One thing I don’t talk about often on the blog is the fact that I am a working mom. Being a mom and wife is a full-time job, but my other full-time job is in human resources for a large retail company. I have been working continuously since I was sixteen years old, so it never occurred to me to leave my job when I became a mother. Although I often envy stay-at-home moms, its never really been something I saw for myself. I don’t envy them, because I think they are sitting around sipping chardonnay and watching Kathie Lee and Hoda all day long. I definitely recognize that being at home with your kids is work. I envy them for all the little moments that I miss while my children are in someone else’s care.
Last week, I was promoted to a position that may require more travel than my previous role. While I happily accepted because it satisfies my needs at work, I definitely will need to learn to balance my home life with my new responsibilities. I don’t want to miss time with my kids, but I know there may be days when I am not home for dinner. Enter mom guilt… Today, I’m sharing nine commitments I will make as a working mom to my family to ensure they know they are my priority.
Nine Commitments to My Family as a Working Mom
- I commit that the financial benefits of my promotion will go toward my family and retirement savings.
- I commit to whenever possible never stay away from home more than one night in a row. (even if it means getting up way early and arriving home late)
- I commit to putting my kids to bed the same number I times I do every week even if it would be easier for my husband to do it. Right now I do 5-6 nights a week.
- I commit to working on my physical health to allow me to be more present when I am with my family. I have already made big plans with a co-worker on this one.
- I commit to more date nights with my husband. Long after the kids have moved out and we are no longer able to work we will have each other.
- I commit to not worrying about what other moms think. This one is so hard, but it’s my number one survival tip as a working mom.
- I commit to setting boundaries at work to ensure my time with my family remains our own. I’m not saying I won’t work at home, but I can do it when the stakes are low like after they go to bed.
- I commit to staying connected when I am not at home though phone calls, face-time and pictures and disconnecting more from technology when we are together.
- I commit to being grateful for each moment we spend together.
Being a mom is hard, and being a working mom has a different set of challenges for sure. I know this change won’t be easy, but one I thing I am super good at is being efficient at work. As I make this transition there may be some challenges, but I know once I get in a groove at work this won’t seem nearly as scary. Where are my working moms at? I would love to hear your tips on how you keep all the plates spinning?