The modern mum is a marvel – juggling conference calls, school runs, deadlines, packed lunches, and still remembering to send in the £2 for dress-up day. It’s no small feat. As a working mum myself, I’ve felt both the pride of accomplishment and the sting of burnout. The truth is, success and balance aren’t opposites; they’re partners in a delicate dance that every working mum must choreograph for herself.
Let’s be honest – we’ve all had those mornings where everything that could go wrong, does. You’re trying to get out the door, but one child can’t find their shoe and the other has decided they only want to eat toast cut into triangles. Meanwhile, your phone is buzzing with early emails and meeting reminders. You haven’t even had your coffee.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Redefining Success
For a long time, I measured success by promotions, productivity, and praise from others. But becoming a mum rewired that definition. Success became about showing up – for my children, for myself, and yes, for my work, but in a more sustainable, compassionate way.
Success today means:
- Meeting deadlines and being there for bedtime stories.
- Earning well without sacrificing your mental health.
- Saying “no” to things that don’t serve your priorities.
- Asking for help, unapologetically.
Many of the most empowered working mums I know didn’t get there by doing it all – they got there by letting go of the pressure to.
Finding Your Version of Balance
Balance doesn’t mean a 50/50 split every day. Sometimes it’s 80% work, 20% parenting. Other days, it flips. And sometimes it’s pure chaos, and that’s OK too.
Here are a few practical ways I’ve found to create my version of balance:
1. Set Boundaries Like a Boss
I used to answer emails late at night, fearing I’d seem uncommitted if I didn’t. But burnout crept in quickly. Now, I set a hard stop on work at 6pm. My team knows it, my family benefits from it, and I no longer feel guilty for switching off.
2. Let Go of Guilt
This is a big one. Whether you’re missing a meeting for a school play or missing the play for a meeting – guilt seems inevitable. But remember, you’re showing your kids what resilience, independence, and passion look like. That’s powerful.
3. Ask for Help and Build a Village
Whether it’s a partner, a grandparent, a friend, or a good childminder – lean on them. I used to think asking for help meant I wasn’t coping. Now I know it means I’m being resourceful and realistic.
4. Prioritise Self-Care – Without Shame
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Whether it’s a walk, a bath, a solo coffee, or a podcast you love – make space for you. I’ve found even 20 quiet minutes can reset my entire day.
The Power of Community and Mentorship
One thing that’s made the biggest difference in my journey is surrounding myself with other mums who get it. Online communities, mumpreneur groups, co-working chats – these connections remind me I’m not navigating this alone.
Mentorship is another powerful tool. I once had a mentor (another working mum) tell me, “Don’t aim for perfection, aim for progress. That’s where the real growth is.” That stuck with me – and it freed me.
Final Thoughts: You’re Already Enough
Empowerment doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from embracing who you are, owning your choices, and building a life that reflects your values – not someone else’s Instagram highlight reel.
To every working mum reading this: you are already enough. Whether today was productive or not, whether your kids had homemade meals or fish fingers – you showed up. And that counts.
So, here’s to creating success on your own terms, finding balance that makes sense for your life, and remembering that you are not alone in this journey. You’re part of a growing tribe of women rewriting what it means to be a successful, empowered working mum.
