We wanted a better work-life balance, but what we’ve ended up with is work-life overlap. We yearned for more time with our children, and now we’re at home with them around the clock. In a strange twist of fate, it seems we got what we wished for—just not in the way we expected, especially during a global pandemic that has turned our lives upside down.
As we navigate through weeks of school closures, many of us find ourselves working from home indefinitely. Social media is flooded with heartfelt posts highlighting the increasing struggles of working moms. “Are you feeling overwhelmed by trying to juggle both parenting and work? Be kind to yourself,” they encourage.
Is it a Burden or a Blessing?
This question has crossed my mind countless times. My response often changes depending on my level of exhaustion. What I’ve come to realize is that it’s a conscious decision we must make—every single time.
Before the pandemic, we felt guilty for leaving the office at 5 p.m. while our colleagues stayed late. We worried they might secretly resent us. We endured long commutes, dealt with hungry children throwing tantrums as we prepared meals, and then shuttled them from one activity to another. After tucking them in bed, we would turn on our laptops and squeeze in another couple of hours of work.
Now, instead of these events happening sequentially in different locations, they occur simultaneously all in the same space. We wear many hats—teacher, entertainer, nurse, chef, referee, therapist—while racing through endless to-do lists and conference calls. Surprisingly, we don’t miss the commute or the pressure to be constantly available for in-person meetings.
Embracing Authenticity
Before COVID-19, we often complained about the expectations to dress a certain way to fit in at work. We donned uncomfortable pantyhose and heels, spent time on elaborate hairstyles and make-up, and engaged in other costly and time-consuming rituals. While we still miss our trips to the salon, we now appreciate the casual attire of conference calls in sweatpants and ponytails. With the cat out of the bag, we begin to wonder if we could embrace a more authentic self and focus on what truly matters.
We used to travel for conferences or client meetings, relishing the change of scenery and the chance to cultivate relationships with those we rarely saw. Now, with advanced videoconferencing tools at our fingertips, we feel more connected to our colleagues than ever before. It’s become clear that we can significantly cut down on the need for extensive business travel and the disruptions it brings to our family life.
Finding the Blessing in Chaos
So, is this situation a burden or a blessing? During a crucial presentation, my son bursts into my makeshift office, proudly showcasing his latest drawing to me and the 25 attendees on my video call. Initially, the interruption annoys me, but the resulting chuckles and “aww’s” remind me that we’re allowed to bring our full selves to work, not just the one-dimensional persona that once demanded a strict separation between work and home life. In that moment, I choose to view the chaos of juggling work and parenting as a blessing.
It’s important to recognize that COVID-19 is a tragic event affecting everyone around the globe. It continues to devastate lives and livelihoods. Many women are facing the toughest challenges during this time—from single mothers to frontline workers, they are shouldering immense responsibilities, often at great personal risk. The quarantine has shifted many paradigms for working mothers. As we move forward, let’s hope we learn from our experiences and redefine a new paradigm based on inclusion and authenticity. For more insights, check out this engaging post on home insemination.
In summary, while we may long for the days of clear boundaries between work and home, the current reality offers an opportunity to embrace a more integrated way of living. Let’s take this moment to reflect and create a future that prioritizes both our professional and personal lives.