Breaking the Stigma: Why Women Shouldn't Feel Guilty for Pursuing a Career and a Family

As we honor International Women's Month, it's important to remember that women can achieve incredible things in their professional and personal lives.

However, for many women, pursuing a career while also building a family can be daunting. The stigma that society has placed on working mothers has caused many women to feel guilty for wanting to pursue their dreams and build a fulfilling life.

But here's the thing: Women shouldn't have to choose between a successful career and a happy family life.

Women who can balance both are a true testament to the strength and resilience of the female spirit. So today, let's talk about breaking the stigma and why women should never feel guilty for pursuing a career and a family.

The Stigma Surrounding Working Mothers

Societal expectations of women have come a long way, but there's still a long way to go. For working mothers, the expectations are often even higher.?

Women are expected to be their children's primary caregivers, and they can face challenges in balancing their careers with this role.

Unfortunately, media portrayals of working mothers have often perpetuated negative stereotypes. They tend to show a woman overwhelmed by her job and unable to balance work and family life.

These stereotypes can make women feel guilty for wanting to pursue a career while also building a family. It's important to break down these stereotypes and acknowledge the strength and resilience of working mothers who can successfully balance both.

The Benefits of a Balanced Life

If you're trying to balance a fulfilling career and a happy family life, you're not alone. It can be a challenging juggling act, but there are definitely benefits to finding that balance.

For one, having a successful career can give you a sense of purpose and financial stability. And let's remember the opportunities for personal growth and development.

On the flip side, having a happy family life can provide emotional support and a sense of community. And when it comes to kids, having a mother who's fulfilled in her career can serve as a positive role model and teach children the importance of working hard and pursuing their dreams.

Let me tell you about Mae Azarcon, a freelance writer, and a mother of three, who's absolutely killing it in both her career and personal life. As our team's newsletter head, she's responsible for creating and planning the writing content for our business.

Somehow, she manages to balance her work responsibilities with being an amazing mom to her three kids. She's always there for them, whether helping with homework or prepping them with delicious food. And at the same time, she's always on top of her game at work.

I remember asking her how is she doing it, and she answered, "I believe in work-life integration, and women are good at maintaining balance. They can keep a happy home. They can keep a growing career at the same time. That's how empowered we are."

At the end of the day, by balancing both career and family, you can create a sense of harmony and fulfillment that positively impacts everyone in your life.

Overcoming Guilt and Building a Support System

So, how can you overcome those feelings of guilt and shame?

First, you must realize that being a mom is not a full-time job. It's not even a part-time job. It's an identity, but it's something you do alongside the other things in your life.

Women are often socialized to put others first and feel guilty when they don't. One important tip is to practice self-compassion. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and accept that you're doing your best.

You're a mom, not a superhero. You can't do it all, and you don't have to.?

You are allowed to put yourself first and do things that sometimes make you happy.

Focus on the positive things you're doing for yourself instead of thinking about what's missing from your life.

Building a support system is essential. This can include family members, friends, or even hiring some extra help. Having people you can rely on to help manage responsibilities can be a game-changer. So, feel free to ask for help when you need it.

Breaking the Stigma: The Role of Society

It's so important to change societal attitudes toward working mothers.

We need to start seeing mothers as capable, ambitious professionals who have just as much to offer in the workplace as anyone else.

One way to do this is by encouraging more representation and visibility of thriving working mothers in the media. We need to see more examples of women killing it in their careers while raising happy, healthy families.

And we need to advocate for policies that support working parents, such as paid parental leave and flexible work arrangements.

It's time for society to catch up with the realities of modern parenting. Let's create a world where working mothers can thrive and succeed at work and home.

For more inspiring stories about wealthy, driven, and ambitious humans and actionable steps you can take in order for you to move the needle and have a soulful coaching and consulting business, tune in to Ambitious Tribe with Kassy Pajarillo .?

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