How to Balance Your Life as a Working Mom

Hi Jessica, positive mindset requires practice, being aware of our thoughts, emotions and behaviours, making adjustments so that what we do is aligned to our values. That way, you are more likely to experience a sense of fulfilment. And less focus on the outcomes (like status and material achievements), more focus on the process of learning and growth!

It is a REAL challenge to juggle career and motherhood. The exact sources of stress may not be the same for everyone, but in general 1. adjust your expectations. Sometimes just surviving is good enough for now. 2. One moment at a time, one thing at a time. As much as we feel like we have so much to take care of, it is impossible to do everything together. Focus on one thing at a time to feel less pressure, get through the tasks one by one. 3. Build a support network - who is good at what? Eg. friend A for emotional support, friend B to help you with meals, friend C for advice on discipline etc 4. Delegate and close one/both eyes - let them do it their way. Learn to let go of trying to control everything cos life will be less stressful, trust me I've learned it the hard way.

Have to schedule me-time, don't wait for a chance because it will never come. Have an open discussion with your partner, plan ahead so you can both take turns to meet your own needs.

"Mum guilt" comes from not meeting societal expectations, family expectation and our own expectations. Societal expectations - don't get caught up in what people say, they are not the ones living your life. Family expectations - communicate your needs clearly and often. Help them see that you can spend quality time with your child even if you have less time. Be fully present whenever you are with your children, they can sense it. Own expectations - there is no standard way of being a mom, so don't need to compare with others. What the "balance" looks like can be different for everyone. If focusing on your career gives you more satisfaction, then that is your kind of balance, which will help you be in a better mood when you do spend time with your child. I knew that I would not be happy bring a SAHM, so no point forcing myself, becoming unhappy, resentful and my mood will affect my child too.

it really depends on the company culture and the people you work with. I've seen some really supportive teams and some really toxic ones (not my direct experience but heard from clients).

First, recognise that we only have 24 hrs a day that cannot be extended, and our energy need to be replenished everyday just like recharging our phones. So don't get into the cycle of trying to squeeze in more things to do in a day, that would not work. The key is to prioritise according to: Important & urgent matters - do it now Important but not urgent - schedule it Not important but urgent - delegate it Not important not urgent - delete it

When we think about work-life balance, the intention is to have our needs met on both sides. Gain personal fulfilment / earn income through work, yet still keep some time and energy for other parts of life that are important to you. I'm not sure what you mean by "involving children in your work-life balance journey", but perhaps start by chatting about your children during lunch breaks with colleagues, if that's a common topic. Exchange ideas for family outings, managing children behaviour etc. I find that having colleagues who understand and support one another's parenting journey is very helpful, such that we don't have to struggle between work vs family, but we are able to see one another as fellow humans having family needs too. For those who utilise childcare services, finding one near your workplace can also make it easier to spend quality time with your child on the way to and from work.

hi, sorry for the miscommunication, it is actually AskTheExpert Q&A happening right here.

How are you Huimin, are you a working mom?