How to Balance Motherhood and Career: Advice for Young Mothers Juggling a Job and Raising Kids

Being a young mother with a career can sometimes feel like you're trying to juggle too many things at once. I remember trying to balance breastfeeding, getting 8 hours of sleep, pumping during the day, and still trying to have enough time to be the best teacher I could be when I was still in the classroom.  Between all the tasks of motherhood and a career, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. 

I’m going to let you in on a little secret, there really is no such thing as a work-life balance. It takes time, patience, and a lot of trial and error, but it's possible to be successful in your career and in your home all at the same time. Here’s some advice to help you find harmony between motherhood and your career.

1. Prioritize and Set Realistic Expectations

When you're trying to balance the demands of both motherhood and your career, it’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself. You can’t do it all, and that’s okay! Start by identifying your non-negotiables, both at work and at home. For example, you may need to adjust your work hours to accommodate school pickups or family time. Similarly, make sure to carve out moments for self-care, even if it’s just a few minutes of quiet time after the kids go to bed.

Prioritize tasks by their urgency and importance. At work, ask yourself what tasks require your immediate attention and which ones can wait. Similarly, at home, make sure you're focusing on the most important things—whether that’s making memories with your kids, supporting your partner, or simply getting enough sleep.

The best advice I ever received was to be 100% in the moment, no matter where you are. If you’re at work, be at work. Focus on your career tasks. If you’re at home, be in the moment with your family. Don’t be answering work texts or emails during dinner. Obviously, things happen and these worlds may collide a time or two, but prioritizing can help keep these things separate.

2. Embrace the Power of Time Management

Effective time management is key to maintaining balance. Break down your day into smaller chunks and schedule everything—work tasks, family obligations, and personal time. Create a to-do list that allows for flexibility, and use productivity tools like calendars or apps to stay organized.

Don’t forget to plan downtime as well. Block out moments for yourself, whether it’s during lunch, early mornings, or after work hours. This is essential for recharging and avoiding burnout.

Grab your FREE daily planner here!

3. Set Boundaries and Stick to Them

Setting boundaries is one of the most important steps to balancing work and family life. Whether it’s with your boss, co-workers, or family, communicate clearly about your needs and limits. Let your employer know about your availability and your commitment to those hours. Don’t be afraid to ask for flexible hours or remote work options if that helps you manage both responsibilities.

At home, ensure that your partner, family members, or childcare providers are on the same page. Delegating household tasks and ensuring that everyone pitches in can ease the mental load.

I personally use this chore chart for my little ones. It's clear for them to see exactly what they need to complete.

4. Find a Support System

No one can do it alone—especially when balancing a career and motherhood. Lean on your support system whenever possible. Whether it's your partner, family, friends, or trusted co-workers, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Find other working moms who can relate to your challenges and offer advice, support, and encouragement.

Consider childcare solutions that work for your family. Whether it’s daycare, a trusted nanny, or family members, having reliable childcare can make a big difference in alleviating stress.

A group that helped me SO much when starting my motherhood journey was The MomCo. You can find a group near you here.

5. Learn to Let Go of Perfection

It’s easy to fall into the trap of perfectionism, especially when you're balancing a job and a family. However, striving for perfection in every aspect of your life is unrealistic. You don’t need to have the perfect home, the perfect career, or the perfect parenting skills. Some days will be messy, and that’s okay. Embrace the imperfections and learn to forgive yourself when things don’t go according to plan.

Remember that your worth as a mother or as a professional isn’t measured by how many things you do perfectly—it’s about doing your best with the time and resources you have. Because let’s be real, nobody is perfect.

6. Take Breaks and Practice Self-care

You can’t pour from an empty cup, which is why taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your family and your job. Whether it’s a 10-minute walk, reading a book, or having a cup of coffee in peace, carve out moments to reset and recharge.

Also, don’t be afraid to take time off when you need it. Use sick days or personal leave when you're feeling burnt out. Your mental and physical health are essential to keeping up with both work and home life. 

7. Celebrate Small Wins

Being a mom and having a career isn’t easy, but every step you take to make it work is a victory. Celebrate the small wins! Whether it's finishing a project at work or simply surviving a hectic morning, acknowledging your accomplishments—no matter how small—will help keep you motivated and positive.

At the end of the day, don’t forget to give yourself credit for being both a loving mother and a dedicated professional. You're doing incredible work, and it's important to recognize that.

Balancing motherhood and a career can be challenging, but with the right mindset, support, and strategies, it’s entirely possible. Focus on what matters most, set boundaries, and embrace the journey with all its ups and downs. Most importantly, remember that you’re not alone. Millions of mothers are in the same boat, doing their best every single day. So give yourself grace, stay organized, and keep moving forward with confidence.

You’ve got this, mama! Make sure to join our community and share your bold moves!