Toni Allen, ARNP, contributing author to SitiGirl Cincnnati
Let’s face it: being a mom is already a full-time gig. Add a corporate job into the mix, and suddenly you’re a walking, talking project manager for everyone else’s lives. Toss in a desire for “me time,” and it can feel like you’re asking for a unicorn to show up with a latte and a massage chair. But here’s the good news: balance is possible. It might be messy at times, but with a little creativity and a lot of intentionality, you can rock all three roles.
Here’s how to juggle it all—and still feel like yourself in the process:
1. Prioritize Like a Boss (Literally)
Life can’t be everything, everywhere, all at once (unless you’re Michelle Yeoh). So, start with the big stuff: What absolutely needs your attention? What can wait? Maybe it’s your kid’s soccer game, that big quarterly presentation, or your sacred 15 minutes of silence with your favorite snack.
Think of your day like a playlist—put your “greatest hits” (family, work, self-care) at the top. Everything else? That’s just background noise.
2. The Art of Delegation: Let It Go
Here’s a pro tip: You don’t have to do all the things. Kids can fold laundry (even if it’s not perfect), partners can handle bedtime, and colleagues can help pick up the slack at work.
Delegating doesn’t make you are less of a supermom—it just means you’re smart enough to know that even superheroes have a team. (Because honestly, Batman isn’t out here saving Gotham and packing school lunches.)
3. Time Management, But Make It Fun
Planners and apps are cool, but they can also feel a little…boring. Spice it up! Turn your schedule into a game. Can you finish your emails before the coffee finishes brewing? Can you beat your kid at racing to clean the living room?
And don’t forget to block out your “me time” like a VIP meeting. Write it in bold letters: “DO NOT DISTURB: Bubble Bath + Beyoncé.”
4. Redefine “Me Time” (Spoiler Alert: It’s Not Always Glamorous)
Let’s get real: self-care isn’t always spa days and yoga retreats. Sometimes, it’s sneaking in a solo grocery trip or locking the bathroom door just to sit in silence. That’s okay!
The goal isn’t perfection; it’s carving out small, meaningful moments that remind you who you are beyond the titles of “Mom” and “Employee.” Find what fills your cup (even if it’s a literal cup of wine), and savor it guilt-free.
5. Set Boundaries Like a Queen Protecting Her Castle
Your time is precious, so protect it! Let your coworkers know you won’t be checking emails after hours (and stick to it). Tell your kids that Mommy’s 20-minute yoga session is non-negotiable. Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re necessary for your sanity.
And if someone tries to guilt you for saying no? Smile sweetly and say, “No is a complete sentence.”
6. Build Your Dream Team
Behind every successful working mom is a solid support network. Whether it’s your partner, a bestie, or the fellow mom who always knows where to find last-minute cupcakes for school, lean on your tribe.
And don’t sleep on work perks! Many companies now offer flexible schedules or employee support groups—use them to your advantage.
7. Laugh at the Chaos
Because let’s be real—life is never going to be perfectly balanced. Some days, you’ll crush a big presentation while your kid eats Pop-Tarts for dinner. Other days, you’ll make Pinterest-worthy lunches but forget to reply to that one email.
And guess what? That’s okay. Laugh at the mess. Dance in the chaos. Know that you’re doing your best, and that’s more than enough.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Motherhood, corporate life, and “me time” might feel like an impossible balancing act, but it’s not about getting it just right. It’s about staying flexible, prioritizing what matters, and giving yourself permission to let go of the rest.
So go ahead—put on your cape (or your favorite sweats), take a deep breath, and own your beautifully chaotic life. Because if anyone can make this wild balancing act look good, it’s you.
