Working moms are experiencing work-life balance, even during the coronavirus.
They have time for themselves, time for their family and time for work. Even with their kids at home…
The reason this is possible for some and not for others has nothing to do with the kind of work you do, how flexible your boss is or the kind of childcare you have…
Instead, the reason some experience balance is they aren’t waiting around for it.
Work-life balance doesn’t just happen to you…you create it.
My client Amy made some tough decisions when the shelter-in-place order went into effect. Two kids at home, constantly vying for attention, and two parents in upper management positions that needed focused time to do their work.
Tablet use all day, was not an option. Childcare was not available. And working non-stop would lead the family into burn-out.
She and her husband had to decide what was most important to them during the pandemic and what they needed to do to enjoy their time (a foreign thought for most).
They mapped out a schedule. She declined many meetings or attended with a child in tow. She reset expectations and decided her work didn’t need to be perfect. She checked in regularly with her boss and shared openly about her situation.
In short, she took an active role in creating balance during the pandemic.
To create balance you must make daily decisions to either change or feel good about your circumstances (job, schedule, pay, responsibilities).
When you learn to create your own balance, you will begin to feel present with your kids and choose to spend distraction-free time with them. You will feel internally fulfilled and clear about your priorities. The guilt will immediately begin to melt away and you will feel more in control of your career and life.
The only reason you don’t feel balance now, is you haven’t understood that it is yours to create.
