How We Mastered the Juggle: A Lifeline for Working Moms

Balancing work, family, and personal life is a challenge countless women face daily. Whether you’re a working professional, a stay-at-home mom, or a combination of both, the demands on your time and energy can often feel overwhelming. As a mother, professional, and someone deeply involved in the community, I’ve seen firsthand—and experienced—the pressure to do it all. The question that often arises is: How do I have time for it all?

The Reality of Modern Motherhood?

For many women, the daily schedule is packed from the moment they wake up until they finally go to bed, often late at night. It’s common for mornings to start early, with getting children ready, preparing meals, and perhaps even squeezing in some work before the day officially begins. The hours are filled with meetings, deadlines, errands, and household chores. Evenings bring more responsibilities—dinner, bath time, bedtime stories, and finally, a moment to catch up on work (if that’s even possible).

The truth is, juggling all these roles requires not just time, but also a tremendous amount of energy and emotional resilience. And for those who may need more resources to outsource help, such as hiring a nanny or a housekeeper, the weight of these responsibilities can feel even heavier.

It’s Not About Doing It All—It’s About Doing What Matters

The first step in managing this delicate balance is to recognize that you can’t do everything perfectly. The pressure to excel in every area of life is unrealistic and can lead to burnout. Instead, the focus should be on doing what matters most. This means identifying your priorities and understanding that sometimes, certain tasks may need to take a backseat.

How We Found Time for It All: The Power of Friendship and Community

Balancing a demanding career with raising a family is no small feat. Many women find themselves asking, “How can I possibly manage it all?” The answer, as I discovered along with three close friends, lies in the power of friendship and community.

The Beginning of a Lifelong Friendship

It all started when I moved to a new neighborhood and joined a local church. I was a single mother, navigating a new environment with two young children and no family nearby. At a new members’ orientation, I met three incredible women who would become my lifeline. One was a principal at an elementary school, another a CPA at a major telecommunications company, and the third, was a computer technology executive at a financial institution. Like me, they had young children, and like me, they were juggling the immense responsibilities of demanding careers and motherhood.

Our connection was immediate. The principal was the sister-in-law of the pastor, and the other two women were sisters. We bonded over our shared experiences and soon became inseparable, spending time together at church events, retreats, and lunches.

A Simple but Powerful Plan?

One day, during a women’s retreat, we sat down and discussed how overwhelming it was to manage everything on our plates. That’s when I proposed an idea: why not help each other out by rotating weekends where one of us would take care of all the children? It seemed simple, but the impact was profound.?

Each of us took turns dedicating one weekend a month to looking after all the kids. This meant that for one weekend, we would have a full house, but for the other three weekends, we could focus on work, rest, or catch up on life. The plan was simple—one weekend each month with all the kids, and the other weekends to ourselves.?

Making It Work

On our assigned weekends, we created memorable experiences for the children. We took them to parks, and the pumpkin patch, or stayed in and cooked together. Whatever our skills or interests, we shared them with the kids, making each weekend an adventure. It wasn’t just about babysitting; it was about creating a bond between our children and giving them the attention they needed.

We also knew the importance of reliable transportation, so we made sure that whoever was on duty had everything necessary to manage a house full of energetic children. This system gave us peace of mind, knowing that our children were well taken care of, and allowed us to focus on our careers and personal needs during our “off” weekends.

Building a Strong Support System

But our support for each other went beyond just the weekends. During the week, the principal’s older twin daughters often helped out with babysitting, providing extra hands when needed. We supported each other through marriages, divorces, career changes, and the ups and downs of life. We even volunteered together at church, using our professional skills to contribute to various committees and community projects.

Every summer, we took our kids on a beach vacation together—a tradition that strengthened our bond and created lasting memories for both us and our children. We did it all together, from bike rides to cooking adventures, and those moments became some of the most cherished times of our lives.

The Evolution of Our Friendship

?As our children grew older, our responsibilities shifted. Cheerleading practices, swim lessons, and school activities became our routine. But even as our lives became more complex, we found ways to support each other. We coordinated schedules, shared responsibilities, and, when needed, brought in additional help to make sure our children’s needs were met.

Now, 27 years later, our friendship may not be as close as it was when our kids were younger, but the memories and the support we gave each other have left an indelible mark on our lives. We couldn’t have done it all without each other, and that’s a lesson that has stayed with us throughout the years.?

Strategies for Making It Work?

Here are some strategies that have helped me—and many others—find a more manageable balance:

1.Time Management and Prioritization:

Time-Blocking: Dedicate specific blocks of time to certain tasks or activities. For example, you might reserve mornings for work, afternoons for family time, and evenings for personal self-care. By compartmentalizing your day, you can ensure that each aspect of your life gets the attention it deserves.

The Power of “No”: Learn to say no to commitments that don’t align with your priorities. It’s okay to turn down invitations or requests that will stretch you too thin.

2. Leverage Support Systems:

?Ask for Help: Whether it’s a partner, family member, or friend, don’t hesitate to ask for support when you need it. Building a reliable support network can make a significant difference.

?Childcare Solutions: If possible, consider part-time childcare or trading babysitting duties with other parents. This can give you the time you need to focus on work or personal projects.

3.Flexible Work Arrangements:

Remote Work: If your job allows it, working remotely can save time on commuting and allow you to manage your household more effectively.

Flexible Hours: Some employers offer flexible schedules that can accommodate the demands of parenting. If this is an option, explore how it could work for you.

4. Self-Care is Non-Negotiable:

Scheduled Downtime: Block out time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. This could be for exercise, reading, or simply relaxing. Taking care of your mental and physical health is crucial to sustaining your energy and focus.

Mindfulness Practices: Incorporating mindfulness or meditation into your routine can help reduce stress and improve your ability to handle daily challenges.

5. Use Technology to Your Advantage:

Automation Tools: Use apps to automate repetitive tasks, whether at home or work. From grocery shopping apps to project management tools, technology can help streamline your day.

?Organizational Apps: Keep your schedule, to-do lists, and reminders in one place. Apps like Trello, Asana, or even simple calendar apps can be lifesavers.?

The Importance of Flexibility and Grace?

Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned is to give yourself grace. Life is unpredictable, and no matter how well you plan, there will be days when things don’t go as expected. Being flexible and forgiving yourself for not meeting every expectation is key to maintaining your well-being.

The Takeaway: It Takes a Village?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that no one can do it all alone. It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a community to support one another through the challenges of life. Building a strong network of friends who understand your struggles, share your values, and are willing to lend a hand can make all the difference.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work and family, consider reaching out to your community. Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, finding people you can trust and rely on is key to managing it all. Together, you can create a support system that allows each of you to thrive—both personally and professionally.

Balancing work, family, and personal life is undoubtedly challenging, but it’s not impossible. By focusing on what truly matters, leveraging your support systems, and making time for self-care, you can navigate these responsibilities with more ease. Remember, it’s not about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters and finding the rhythm that works for you.

If you’re a woman trying to balance it all, know that you’re not alone. The challenges you face are real, but with the right strategies, you can create a life that feels both fulfilling and manageable.

About the author

?Dr. Marilyn Carroll, with her impressive array of qualifications, including a Ph.D., MBA, and MEd, stands as a beacon of leadership and knowledge in executive coaching. As a Senior Executive Coach, Founder of GetCareerDoctor.com , CultureVybe.com , and Co-Founder of Empowered Ed Pro, her expertise has been instrumental in guiding professionals and leaders toward achieving their full potential. Her work as an author further cements her role as a thought leader, offering insights and strategies for empowerment and success in the professional realm. Dr. Carroll’s comprehensive background and dedication to fostering growth and development make her an invaluable resource for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of their career with confidence and clarity.

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