Here’s to All the Working Moms

Growing up, my mother always had a full-time job (in addition to the full-time job that was parenting). And yet, it wasn’t until I entered the workforce myself that I truly understood what a superhero my mother, and all mothers, truly are. From taking me to morning practices before the sun would rise to providing meals that were created with hours of preparation, a mother’s responsibilities and capabilities seem endless.

Challenges

1. Time Constraints

No matter how hard we wish there was more time in a day, the fact is — there isn’t. Moms race against the clock every single day to find time to do all the things they need to accomplish.The truth is: plans and expectations shift, and sometimes (a lot of the times) compromises are made. Finding time for work and home becomes a balancing act.

These are the small, but constant, battles many don’t necessarily notice. And it’s amazing when colleague that’s first in the office every morning is the one that wakes up hours earlier to get her kids ready and dropped-off at school. But when you start to learn those things, it’s hard not to feel respectful and grateful to work with such amazing people.

Most moms, my own included, learn it’s a matter of priorities. Sometimes a hard deadline means you work from home with your sick kiddo. Sometimes a sick child is more important than a hard deadline. My colleagues check in with their manager to verify which is more urgent and trust their own gut.

1. Conflicting Responsibilities

As I’m in my career today and juggling responsibilities at work, I often look at my mother and the mothers around the office and think, How do they do it? How are they so successful at work and have to juggle such different responsibilities and schedules in their personal lives? Is there a superpower you gain once you become a mother?

I’m beginning to realize that it’s all a balancing act, and moms are just like the rest of us, even if they may seem to have otherworldly powers. Time constraints and conflicting responsibilities go hand-in-hand. Determining priorities helps figure out what needs to be done first and which one is sacrificed.

1. Making Time for Themselves

Family and work are both important, and take up so much time, that it’s just as difficult as it is important to take some time for yourself. I think we are all at fault of this at some point or another in our lives, but moms especially. You’re not only worrying about all the work you have to get done, but worried about leaving work early to get your kid to soccer practice in time after school. But take a step back, recuperate and know that you and everything you do will be better for it.

Flexibility in the Workplace

Being a mom comes with all the responsibilities and challenges. You need to have the environment that allows for flexibility. It’s crucial in the workplace.

Many companies allow for remote working. This lets you have the best of both worlds — taking care of kids and taking care of work. It shouldn’t always be a choice — although sometimes it is. You should have a forward-thinking workforce that allows for this.

Technology that Enables You

When you need flexibility in your workflow, you need technology that enables you to get things done. Video and conferencing technology that allows you to work from wherever you are becomes important.

So for Mother’s Day this year (and every day of the year), be sure to appreciate your mom and the other working moms and send a little love their way!