Secrets to Thriving as a Remote Working Mom:
My Personal Journey
Balancing a remote career and motherhood often feels like juggling glass balls – one wrong move, and something precious could shatter. Over a decade ago, I found myself at a breaking point, overwhelmed by the weight of professional responsibilities, the demands of a newborn, and the impossible expectations I had placed on myself.
Picture this: I’m sitting at my desk, desperately trying to finish a proposal due that evening. My newborn lies crying on a nursing pillow on my lap. I’m covered in sweat, sour milk, and baby spit-up. My brain, once sharp and creative, feels like mush. The words won’t come. Tears stream down my face as I realize I can’t do it.
Fast forward to today, I’ve not only built a thriving remote career but also found harmony in my life as a mom.
This transformation wasn’t a magic wand moment but a journey of intentional choices, hard-earned lessons, and a commitment to growth. If you’re struggling as I once did, know this: you’re not alone, and it gets better. Here’s how I turned despair into empowerment, focusing on four key strategies.
1. Streamline Your Work and Life
Early in my journey, I learned the power of ruthless prioritization. I started asking myself:
- Is this task essential to my goals?
- Does someone depend on me for this?
- Will anyone measure me on this?
If the answer was no, I stopped doing it. That meant letting go of holiday cards, unnecessary emails, and self-imposed “busy work.” Once I freed up that mental and physical energy, I could focus on what truly mattered.
2. Optimize Your Schedule
Remote work offers flexibility, but it’s up to you to make that flexibility work for you. I discovered that aligning my schedule with my energy levels was a game-changer. For me, the golden hours are between school drop-off and pick-up. That’s when I schedule deep-focus work and important meetings.
Here’s what worked for me:
- Work during peak productivity times. For me, that’s mornings.
- Schedule less demanding tasks during energy dips. Afternoon meetings or admin tasks fit here.
- Use body breaks wisely. I use short breaks for house chores, exercise, or quick wins that clear my mind.
This approach gave me more control over my time and energy, helping me do better work without burning out. While I couldn’t control everything (hello, 9 AM Zoom calls), carving out intentional blocks of time transformed my days.
3. Elevating Your Career
Remote work doesn’t have to mean stagnation. In fact, I’ve grown more in my career than I ever imagined. Here’s how I keep climbing:
- Seek out learning opportunities. I read constantly and use professional development resources to upskill. I also carefully pick which jobs to choose based partly on their potential to help me grow towards my goals
- Network intentionally. Relationships with people in my field, colleagues, and mentors have been vital for my growth.
- Showcase your value. Sharing ideas, taking initiative, and demonstrating my progress ensured my supervisors saw my contributions.
These efforts didn’t just sustain my career; they accelerated it. I can say unequivocally that I am further along in my career than I would have been had I stayed in my local market.
4. Prioritize Your Well-Being
This was the hardest lesson for me. As a new mom, the pressure to excel in everything – motherhood, career, even pet care – was crushing. But the truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
With the guidance of a mentor and a few wake-up calls from burnout, I finally embraced self-care:
- Make time for health. Regular workouts and balanced meals became non-negotiable.
- Take real breaks. Whether it’s a short walk or a vacation, stepping away keeps you energized.
- Advocate for yourself. I maintain professional boundaries and ask for what I need. I’ve even changed jobs when it was clear the environment wasn’t sustainable.
Taking care of myself allowed me to show up better for my family and my career.
Helping Others Find Their Way
Looking back, I wish I could tell that overwhelmed new mom sobbing at her desk that it would all be okay – great, even. With time, some missteps, and the help of incredible mentors, I learned how to balance it all.
Now, I help other women navigate these challenges, offering them the shortcuts I wish I’d had. Through coaching, I guide them from overwhelm to empowerment, faster and with fewer mistakes.
If you’re a remote working mom feeling stuck, remember: you don’t have to do it alone. There’s a path forward, and it starts with taking that first step.
Ready to reclaim your life? Let’s work together to make it happen.