Juggling motherhood and a career: A personal journey
What you need to know:
- Some days, the balance feels impossible. On others, everything clicks into place. My career as a journalist is demanding, but I’m also committed to being present for my daughter. To make it work, I’ve had to rethink what productivity means and adjust my expectations.
Balancing a career and motherhood has always been a delicate dance for women, particularly in fast-paced industries.
As a journalist with eight years of experience, I thought I had a good handle on the juggling act of work and life.
That was until five months ago, when my daughter, Kay, came into the world and threw everything into a whirlwind of late-night feedings, baby giggles, and endless to-do lists.
Before Kay arrived, my daily schedule was busy but manageable. I could immerse myself in a story, lose track of time while researching, and work late into the night without much interruption.
Now, my mornings begin with feeding Kay, playing with her, and making sure she’s settled before I can even think of opening my laptop.
Every minute is accounted for, with work tasks squeezed in during nap times or whenever I can find a quiet moment.
In the middle of it all, I find myself asking the same question so many working moms do: Can I really have it all? The answer is complex, but I’ve come to realise that having it all doesn’t mean doing it all perfectly.
Some days, the balance feels impossible. On others, everything clicks into place. My career as a journalist is demanding, but I’m also committed to being present for my daughter. To make it work, I’ve had to rethink what productivity means and adjust my expectations.
The perfect story doesn’t always get written in one sitting anymore, but that’s okay. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
I’ve also learnt the importance of asking for help—whether it’s from family, colleagues, or friends. The adage "it takes a village" rings true, especially when you’re navigating the challenges of a growing career and raising a child.
Each day presents new challenges but also new victories. Whether it’s finally finishing a feature story after days of interruptions or witnessing Kay’s first giggle, these moments are worth celebrating.
Motherhood has taught me to slow down, savour these wins, and appreciate the flexibility that my career offers me.
As I continue on this journey, I’m constantly reminded that every mom’s experience is different. What works for one may not work for another, and that’s okay.
What’s important is that we find our own rhythm and give ourselves the grace to learn and grow along the way.
For other working mothers out there, I offer this piece of advice: don’t be too hard on yourself. Your career doesn’t have to be perfect, and neither does your parenting.
What matters is that you’re doing the best you can for both yourself and your child.
