Mommy Guilt – Letters to a Working Mom

Authored by Sanjula Agrawal, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Swiggy (Instamart).

As a new mother, I never imagined that the most challenging thing about motherhood would be balancing it with a successful career. I always prided myself on being a high achiever, but once I became a mother, I realized that my priorities had shifted. Suddenly, my career was no longer my sole focus, and I was left feeling guilty for not being able to give 100% to both my work and my child.

However, as I'm navigating through this new chapter in my life, I've come to realize that I'm not alone in this struggle. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 41% of working mothers feel like they are “always rushed”. That feeling of constantly being pulled in different directions can be overwhelming, and it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we're not doing enough for our children or our careers.

One of the things that have helped me the most is having a supportive partner. My husband has been my rock throughout this entire journey. He's been there to pick up the slack when I can't be there for our daughter, and he's always willing to lend a helping hand. Without him, I don't know how I would have been able to juggle everything.

Another thing that has helped me is being open about my struggles with other working moms. It's easy to feel like we're the only ones going through this, but the truth is that many of us are in the same boat. By sharing our experiences and supporting each other, we can start to break down the stigma around being a working mother.

It's also important to learn to let go of the idea of perfection. As women, we often feel like we need to be perfect in all areas of our lives, but that's simply not possible. It's okay to make mistakes and to prioritize our own self-care. As author Brené Brown said, "Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving to be our best. Perfectionism is not about healthy achievement and growth; it's a shield."

Lastly, it's important to recognize that being a working mother can be a positive thing for both our children and us. In fact, a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that women who return to work after having children are more likely to experience long-term career benefits, such as higher salaries and better job security. By pursuing our careers, we're not only setting a positive example for our children, but we're also investing in our own futures.

In conclusion, the struggle of balancing motherhood and a successful career is real, but it's important to remember that we're not alone. By having a supportive partner, being open and supportive of each other, letting go of the need for perfection, and recognizing the benefits of being a working mother, we can start to break down the barriers that hold us back. As former First Lady Michelle Obama said, “You may not always have a comfortable life, and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once. But don't ever underestimate the impact you can have, because history has shown us that courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own.” So, let’s be courageous, let’s be hopeful, and let’s continue to pave the way for future generations of working mothers.