When my children entered the world, I made a significant choice that would shape my life: I decided to leave my full-time job and embrace the freedom of working from home. The excitement of this transition was palpable; I was eager to work on my terms, especially with two kids born just 15 months apart (that “and-a-half” makes a difference, trust me). Commuting an hour each way was unrealistic, so I turned my résumé writing side gig into a full-fledged business shortly after my daughter was born. The moment felt right after my son arrived, and I was determined to make it work.
Just when I was contemplating my return to the office when my son was four months old, he was hospitalized with bacterial pneumonia. As I sat anxiously in his hospital room, I made the pivotal decision to commit to self-employment. Thankfully, my husband has always been supportive, understanding that I have a powerful drive that he doesn’t want to stifle.
The past decade has been a whirlwind of ups and downs. Navigating taxes is a nightmare, and the uncertainty of inconsistent paychecks is challenging to articulate—even for someone adept with words. I’ve lost count of the sleepless nights and moments when I seriously considered returning to a stable job during lulls in business.
As a work-at-home mom, I carry a special brand of guilt. I’m physically present, often going days without stepping outside. My kids take the bus, I manage my workouts at home, and my office is conveniently located next to the laundry room. However, the reality is that I frequently find myself torn between the demands of my work and the needs of my children. There have been countless times I’ve had to shush or ignore them because I was racing against a deadline or responding to a new client inquiry. I’ve shed tears over missing outings on their days off, knowing that when you’re self-employed, no one funds your breaks.
Ironically, despite my expertise as a résumé writer and career coach, I don’t have it all figured out. While I appreciate the flexibility of my lifestyle, I often envy friends who opted to stay in their 9-to-5 roles, inching closer to retirement and enjoying the benefits of longer vacations and paid time off.
All working moms share some form of distraction. We’re all imperfect, teaching our children how to navigate life while often modeling flawed coping strategies. One of the most challenging lessons I’ve learned is the importance of gratitude. It’s not just about listing what I’m thankful for, but truly feeling it, especially on days when everything seems bleak. I remind myself of my blessings: good health, happy children, and the privileges I often take for granted.
Through my work in the career industry, I’ve encountered many women—executives prioritizing their careers over family events, single moms with children stepping into adult roles, and mothers re-entering the workforce after years away. Behind every smile, there are unspoken struggles and feelings of inadequacy. Whether you’re the polished mom in heels or the one in yoga pants who forgot to send in library books, know this: you’re doing your best, and that is enough.
For more insights on the challenges of motherhood and work-life balance, check out this blog post. If you’re seeking guidance on fertility and pregnancy, this article offers excellent resources. Additionally, check out this site for valuable information on self-care and parenting.
In summary, while being a work-at-home mom seems like the perfect blend of work and family, the reality often includes sacrifices and guilt. Every mother is navigating her unique journey, and it’s important to remember that we are all doing our best.