Striving for balance as a working mom? You’re not alone. Statistics show that in 2023, 68.9% of mothers with children under 6 are part of the workforce. Once you become a parent, everything changes. Transitioning from a driven professional to a working mom can be challenging, but it’s definitely achievable.

My journey began in 2017 when I welcomed my first child. I took a bold step, leaving my full-time job to travel and start my own freelance career. Over time, I evolved from a freelance journalist to running a successful content agency. My earnings soared to six figures, landing prestigious clients and igniting a profound motivation to thrive.

Then, my personal life took a turn. After marrying my husband, a surprise pregnancy just before our honeymoon shifted everything. We were lucky not to face fertility issues, but the rapid onset of motherhood took some adjusting.

During those 40 weeks, I juggled 15 flights, two moves, and setting up a nursery—all while meeting work deadlines. It was manageable until my discomfort grew around week 37.

My second child arrived in mid-March, right on schedule. Taking maternity leave was tough, but with support from fellow moms, I hired a senior writer to cover my role for 3.5 months, planning to return in July.

Embrace Time to Adapt to Your New Routine

The initial months with my daughter were a whirlwind of learning. Battling postpartum anxiety, I tried to cherish our moments together. Once we settled into a rhythm, I dipped back into work. I missed the excitement of pitching and the thrill of new challenges. The thought of wearing real clothes again felt refreshing after my sweats-only wardrobe.

I accepted a few assignments and edited content for my agency while minimizing calls. This gradual re-entry helped, yet it didn’t fully prepare me for the demands of returning full-time. Everything felt altered upon my return. Adjusting to my new body and lifestyle was challenging, but work remained my anchor—a familiar space that kept me grounded.

Think About Hiring a Career Coach

As I faced dread and guilt each time I logged into work, I realized I needed a change. Hiring a career coach was my first step. I then felt empowered to let go of difficult clients and began crafting a new business plan for a 2023 relaunch.

Setting boundaries became essential: I don’t check emails from 4 to 9 p.m., dedicating that time to picking up my daughter and enjoying family dinners. Weekends are off-limits for work.

Honestly, I’m still figuring out how to balance my schedule with family needs. But knowing I’m not alone is comforting. Many women have navigated this path and will continue to do so. We can acknowledge when something isn’t working and shift our priorities without sacrificing fulfillment in both work and family.

Recognize When to Step Back and When to Engage

After Erin Donahue Tice welcomed her second child, she realized she needed to step back from her demanding PR career. Juggling two toddlers and a high-pressure job was overwhelming. After eight months, she missed having something for herself.

She began painting during nap times, eventually selling her artwork online. What started as a hobby became a thriving business that surpassed her previous income. “I decided to focus on my art full time. I treated it like a business, investing in marketing and design,” she explains. Now, as a full-time artist, she manages her time around her kids while fulfilling her personal and professional aspirations.

For working moms, Tice advises knowing when to lean in and when to lean out. “It’s tough to be everything for everyone all the time. After years of constant work, I leaned out. When my third child came, my older kids were more independent, allowing me to re-engage with my career.”

Prioritize Long-Term Objectives

Suki Mulberg Altamirano built her successful agency, Lexington Public Relations, and felt fulfilled until motherhood shifted her focus. She needed to balance her time between work and her children. Along with childcare, she became strict about meetings; only essential ones made it onto her calendar.

She also focused on key work initiatives, letting go of the unrealistic goal of clearing her inbox. “I started dropping tasks that didn’t contribute to my main priorities or stemmed from perfectionism,” she shares.

Through these changes, she increased productivity and switched to a four-day workweek. “I found I could accomplish just as much from Monday to Thursday and started taking Fridays off to spend with my kids,” she adds.

Altamirano assures working moms that things will improve over time. Keeping long-term goals in mind helps during tough days. “There will be times when you feel like you’re failing both at work and home. Accept that you’re doing your best and keep moving forward,” she advises. “Think about your vision as a parent and professional in the next 5-10 years; this clarity is vital when you feel overwhelmed.”

Trust Your Instincts and Define Your Priorities

Kim Rittberg experienced her work-life awakening while waiting to give birth to her second child—while reading resumes. Leading a 17-person team at US Weekly, she found herself overwhelmed after a corporate acquisition disrupted her dream job.

Realizing she had no control even during her child’s birth made her reevaluate her priorities. She decided to venture out on her own, establishing Henry Street Media, focusing on video strategy and consulting. “Once I let go of needing a title, I attracted major clients and won awards. I learned to trust my instincts, especially when it’s daunting,” she reflects.

For moms feeling similar frustrations, Rittberg advises against closing the door to previous careers. “Be specific about the life you want—not just the job. My goals included being present for my kids while also pursuing creative work in content and helping others improve their on-camera skills.”

Release Your Ego

Before magazine editor Lauren Finney Harden had her baby in December 2020, she recognized that changes were necessary. Working tirelessly to meet deadlines, she was underappreciated and overworked, soon needing to prioritize her newborn over her job.

She transitioned from editorial to content marketing, seeking better pay and more flexible hours. Her first new role was a corporate 9 to 5, far removed from the media chaos. This change gave her the freedom to freelance for former publications and earn more than her previous salary while working evenings and weekends.

When her corporate job required her to return to the office, she chose to leave and took a fully remote startup role in content marketing. “It might seem trivial, but taking a few minutes to change crib sheets or prep dinner has a significant impact on my day,” she mentions. “I prefer those moments at home over commuting or office chatter.”

Harden encourages others to prioritize their well-being over titles. “I had a prestigious editor-in-chief title but had to set my ego aside for the sake of my mental health and my family. I traded a high-visibility role for stability and better pay. Five years ago, I wouldn’t have considered this path, but letting go of my ego has brought me balance and happiness.”