Being a career mom is a mix of beautiful, messy, and sometimes downright chaotic moments. It’s a life of love, ambition, and a little exhaustion thrown in for good measure.

Whether you’re nailing a presentation at work, kissing scraped knees at home, or trying to remember if you ate lunch (spoiler: you didn’t), this journey is uniquely yours. Let’s break it down into the good, the bad, the ugly — and how to keep thriving through it all.

The Good: The Wins That Keep Us Going

1. You’re Living Your Dreams.

There’s something deeply satisfying about building a career while raising a family. You’re showing your kids what’s possible when you follow your passion, and that’s a lesson they’ll carry for life. There’s nothing wrong with doing “you” while being a mom. The juggle is real, but it’s more than possible to do both very well!

2. You’re a Role Model.

Whether you realize it or not, your kids are watching you juggle responsibilities with strength and grace (and emotions – which builds emotional intelligence). They see your hard work, your dedication, and your ability to adapt. You’re literally showing them resilience in action.

3. You Build Unique Connections.

The conversations with other adult humans and the problem-solving you do at work often enrich your personal life, too. Plus, there’s nothing like swapping stories with fellow working moms who just *get it.*

Advice for Embracing the Good:

– Celebrate small victories. Got the kids to school *and* hit a deadline? That’s a win!

– Share your wins with your family. Talk to your kids about the cool things you’re doing at work.

– Find your community of career moms. They’ll cheer for you when you need it most.

The Bad: The Struggles We All Face

1. Guilt, Guilt, Guilt.

Mom guilt is real and relentless. Whether it’s missing a soccer game for a work meeting or feeling behind at the office because of a sick day, guilt loves to creep in. We all deal with it. It doesn’t matter if you’re a stay-at-home mom or a working mom!

2. The Never-Ending To-Do List.

You’re managing two (or more!) full-time jobs: your career and your home life. That list of things to do? It somehow grows faster than you can tackle it.

3. Feeling Pulled in Every Direction.

Some days it feels like there’s just not enough of you to go around. The constant balancing act can leave you feeling stretched thin.

Advice for Navigating the Bad:

– Let go of perfection. Done is better than perfect, whether it’s a work task or a weeknight dinner.

– Set boundaries. Protect time for both work and family — and stick to it. Work-life balance comes when we set schedules for each and dedicate our time accordingly as best as we can.

– Learn to say no. You can’t do everything, and that’s okay. Look at your own values and prioritize what matters most.

The Ugly: The Moments We Don’t Talk About

1. Burnout is Real.

When you’re constantly running on empty, burnout sneaks up fast. It’s exhaustion, stress, and a feeling that you’re not enough — all rolled into one.

2. The Judgments and Criticism.

Whether it’s from well-meaning relatives or strangers on the internet, moms face endless opinions about how they’re “supposed” to do things.

3. Feeling Isolated.

Despite being surrounded by people all day, career moms can feel lonely. Sometimes it feels like no one fully understands the weight you carry.

Advice for Surviving the Ugly:

– Prioritize self-care. It’s not selfish – it’s necessary! Even 15 minutes of quiet can work wonders. Things like meditation, reading what you enjoy (it doesn’t always have to be productive reading), hiking, going for a walk, listening to music, going to bed at a normal time, etc.

– Ignore the noise. Other people’s opinions are just that — opinions. You know what’s best for your family. You know what’s best for you. Don’t spend too much time second guessing yourself.

– Ask for help. Lean on your partner, friends, or community when you need support. And don’t be afraid to hire help with the tasks that become too much (virtual assistants for work-related help, house cleaners so your time at home is spent with your family and not cleaning up after them, etc). Don’t hesitate to delegate when and where you can.

The Silver Lining

The good, the bad, and the ugly all come together to create a life that’s uniquely yours. It’s messy and challenging, but it’s also full of joy, growth, and love. You’re showing your kids that it’s okay to have big dreams and that, although being a mom is one of the most rewarding things we do, it doesn’t mean giving up on your own aspirations.

So here’s to you, working moms! Keep thriving. Keep dreaming. And remember, you’re doing better than you think.

Oh, and don’t forget to eat lunch today. 😉