Being a working mum is like starring in a Cirque du Soleil performance—except you’re the acrobat, the coordinator, and the one trying to stop everything from falling apart. One minute, you’re smashing deadlines at work, and the next, you’re negotiating with a toddler about why pants are, in fact, necessary.
Let’s be real—balancing motherhood and career isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about survival, laughter, and knowing which battles to fight (hint: let them wear the superhero cape to the supermarket). Here are some ways to keep the chaos manageable while keeping your sanity (mostly) intact.
1. The Myth of “Having It All”
Whoever started the rumour that women can “have it all” clearly never had a child throw a tantrum in the middle of PAVI while they were on a work call. Let’s set the record straight: no one has it all together. The key isn’t perfection—it’s prioritising what matters most at the time. Some days, that’s a career win. On other days, it’s remembering to sign the permission slip before 8 AM.
2. Embrace the Power of Saying No
Mums are natural overachievers. We say yes to organising family gatherings and attempting homemade cupcakes for school parties (which always end up being store-bought at the last minute). But sometimes, saying “No” is the greatest act of self-care. No, you don’t have to agree to every favour asked of you. No, you don’t have to take on extra responsibilities when your plate is already full. And no, don’t need to make a three-course meal tonight—pasta counts as dinner.
3. Time Management: Outsmarting the Chaos
Multitasking is a given—rocking a baby while sending emails should be an Olympic sport. But the real magic happens when you work smarter, not harder:
• Batch tasks: Instead of checking emails all day, do them in one go. The same goes for WhatsApp messages—mute that class chat during work hours (trust me).
• Use time blocks: Set work hours and non-negotiable family time.
• Delegate: Whether at work or home, you don’t have to do it all. If your partner or husband can work a remote control, they can work a washing machine. And kids? A chore chart appropriate to their age can work wonders.
4. Mom Guilt is a Liar
Ah, mum guilt—the unwanted guest that shows up whether you’re working late or taking a break. The truth? Your kids don’t need a perfect mum; they need a happy, present one. Whether at the office or home, give yourself permission to be where you are without guilt. Your kids will remember the belly laughs and bedtime stories, not whether you made a Pinterest-worthy bento box lunch.
5. Find Your Support System (and Lean on It)
They say it takes a village to raise a child—so find your village! Whether it’s your partner or husband, your parents or in-laws, a friend, or a coworker who gets it, lean on the people who make life easier—whether it’s school pick-ups or just someone to drop off some ross il-forn when your day gets too hectic. There’s no shame in asking for help. (Also, shoutout to caffeine—it never lets us down.)
6. Self-Care is Not a Luxury (It’s a Necessity)
You can’t pour from an empty cup (or a coffee mug that’s been reheated five times). Schedule time for yourself, whether it’s a long shower, a solo trip to Lidl without anyone asking for snacks (pure bliss), or 10 minutes of peace with your book. A burned-out mom isn’t good for anyone, so make self-care non-negotiable.
7. Celebrate the Wins (Big and Small)
Did you get through a work meeting without a toddler making a guest appearance? Win. Did you pack school lunches before midnight? Victory. Did you survive balancing work and kids another week without running away to another island? Champagne-worthy.
Motherhood and career can coexist—it just takes a little patience, a lot of humour, and the ability to embrace the chaos. Some days will be messy, and that’s okay. At the end of the day, you’re doing a fantastic job—whether your inbox is at zero or your house looks like a toy store explosion.
Now, go reheat that coffee (again). You’ve got this!
Rebecca Galea is the marketing and web design expert for the Women for Women Foundation. She’s a single mum of two and has always been passionate about empowering and helping women in any way she can.
