Work Life Balance: Is it Real?

Does a reasonable work life balance sound like a myth to you? Being a mom is a challenging job, and when you add a career into the mix, it can feel overwhelming. Working moms often face the pressure to appear perfect in all areas of life, fearing judgment from others for their choice of career over staying home with the kids. However, for many women, working is not a choice and we’re just trying to do our best. But knowing that doesn’t do anything to reduce the mom guilt.

I was out of balance

As a growing leader in a major corporation I was very good at my job. I traveled 1-2 times a month and was available to my company at all hours, participating in both very late and very early meetings with India and China. I continually felt that I needed to show up as “perfect”, both at work and at home, for fear of being judged by my coworkers, friends, family, and even other parents. The societal expectations and stereotypes that dictate how a mother should behave and balance her responsibilities weighed on me. The pressure to be a perfect mom and employee was exhausting, leading to feelings of guilt, inadequacy, and disconnection. A work life balance was no where in sight.

Imperfect work life

After 20 years climbing the corporate ladder, I made a shift. I started to embrace my imperfections and set boundaries around when I was available. I even stopped being so responsive to emails and other notifications from my phone. This allowed me to be more present in whatever I was doing – working on a presentation, writing an employee review or spending time with my family. As I did that, I actually became a better employee and a better Mom. I could put my full attention into what I was doing rather than trying to spread it across multiple tasks.

Additionally, I started to be more open about by mistakes and challenges and I created greater connection both at work and at home. It started with at first acknowledging my limitations. Accepting your own imperfections can help alleviate the fear of judgment and reduce unnecessary stress. It is essential to remember that everyone faces their own struggles and that it’s okay to ask for help when needed.

Take the pressure off

I broke free from the pressure of being perfect by setting more realistic expectations for myself. I started being okay with saying to No to things that did not align with my priorities and my values so that I could focus on what truly mattered, both at work and in family life. Every day didn’t always go as planned – work life balance was often missing. But by taking the pressure off myself, it was easier to cope and be present with those who needed me. As it got used to accepting the imperfect me, the need to control balance disappeared and it seemed to just show up more.

I created a free guide with all of my tips on Creating Balance and Connection for working moms. You can grab it here.

Connect for balance

Having a strong support network can make a significant difference in how you feel about yourself. Connecting with other working moms who understand the challenges and can offer empathy, advice, and encouragement goes a long way in releasing the fear of judgment. This is actually the reason I created both my group coaching program and A Lifestyle Connection membership. Not only do I get to coach women into the best version of themselves, but they get to share experiences, seek guidance, and learn from one another. A support network can provide a safe space to vent frustrations and offer practical solutions. Remember that seeking support is not a sign of weakness but a way to strengthen resilience and overcome challenges.

The pressure on working moms to appear perfect is a common struggle. But it’s important to remember that perfection doesn’t exist. By embracing imperfections, setting realistic expectations, and building a support network, working moms can alleviate the fear of judgment and find a healthier balance between work and family life. While you might never find a perfect work life balance, a perfect day might just be being imperfect, together.