The Working Mother Juggling Act!

The weekend  is finally here! Yay! Except it’s 6 AM, and my alarm clock rudely interrupts my slumber, and I am catapulted into another whirlwind day. For many mothers, the demands are endless, juggling a career or a business, managing a household and nurturing relationships and trying to keep up with fitness goals!Ever wondered why you put yourself through this demanding and tiring routine every day? Let me tell you why I do it and who is at the heart of it all. I am not following anyone’s script. This is a conscious decision that I have made to create the life I want for me and mine.

Being a working mom adds an extra layer of complexity mixed with adventure to daily life. Yet, despite all this, I persist. Why? Because there’s a driving force compelling me forward. Here is why I do it.

Fulfilling Personal Ambitions:
Just because I am a  mother, it  doesn’t mean i have given up on my own dreams and aspirations. For me, motherhood fuels my drive to achieve even more. Whether it’s ‘climbing’ the corporate ladder, growing a business, pursuing a passion project, or furthering my education, I refuse to let motherhood be a barrier to my personal growth. I do what I  do it’s for the sense of fulfillment and accomplishment it brings me. Outside of me being a mother, I am still me, an individual with goals and ambitions to fulfill.

Setting An Example For My Children:
As mothers, we are also laying the foundation for our children’s futures by showing them the importance of hard work, dedication, and balance. We are instilling values that will guide them throughout their lives. When I come home exhausted but still make time to read bedtime stories and help with their homework, it’s not just about the words on the page, it’s about teaching my children the importance of going after your dreams, the power of perseverance and not giving up. I acknowledge the delicate balance that is required here. I am also fully aware that I am easily replaceable at work, but I am the only mother that my children will ever have, and my priorities are very clear.

Making My Parents and Family Proud: my parents and older siblings made a huge sacrifice for me to be where I am. Their investment in my life over the years meant they had to do away with some luxuries. I just want to make them proud and know that it was not in vain.

Supporting Our Partners: Behind every successful working mom, there’s often a very supportive partner. We do what we do not just for ourselves but also to support our spouses in their endeavors. Whether it’s cheering them on during their career milestones and being a listening ear after a tough day, we’re in this together. It’s because his success is our success, and vice versa.

Creating Memories and Traditions:
Amidst the demands of work and family responsibilities, I cherish the moments spent with my families. From holiday traditions to weekend outings, these precious moments remind me of why I work so hard in the first place. Whether it’s baking cookies with my kids or a lazy Sunday afternoon walk with my husband or taking family vacations to explore new destinations, these experiences are the glue that binds us together.

Empowering Myself And Others:
As working mothers, we’re trailblazers in our own right, challenging societal norms and paving the way for future generations of women. By intergrating our careers, businesses, and family life, we’re not just proving what’s possible. We’re empowering others to do the same. When I share my experiences and insights with fellow moms, whether through this platform, my mentorship programs, or social media platforms, it’s because I believe in the power of community and lifting each other up. I have other women that I look up to that have successfully managed, and it’s important for me to do the same for those following and younger than me.

So, the next time you find yourself overwhelmed by the demands of being a working mom, remember why you do it all. It’s not just about the paycheck or the promotions,  yes that is important, but what is even more important are the people who make it all worthwhile. From our proud parents, our children’s smiling faces to the unwavering support of our partners, they’re the reason we keep pushing forward, one day at a time.

Gratitude: This week, I am grateful for the privilege and opportunity to do work that I love in a supportive and respectful environment. In a world where not everyone is able to work,  acknowledge this as a privilege,  and for this, I am grateful 🙏

My encouragement for you this week is keep going mama. You can totally do this!

Gratefully

Tendai AKA Mum In Stilettos

PS: join me on social media (@careers_with_mum_in_stilettos on Instagram for more tips, insights, and support on navigating the journey of being a working mom. Together, we can thrive in our careers, nurture our families, and inspire others to do the same. Follow me today and be part of the movement!