Choosing to be a working mother comes with its share of challenges. There are the judgmental glances and comments from those who believe you should be raising your children full-time. Then there’s the exhaustion that hits hard when you return to work, leaving you frazzled and out of sorts. You contend with the hassle of breast pump issues and the endless cleaning of the associated gear that you lug to the office daily. And let’s not overlook the overwhelming guilt that often accompanies these choices.
As your little ones grow from tiny beings into full-fledged humans, the reality of your situation becomes even more apparent. You might find yourself missing pivotal moments such as their first smile, first words, or first steps. Later on, you may be unable to attend important preschool events like performances or Mother’s Day teas. Juggling the roles of a dedicated professional and a loving mother is no easy feat, and someone usually ends up feeling let down—most often, it’s you.
However, there’s one experience that stands out as the hardest aspect of being a working mom, overshadowing all other struggles: when your child falls ill. They crave their mother’s comfort, yet someone else—a babysitter, teacher, or family member—takes on that nurturing role. Your baby needs you, and you’re stuck at work, anxiously checking your phone for any updates or photos, desperately seeking reassurance that they are okay.
The guilt I felt when I left for work last night was unlike anything I had ever experienced. My heart ached as our nanny took my sick child, who was crying for me. Our youngest was running a high fever, which worried me due to her history of febrile seizures. All day, she had been lethargic, wanting to be held rather than play or eat. As I prepared to leave, her little lips trembled, and her eyes filled with tears as she sweetly asked, “Can I please come with you?”
In those moments, I contemplate quitting my job to be a full-time mom. Yet, I know that being a stay-at-home parent is not as simple as it appears—trust me, I’ve tried it and it didn’t work out well. For me, that feeling of helplessness when my child is sick defines the single most difficult part of being a working mom, and it seems to grow more challenging with each passing year.
Working in the freelance realm has its perks; I can be home more than a standard 9-to-5 schedule allows, and I can plan my work around the kids’ school hours. However, there are times when work demands my attention, and if I don’t take it, there may not be future opportunities. Ironically, this often coincides with when my children need me the most.
I owe an apology to the mothers I once worked alongside right after college. I would silently judge them for arriving late due to their sick children. They were exhausted, missing deadlines, and sometimes making my job more difficult. Now, I fully understand their struggles at home and realize they earned my utmost respect.
The term “working mother” seems redundant because, no matter where we are, our children are always on our minds. Tomorrow, I’ll refocus on work, but today, I will cherish every moment I can spend with my child. For those interested in fertility and family planning, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination, which provides valuable insights.
In summary, the most challenging part of being a working mother is the guilt and heartache that comes when your child is sick, and you can’t be there to comfort them. The ongoing battle to balance work and motherhood can be overwhelming, but the love for our children remains ever-present.