How to Balance Work, Kids, and Your Passions

Hey Dope Moms! We see you hustling every day, managing not just one but often the equivalent of 2.5 full-time jobs. Whether it's excelling in your career, raising small kids, or chasing your dreams with hobbies and side hustles, the struggle to find time for it all is real. But guess what? We are queens of doing hard things, and with the right mindset and strategies, we can thrive.

Manage Your Expectations

First things first: let's get real about expectations. The idea of "doing it all" can feel overwhelming, especially when social media makes it seem like everyone else has it all figured out. But remember, everyone's journey is unique, and comparison is the thief of joy. Instead of aiming for perfection, strive for progress.

Set realistic goals for yourself. Maybe you can't dedicate five hours a day to your side hustle, but what about 30 minutes? Consistency is key. Celebrate small victories, and understand that it's okay if not every week looks the same.

Create an Effective Schedule

An organized schedule is your best friend. As moms, our natural knack for multitasking is a superpower. Use it to your advantage by planning your week strategically. Here's how:

• Prioritize Tasks: List out all your responsibilities and categorize them by importance. Focus on high-priority tasks first.
• Time Blocking: Allocate specific time blocks for work, family, and personal projects. Stick to these blocks as much as possible but, give yourself if you realize you bit off more than you can chew. Rest is important when we are feeling stretched.
• Flexible Routines: Life with kids is unpredictable. Allow for some flexibility in your schedule to accommodate unexpected events.

For instance, if your side hustle involves crafting, set aside time after the kids' bedtime. If you love reading, listen to audiobooks during your commute. The goal is to weave your passions into your daily routine seamlessly.

Leverage Your Multitasking Abilities

Our natural ability to multitask is a game-changer. Here's how to make the most of it:

• Combine Activities: Pair less demanding tasks with more engaging ones. For example, listen to a podcast about your hobby while cooking dinner.
• Involve the Kids: If possible, include your kids in your side hustle. Not only does it save time, but it also teaches them valuable skills and allows for bonding time.
• Efficient Use of Downtime: Use pockets of free time efficiently. Whether it's a 15-minute break at work or the kids' nap time, these moments add up.

The Long Game Approach

Success isn't about starting fast and heavy. It's about consistency and perseverance. As working moms, our ability to stay the course over long periods sets us apart. The journey may be slow, but steady progress leads to success.

• Set Long-Term Goals: Define what you want to achieve in the long run and break it down into manageable steps.
• Track Your Progress: Regularly review your achievements and adjust your plans as needed. This helps maintain motivation and direction.

1. Accept Sacrifices and Embrace Breaks

Let's keep it real: there will be sacrifices. Some nights you might have to choose between extra work hours and family time. But these decisions should be balanced.

• Prioritize Self-Care: Regularly schedule time for yourself to avoid burnout. Whether it's a spa day, a solo coffee run, or a quiet evening with a book, self-care is non-negotiable.
• Ask for Help: Delegate tasks when possible. Whether it's hiring help for household chores or leaning on family, remember that you don't have to do everything alone.

Persistence is Key

Every week might not look the same in terms of progress, and that's okay. The key is to persist.

• Stay Motivated: Surround yourself with a supportive community. Connect with other moms who share similar goals and challenges. Share your wins and struggles; it makes the journey less lonely.
• Reflect and Adjust: Regularly reflect on what's working and what's not. Adjust your plans and expectations as needed to stay on track.

Final Thoughts

Dope Moms, balancing work, kids, and personal passions is no easy feat. But remember, you are powerful, resilient, and capable of amazing things. By managing your expectations, creating effective schedules, leveraging your multitasking abilities, playing the long game, accepting sacrifices, embracing breaks, and persisting through challenges, you can thrive in all areas of your life.

So, here's to us – the incredible working moms who juggle it all with grace and grit. Keep pushing forward, bestie. You've got this!

For more reads like this try our article on The Great Balancing Act - Work Travel and Mom Guilt