Navigating the Challenges of Being a Full-Time Working Mom

Being a full-time working mom is no small feat. Here's how ten women juggle their careers with raising children while also carving out personal time for themselves.

Women truly inspire. Balancing child-rearing, investing and earning, and work, we hold influential roles across various sectors, launch businesses, and nurture families. Yet, let's be real: being a working mom is challenging.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 74% of mothers with kids under 18 were part of the workforce in 2024, up from 72.9% in 2022. With only 24 hours in a day, how do we manage everything? We connected with ten remarkable women who balance full-time jobs, parenting, home life, and still find time for personal growth. Here’s what they shared.

IT’S SIMPLY CHALLENGING

“Being a full-time working mom is undeniably tough. When people ask, ‘How do you manage it all?’ I often reply, ‘I don’t!’ Perhaps the better question is, ‘How do you make it work?’ I allow myself the grace to have dishes pile up, and my child may leave daycare with wild hair. Sometimes, a stroll is my day's exercise. My best advice? Stay flexible, lower your expectations, laugh at your mishaps, be present, and cherish the little moments.”

-Krystal, Community Outreach Manager and mother of one son

I LOVE MY WORK

“I work because I genuinely enjoy it and want to utilize my skills. Hats off to every mom out there. None of us are perfect, but we’re all doing our best. The key is to avoid judgment and extend grace to one another and ourselves.”

-Amanda Ponzar, CMO and mom to two boys

IT’S A FINANCIAL NECESSITY

“I work out of financial necessity to afford our chosen lifestyle and location. Yet, I’m truly passionate about my work. Even without financial pressure, I’d still make work a part of my life. It’s a balancing act that brings its own stresses, but I want to teach my kids valuable lessons about meaningful work and contributing to society.”

-Leslie Forde, self-care advocate and mother of two

COMPARTMENTALIZATION IS ESSENTIAL

“The secret lies in compartmentalization and not hesitating to ask for help. Being both a dedicated employee and a nurturing mother is crucial, but being present in each role matters more than stressing over potential failures. When with my daughter, I put away my phone and step back from my computer. At work, I shut all unnecessary tabs and store my phone away until needed. It’s tough, but being fully engaged makes me a better mom, wife, and employee.”

-Megan Zavala, coach and mother of one daughter

STOP GLORIFYING SACRIFICE

“Women should stop romanticizing the idea of sacrificing everything for their families. Self-care is vital to effectively support our children. I’ve found that prioritizing my well-being is the most effective way to balance being a mother, business owner, and employee while maintaining a fulfilling life.”

-Carrie A. Boan, NeuroLife Coach and mother

I WORK FULL-TIME BECAUSE I CHOOSE TO

“In a recent pitch meeting, a potential client asked if my colleague and I, both mothers, could handle running his campaign during summer break. He implied that our parental responsibilities would hinder our work. I confidently replied, ‘We’ll manage your campaign just as any father would during summer.’ My ability to perform well is not defined by my gender. I choose to work not out of necessity but because I want to set an example for my daughters about pursuing their careers freely.”

-Crystal Henry, writer and mother of two

BUILD YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM

“Surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Having a network of women who understand your journey is invaluable. They can offer encouragement, share advice, and lend a listening ear for your struggles. Without that support, juggling our responsibilities as working mothers would be significantly harder.”

-Tori Tilton, entrepreneur and mom

UNDERSTAND YOUR LIMITS

“My advice to fellow working moms is to recognize your limits. Understand how much time you need for yourself, outside of work and parenting. When you’re overwhelmed, both roles will suffer.”

-Kenna Cook, full-time working single mother

FORGET ABOUT BALANCE

“First and foremost, balance is a myth. I promote work-life harmony, as my responsibilities ebb and flow between family, business, friends, community, and self.”

-Jacqueline Shaulis, author and mother of one son