You don’t have to be a parent to know that raising little humans is a full-time job with overtime. And yet, most parents also work and have successful careers.
If you’re wondering, “How is this possible without being exhausted all the time?” you’re not the only one. New parents often struggle to juggle family and professional lives until they find their footing, but once they do, it gets easier.
The truth is, balancing child-rearing and work takes creativity, strategy, and more than a little humor (because sometimes you just have to laugh when your toddler crashes your Zoom call). But it doesn’t mean sacrificing yourself entirely in the process.
Let’s dive into some tips that’ll help you handle parenting and work without constantly feeling one step away from a meltdown!
Set Clear Boundaries
When you’re at work, focus on work(unless there’s an emergency, of course). It doesn’t matter if you’re at the office, in a coffee shop, or your kitchen. Do the same with family time – no emails or work calls when it’s your turn to be with the kids.
Clear boundaries are a must-have when your time is stretched thin.
For a work-from-home setting, create a dedicated workspace and teach the kids and your spouse not to bother you. You can use a visible sign, like a piece of cardboard on your desk that says “Office hours” or headphones to give a clear sign you can’t be bothered.
It also helps to set clear work hours for both the kids and your colleagues or boss. Stick to your rules to get people used to them and subvert any expectations that you will be available outside of the specified hours.
Outsource What You Can
You don’t have to do everything yourself (even though society likes to think mothers are superhumans)!
Check your budget, and if it allows it, outsource the tasks that chip away your time with the family. For example, cleaning, cooking, or moving the kids around from and to school are time- and energy-consuming activities you can pay someone to do.
The same is true for work. If you work from home, you should consider hiring an assistant so you can focus on the more pressing duties. Of course, you should look into AI-powered tools first since many can take over redundant work tasks.
Choose a Flexible Career Path
Flexibility is the word of the day when you have children. You never know when they need your help during the day or when you’ll have to pick them up early from school or kindergarten. This is why a career where you can’t shift things around is incompatible with many new mothers (who usually get the lion’s share of the job).
When your former position can’t accommodate the new family situation, it’s time for a career change. Here are a few options you may want to consider:
Human Resources (HR)
HR roles often provide opportunities to work remotely or with hybrid schedules. Whether it’s talent acquisition, employee relations, or benefits management, many positions in HR don’t require you to be in the office full-time.
Plus, you can get a degree in human resources in a fully online format, so you don’t have to worry about returning to school.
Virtual Assistant (VA)
As a VA, your main job is to support businesses remotely by managing emails, scheduling appointments, and handling social media accounts. Of course, the list of tasks varies depending on the client’s needs, but the overall job is quite flexible.
Real Estate
If you have a solid understanding of the market and strong interpersonal skills, you can thrive in real estate. The job is extremely flexible and gives you wonderful growth opportunities regardless of the direction you want to take.
Use Time-Saving Hacks
Nowadays, there are plenty of services and hacks you can use to reduce the time spent on routine tasks. For instance, meal prepping is a great way to reduce cooking time while making sure there’s always a home-cooked meal on the table.
Online grocery delivery services or pet walking services are another way to reduce the chores on your plate. Of course, don’t shy away from delegating responsibilities to the entire family – involve your partner and kids in (age-appropriate) household chores.
This not only lightens your load but also teaches the kids responsibility.
Practice Self-Care Without Guilt
The secret to a well-balanced family life and career is to not forget about your own self-care. Yes, you are a parent first, but you can’t always be on; you have to find moments when you can switch off from parenting and work and enjoy time for yourself.
Whether it’s a quiet coffee in the morning, exercise, or a hobby, find a way to carve out those moments. Treat self-care as non-negotiable; you can’t pour from an empty cup! A happier, healthier you means being more present and effective at work and home.
Wrap Up
Achieving work-life balance as a parent is an ongoing journey, not perfection. By focusing on small daily adjustments and honoring your priorities, you can create a fulfilling life where family and career thrive together.
