As a working mom, I feel guilt—often more than I want to admit.
Guilt for the lack of quality time I get to spend with my son.
Guilt for having to focus on work instead of on him.
Guilt for saying, “Give me a minute.”
Guilt for simply… working.
Some days, being a working mom makes me feel like I’m focused on the wrong things.
Like I’m not a good enough mom.
Like I’m doing something wrong.
It brings regrets, too:
Why didn’t I choose a different career path?
Why didn’t I plan better?
Why didn’t I… do it differently?
But here’s what I’ve also come to realize—
Being a working mom means I help provide for my son.
I bring him smiles.
I get to support our little family.
Being a working mom doesn’t make me less of a mom.
It doesn’t make me a bad mom.
It doesn’t mean I’m doing it wrong.
It means I’m doing what I need to do.
It means I’m showing up.
Even on the hard days—like today—I still get to hold my baby.
I still get to provide for him.
So mama, if you’re a working mom… if you’ve had days where the guilt hits hard—
You’re not alone.
It’s okay to admit it sucks sometimes.
And if you love working? That’s okay, too.
But if you’re like me—if you love your baby more than anything and still struggle with working guilt—here are three things that help me:
1. Remind Yourself of the Good That Comes From Working
For me, it’s financial independence. It’s being able to provide. It’s knowing I can get my son what he needs (and maybe a toy or two he wants, too).
2. Re-route the Negative Thoughts
Instead of dwelling on what I can’t do because of work, I shift my focus to what I can do. I treasure the quality time we dohave—and I make it count.
3. Make Space for Purposeful Moments
I intentionally unplug—turn off the TV, put down the phone—and just play. Just be with him. Even 10 focused minutes feels like gold.
These three things have helped me so much—and maybe they’ll help you too.
We’re doing our best. And our babies?
They know they’re loved.