Before I became a mom, I used to hear stories about women who struggled to balance their careers with motherhood. I never fully understood their experiences until I had children of my own. The desire to do it all, to excel both as a professional and as a parent, can be overwhelming. I recently had a conversation with my mom friends, and one of them, who is soon expecting her second child while starting a new business with her husband, opened up about the challenges we face. It’s a choice many of us make – to continue working while being the primary caretaker of our children, managing a household, and pursuing our passions. It’s not easy, but we do it because we believe in the value of sharing our talents and maintaining a career while raising our kids.

Different Paths for Different Moms

Every mom is unique, just as every child is unique. Some mothers choose to have full-time careers while utilizing full-time childcare, while others opt to be stay-at-home moms, dedicating their time to playdates and finding stimulating activities for their children. There are also many moms who find a middle ground, creating a hybrid situation that suits both their desires and their responsibilities. These moms ensure that there is enough income coming in, that they stay mentally stimulated, and, most importantly, that their children receive proper adult supervision at all times.

Prioritizing Parenthood

Even if a mom chooses a full-time career, there will still be moments when she needs to prioritize her child’s needs. Whether it’s taking a sick day to care for a sick child (who will inevitably pass on the illness), attending school conferences, or dealing with unexpected snow days, a mother will always put her child’s well-being first. Balancing work and parenthood requires flexibility and understanding from both sides.

Finding Flexible Solutions

From a business perspective, certain tasks need to be completed within specific timeframes, and it may be necessary to hire someone to complete those tasks. Some jobs allow for flexibility, where moms can work after their children are asleep, before they wake up, or even while their little ones are entertained with television. Thanks to the internet and telecommunications, it’s possible for a mom to participate in conference calls or send professional emails while wearing yoga pants, having unbrushed teeth, and possibly nursing an infant. As long as the work gets done and the mom is capable of doing it, where and when it happens shouldn’t matter.

Adjusting Careers for Parenthood

Many moms have adjusted their roles and job responsibilities at their workplaces to accommodate their childcare needs. Some have chosen to work fewer hours, dedicating more time to their families, while others negotiate the option to work from home one or more days a week. These adjustments are made possible because of the trust they have built with their employers. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement that allows moms to maintain their careers while fulfilling their maternal duties.

Challenges in Certain Industries

However, not all industries or professions offer the same flexibility. Jobs that require in-person presence, such as waitressing, sales, dentistry, plumbing, or piloting, make it difficult for moms to work remotely. In these cases, finding alternative childcare solutions becomes more challenging.

Finding Common Ground

Ultimately, every mom is doing her best to make everything work. Most companies don’t hold a bias against moms, and most working moms do their best to fulfill their professional duties. However, it is undeniable that a mother’s responsibilities to her child will always take priority. With the rising costs of daycare, families are becoming more creative in finding solutions, such as negotiating the option to work from home. It’s a negotiation process where both parties need to meet in the middle, understanding each other’s needs and capabilities. As a mom, I recognize that if I need flexibility in my work schedule, I must also understand that my company may not be able to pay me as if I were working on-site full-time. It may mean adjusting pay, benefits, or even exploring different roles within the company. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to this problem, but it’s essential for companies and moms to have open conversations about their respective needs, abilities, and capacities. Postpartum women still have a lot to offer professionally, but they may need to contribute in different ways.

At Fecomic, we understand the challenges faced by working moms. We believe in creating a supportive environment that allows moms to thrive both in their careers and as parents. Learn more about our brand at Fecomic and join us in celebrating the amazing women who juggle work and motherhood every day.