Top Challenges Faced By Working Mothers & How To Overcome Them

This mother’s day, we ask our beloved CEO – Malou Caluza, mother of 3 wonderful boys, James, Erwin and Isaia, to share some tips for mothers who juggle business and motherhood. Here’s a list of top challenges faced by working moms and how to overcome them.

1. Constant struggle with guilt

I remember this as if it was just yesterday. When I was a new mom, of course, I felt extremely guilty whenever I had to leave my children for work. I was heartbroken when they would run to their caretaker when they were sick or upset, instead of running to me. It was a tough time for me and I was grateful to have a supporting and understanding husband. Eventually, I realised that even if I had to leave my children at home when I go to work, as long as I could dedicate intentional quality time with them when I’m not at work, they treasure the time we spent even more.

2. Priorities are often challenged

Motherhood is one of those things that attract unsolicited advice and comments like honey to the bee. Friends, family and even strangers might judge your decision to choose to work or pursue your career instead of being a full-time mom. I grew up seeing my mother as the main breadwinner and we’ve never questioned or taken it against her on why she had to work and miss all our school events and other things, what I remember clearly is how hard she worked to be able to provide for us. Having said that, the only opinion that matters to me when it comes to this would be that of my family.

3. Never-ending efforts to multitask

There’s a stereotype that says women are great at multitasking. While I must say that I consider myself an excellent multitasker, my advice for workings mothers would be: to take one step at a time. Focus on the task at hand and then move on to the next. When you’re focused, you’ll do better. You don’t have to succumb to the pressure of doing everything at the same time. Mountains are moved one rock at a time.

4. No time for ‘Self’

When I was a new mom, I didn’t even think that “me time” is a luxury. It pretty much didn’t exist. I was already riddled with guilt for having to work, how could I set aside time for myself? It was simply out of question. I underestimated the power of a little break. Short little breaks, even if just a couple of hours of tea, exercise, TV, books or even doing absolutely nothing, could do us wonders. We’ll be recharged and ready for the rest of the day. I am blessed with a wonderful husband who’s always willing to lend a hand. Take that offer of help, or ask for help. Give yourself a little break, it’ll be good for everyone.

5. The need to be perfect all the time

There is beauty in imperfections. You don’t have to be perfect all the time. Sometimes, I would insist that I should take over a task, simply because I think that I could bring the best results – at home or at work. Let me give you a little advice. Learn to let go. Delegate. Don’t insist on doing everything yourself simply because you think that you can do it better. Train your support system at home – your husband, the nanny, the elder children, your colleagues or subordinates at work. Let them help you and who knows, you might be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers out there.

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