Overcoming working mum guilt

Why do some women feel guilty for pursuing their careers after having kids? Happiful spoke with transformative coach Ali Scott to find out more

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Happiful

‘Working mum guilt’ refers to the feelings of guilt mothers might feel for returning to work instead of staying at home with their new baby or children. Thought by some to stem from the idea of the ‘working mum dilemma’, as author and journalist Amy Westervelt explains, “We expect women to work like they don’t have children, then raise children as if they don’t work.”

There’s societal pressure for us as women to do it all which, when faced with the stark reality of it, leaves us feeling guilty no matter what we do. Long hours and overtime can lead to blurred boundaries, where work spills into family time, family worries cloud your mind at work, and you’re left feeling as if you’re missing out on all fronts and failing both at work and at home; achieving work/life balance never felt so hard.

Why do some working mothers feel guilty?

Becoming a parent is a huge change that affects all areas of your life. Simple things we once took for granted, such as taking a shower, become a luxury you can’t always find time for in the early days. Finding time for yourself (be that for self-care, five minutes to enjoy a coffee without watching your kids, or catching up with the news without interruption) can leave you feeling guilty.

The cycle of guilt can feel endless. You may feel guilty for not spending enough time with your family, for missing little firsts, for relying on others for a few hours of childcare. You might feel guilty for working fewer hours than colleagues, for earning less money due to fewer hours – thereby putting more pressure on your partner – for sharing the household and childcare loads now that you’re working, or over worry that it’s selfish to return to work – only to have to then pay a significant amount for childcare.

We spoke with Life Coach Directory member and transformative wellbeing coach Ali Scott to find out more about how we can feel more comfortable – and less guilty – in pursuing our careers as working mums.

“Getting away from guilt must always begin with a commitment to stop beating yourself up about what’s going on in your life. Guilt happens when we are misaligned with our true selves. So, it’s a great practice to connect with yourself regularly, and ask, ‘What does my truest self-want?’ If you genuinely want to be successful at work, and pursue a fulfilling career as well as being a mum, then the starting point is to fully accept this as your path.”

So, while some of us feel guilty for wanting to return to work, others feel guilt for not wanting to return – but what causes some of us to feel this way? “Guilt comes in when we think we should be doing something differently,” Ali explains. “We are all on different paths in life, and we all have different things to express in the world. A mum who stays at home reluctantly can create a much less helpful environment for a child than a mum who is actively pursuing her dreams and happiness, wherever that may take her some of the week.

“Honestly, your children would not want you to be unhappy about your choices. You can love a child fully and completely and not spend every waking moment with them, and your connection with your children will almost certainly grow stronger when guilt is erased from the picture and you are freed up to simply be who you are.”

How can I overcome ‘working mum guilt’?

No matter how eager we are to return to work and pursue our careers, those early days can feel overwhelming. Ali shares her recommendations to help mums ease back into work and start the process of pursuing their career goals once more.

Be gentle with yourself

“Returning to work after maternity leave can be one of the hardest things a woman ever has to go through. There can be a mixture of emotions – from sadness and guilt, to stress, to relief, and all can leave you feeling overwhelmed. So firstly (and secondly and, possibly, thirdly) be gentle with yourself.

“Seriously, make sure you are talking to yourself with kindness. There’s no rule that says you have to find this easy. It’s all too common to get tied up in unrealistic expectations that are layered onto us by family, friends, colleagues and society in general. Some mums find returning to work a breeze, and some don’t. Neither is right or wrong.”

Share your concerns with someone you trust

“Make sure to voice your worries and concerns to your partner, trusted friend or therapist/coach. Sometimes just saying things out loud into a caring container can really help.”

Get a good night’s sleep

“There are some practical things you can do to help ensure a more smooth transition. Tiredness is often one of the main issues, and doing whatever you can to ensure sleep is as optimised as it can be will be key here.”

Choose childcare that you feel comfortable with

“Ensuring you are leaving your baby with someone you feel extremely comfortable with is clearly important, and will go some way to alleviating any guilt about not being around 24/7.”

Be honest at work

“Be honest with your colleagues and boss. The more you pretend you can do when you’re really feeling that you can’t, the more they will give you to do – you know how this works.”

Give yourself time

“Realise that it will take you some time to feel fully comfortable in your new role of working mum, and allow yourself this time.”

Returning to work – whether that’s weeks, months, or years after having a child – is scary; in many ways it feels like our lives outside of our immediate family bubble come to a standstill from the moment you first hold that tiny, screaming bundle – yet making the choice to return to work can have such a positive impact on our own sense of self.

Figuring out what is best for, not only your family, but for your own wellbeing, is key to discovering whether returning to work is the right choice for you. If you don’t find the perfect solution immediately there’s nothing to stop you from trying new ways – and new career paths – until you find one that works for you.