Written by Kelly van Atta - reposted from The Daily Muse
Last week, I sat in a dingy waiting
room at the doctor’s office. Wanting to make the most of my time, I picked up a
popular parenting magazine. One of the articles posed the question we’re
hearing a lot these days: “Can working mothers have it all?”
I laughed out loud. I was waiting to
see the doctor because I have pink eye in both eyes, and I’m suffering through
my second cold in a month. Pesky daycare
germs. Infected and exhausted, I certainly don’t feel like I have it all.
Reflecting further, I wonder what it
means to “have it all.” Can a working mom have a career, a marriage, health,
happiness, and a relationship with her children simultaneously? The answer is
so individualized and complicated that a universal answer seems impossible,
but, from my perspective, as a full-time 9th grade teacher and a mother to a
20-month old son, “having it all” is pretty tough. In fact, this goal seems too
lofty. More often, I dream of sleeping in until 10 or taking a long, long
shower, alone.
However, despite the fact that I
can’t seem to take a break from my Kleenex box, I have found some strategies
that have helped me through the challenges of being a working mom. I may not
have it all, and I may not ever get to sleep in, but I do have many wonderful
days, and I’d love to share some of the things that make these days possible.
1.
Bring Your Child to Work (Figuratively)
One of my well-meaning male bosses
told me that I should never mention my son at work—that I should focus on my
career rather than my family so that others would take me seriously.
I tried that for a few months, and
it didn’t work for me. I realize that everyone has different work environments
and that keeping conversations professional with your co-workers is important,
but personally, I found that once I discarded his advice, my work life became
much more enjoyable. When my students succeed in class, I reward them by
showing a new picture of my adorable toddler (I’m sure they love it). I proudly
display pictures on my desk, and I talk about him (during appropriate times, of
course). Honestly, as soon as I started being more authentic about who I am, my
work life improved.
2.
Multi-task
Let’s face it, being a working mom
is exhausting. Every minute of the day seems crammed full of diapers and
emails. For this reason, I have discovered a whole new level of multi-tasking.
For example, I started typing this article on my phone while waiting in line at
the DMV. When I make it to the gym (a rare occasion), I always take my book, so
that I can do two of my favorite things at once. After I drop my son off at
daycare, I continue my commute while talking to my sister on speaker phone.
This is the only time I can find time to connect to her, and I make the most of
it. Sometimes, I take my lunch to the carwash and grade papers while I wait. In
order to maintain sanity, I’ve tried to streamline my daily actvities so I have
as much time at home as possible.
3.
Cry over Spilled (Breast) Milk
Last year, I experienced a
catastrophe. I didn’t drop my baby, but I did spill 6 ounces of pumped breast
milk at work. Alone in the pumping room, I started bawling—and you know what?
It felt good.
When I first returned to work, I
tried to pretend that I had it all together, that I wasn’t missing my son all
the time, that I didn’t care that I couldn’t fit into my old work clothes. But
that day, when I allowed myself to cry over the spilled milk, I realized the
power of allowing myself to express my true emotions.
Now, when people ask me how I’m
doing, I try to be honest (time permitting), and I allow myself to cry occasionally.
I don’t want to be superficial and pretend I have everything 100% together all
the time, and I think I’m better off for it.
4.
Make the Most of Time at Home
I’ll be honest: Some days after
work, I lie on the floor of my son’s room and let him climb all over me. My
eyes glaze over, and I don’t connect. Sometimes, I just don’t have much to
give.
Recently, though, I’ve tried to be
more intentional about enjoying and making the most of the time I have with my
son and my husband. Putting my phone aside and the chicken in the Crock-Pot, I
try to play. I try to give eye contact, use silly voices, and participate in my
family dance parties. And all of this, while it requires much more of my
energy, results in a much more enjoyable evening as well as much better
relationships with the men in my life.
5.
Connect With Other Working Moms
Every Friday morning at 10:30, I
feel a bit sad. Many of my friends who stay at home with their kids have a “mom
group” at this time, and I would love to go. There are many things I miss out
on because I’m at work, and that can be really tough.
But one thing that has helped me is
support from my co-workers. I work closely with two other moms, and talking to
them about things like grading papers during naptime has been tremendously
therapeutic. These women understand the emotions and challenges that come from
balancing working and parenting. We share cute videos, hot coffee, and
sympathetic hugs, and it makes a huge difference in my life.
I suppose, for me, the answer to the
question, “Can working moms have it all?” is no. My life isn’t as put together
as I’d like to be, and I miss time with my son that I’d love to have. Some days
I feel guilty for working so much, and some days I feel guilty for not working
enough. I have pink eye, and we often get take-out. I don’t “have it all.”
But regardless of this, I’m grateful
for the things I do have: an adorable son, a helpful husband, and a rewarding
career. So for now, I take each day as it comes, doing the best I can. And
that, for me, is enough.
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