Being a working mom can feel like you’re juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle—thrilling, but also a little terrifying. When I transitioned from being a stay-at-home mom to a working one, I discovered that the challenges multiplied. Suddenly, I was managing drop-offs, pick-ups, intricate babysitter schedules, and meal preps that could rival a NASA launch. It felt like I was dropping the ball everywhere, from serving up microwave dinners to showing up late to meetings. But you know what? It’s perfectly okay to not have it all figured out. Here are six reasons to embrace your “badness” at being a working mom.
1. You Might Be Doing Better Than You Think
Ever heard of “imposter syndrome”? It’s that pesky feeling that you’ve somehow fooled everyone into thinking you’re more capable than you actually are. Chances are, you’re not as bad as you believe. Keep pretending to be a competent adult—you might actually be one!
2. Your Paycheck Still Counts
As my friend Chloe says, “Don’t fire yourself!” There are plenty of people out there who collect their paychecks without a clue. You’re not one of them. You deserve that paycheck, so keep cashing it in!
3. You’re Absorbing Skills Without Realizing It
When I returned to the workforce after a break, I was a bundle of nerves. I fumbled with the messaging app like a dinosaur trying to use a smartphone. But guess what? I figured it out, and you will too. The workplace is always evolving, but you can pick up on the little changes just by being present.
4. You’re Building Valuable Connections
While I loved my time as a stay-at-home mom, nothing beats the diverse social life you gain from connecting with people in your field. Meeting new folks not only boosts your mental health but also opens doors for your career.
5. Taking Action Helps You Figure It Out
I spent too much time on the sidelines, unsure of what I wanted to do next. But I learned that sometimes just jumping in is the best way to discover your path. No one maps out their entire life flawlessly before starting—life is about trial and error.
6. Perfection Isn’t the Aim
We all want fulfilling, joyful lives, but that doesn’t mean we have to be perfect. Sometimes “good enough” is more than sufficient. At the end of the day, I’d take a hectic but happy life over a flawless one any day, even if I am consistently late!
So, if you’re feeling like you’re not quite hitting the mark as a working mom, remember: it’s perfectly okay to be a little “bad” at it. Want to learn more about navigating the ups and downs of motherhood? Check out other helpful articles on our blog and don’t forget to explore this resource for additional insights. For an authoritative take on home insemination, visit Make a Mom. And for pregnancy tips, IVF Babble is an excellent source.
In summary, being a working mom can be overwhelming, but it’s okay to not be perfect. You’re likely doing better than you think, your paycheck matters, and building connections is invaluable. Plus, taking action is the best way to figure things out, and nobody’s life is perfect—so embrace the chaos!