Mental Wellness

Managing Stress as a Working Mom While Changing Careers 

November 7, 2024

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Being a working mom can be quite a challenge, especially when you’re going through a career change! Balancing family responsibilities, work commitments, and your personal growth can stir up a lot of stress and anxiety. But don’t worry! With a little planning and some self-care, you can make this transition a lot smoother. Here are some friendly and effective tips to help you navigate this journey with confidence and ease. 

Remember, you’re not alone in this! 

Set Realistic Goals and Expectations 

Navigating a career change can feel like a daunting task, often requiring more time and effort than we initially anticipate. It’s important to be compassionate with yourself during this process and to set realistic goals for what you can achieve each day or week. Consider breaking down your larger career aspirations into smaller, manageable tasks. This not only helps keep your focus but also prevents you from feeling overwhelmed. By doing this, you’re not only taking care of your own journey but also setting a wonderful example for your kids about the importance of goal setting and resilience. Remember, it’s okay to take it one step at a time. 

Prioritize Self-Care and Boundaries 

When life gets busy, self-care often takes a back seat. It’s so easy to let it slide when our schedules are packed. However, dedicating even a few minutes to small acts of self-care, such as a brief meditation, a peaceful walk, or jotting down your thoughts in a journal, can truly help alleviate stress. It’s important to create boundaries around your time, particularly with work and family commitments. Even carving out just 15 minutes each day for yourself can make a world of difference in how you feel. You deserve that space and time to recharge. 

Seek Flexible Career Options 

Making a career change can be a challenging experience, and it’s important to find a flexible role that can help ease some of that stress. Many companies now recognize the need for work-life balance and offer remote work options or flexible hours, making it easier to manage family commitments alongside your job. As you navigate this transition, focus on seeking out positions and organizations that truly value your need for balance and support.  

Build a Support System 

Creating a supportive network is so important, especially during this time of transition. Don’t hesitate to lean on family, friends, or even online communities of fellow working moms who can offer valuable advice and encouragement. Remember, seeking out mentors in your new career can provide not only insights but also a sense of reassurance as you navigate unfamiliar challenges. If the demands feel overwhelming, try to delegate some household tasks or consider hiring help. You’re doing your best, and it’s okay to ask for support when you need it. 

Manage Time Wisely 

Taking control of your time can really help in lowering stress levels. It’s great to explore tools like planners, time-blocking, or apps that can assist you in organizing your tasks. Remember to prioritize the important things during your peak productive moments; it’s perfectly okay to let go of less critical tasks. Focusing on what truly matters will allow you to spend quality time with your family and pursue your new career goals.  

Embrace Imperfection 

The pressure to “do it all” perfectly can be a major source of stress. Accepting that not everything will go smoothly, and being kind to yourself through setbacks, is essential. Balancing a career and family often involves trial and error, so embrace flexibility and adjust expectations when needed. 

Prioritize Quality Time with Family 

Balancing work, family, and career goals requires time and energy. Set aside dedicated moments for the family to reduce feelings of guilt or disconnect. Quality time doesn’t have to be lengthy; even small rituals like reading together at bedtime or sharing a meal without screens can foster connection. 

Focus on Long-Term Benefits 

Remind yourself of the reasons behind the career change and how it benefits you and your family in the long term. Keeping the end goal in mind can reduce stress by framing challenges as steps toward a better future, both professionally and personally. 

In a recent podcast episode E:54:, “How to Manage Stress as a Working Mom While Making a Career Change,” I chatted with Maartje Bakker about managing stress as a working mom during a career transition.  

Conclusion 

Changing careers as a working mom is challenging but achievable with the right strategies. By setting realistic goals, prioritizing self-care, creating boundaries, and seeking support, you can successfully navigate this transition. Remember that small adjustments can lead to significant improvements in managing stress and maintaining balance. 

Contact Lynsey Retzlaff, MSW, LCSW who is a licensed therapist, working mom coach, and mental wellness speaker today. 

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