’t shame her for working late or taking a breather, so why do it to yourself?

  • Let Go of Perfection. It doesn’t exist, and your kids will love you just as much for showing up as you are.

At the end of the day, there’s no magic formula for balancing a career and motherhood. But there are choices—ones that align with your values, nurture your family, and keep you sane.

Take a deep breath, give yourself grace, and remember: you’re not alone on this journey.


What does balance look like for you? Share your story or your favorite tip in the comments below!

Interested in collaborating with Womanhood Unwrapped? Let’s connect!

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