Work Life Balance as a Mom

Is it possible to have a career and be a good mom?

Some say yes. Some say no. Some say maybe. Mothers are constantly challenged with this question and in my experiences, it really depends on the individual to find the right balance where they are comfortable. It depends on the expectations you place on yourself for what it means to have a career or be a good mother.

Some questions you could ask yourself to help define your goals as a "career woman" or as "a good mother":

1. What are my goals for my career?
2. What do I need out of work to feel fulfilled?
3. How would I define being a good mom?
4. What do I feel I need to personally do to be a good mom?
5. Do I feel I can accomplish both my professional goals and goals to be a good mom?
6. If not, what are the challenges preventing me from accomplishing both?
7. Is there anything I can do to close these gaps?
8. If not, am I willing to sacrafice any of my career goals to meet my good mother goals?

As you think through these questions, it is important to always refer back to your answers to #'s 1 & 3. These will keep you focused on being honest in your answers to the rest.

Some suggestions to help you accomplish both:

Ask for a flexible schedule: Ask if you can arrive later in the morning, and leave later in the evening, or visa versa

Ask for a home teleworker environment: Create a home office, so you can be just as effective at home as in the office. This will allow you to work from home while the children are away at an activity or sleeping. Working from home will save you time from commuting. Some tools for a home network include: IP Phone, webcam video, printer/fax/scanner

Ask for part time: Ask your employer if it would be possible to reduce your # of hours so you could spend more time with your family. Depending on your contribution to the company,this should be a conversation they are willing to discuss.

Explore alternate forms of employment: If you decide your current job will not permit you to have both, then you may want to look at other ways to earn money or keep yourself engaged. Perhaps start your own business, or find another job with a more felxible schedule (ie: Real Estate Agent, Notary, Mortgage Broker, Freelance work, writing, accounting, non-profit work, etc.)

Recent research shows that mothers today are actually spending more time with their children than those in the 1960's.

Here are some more links on the topic:

60 minutes special: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/10/08/60minutes/main648240.shtml

Family Education website:

http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting/working-parents/34415.html

All Business website:

http://www.allbusiness.com/specialty-businesses/women-owned-businesses/11535-1.html

Good Luck!