Confessions Of A Workaholic Mom

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In my early 20s, I started a career in a high-demand field. I felt like I had hit the jackpot. At the time, my son was one year old and had just started attending school. Everything was going well until he began to get sick and had to stay home from school. The last thing I wanted to do was take off from work. While working in a high-demand field, there was always something. I did not prepare for the early mornings and late nights, which no one ever discussed.

Due to the long hours of my career, I found myself constantly torn between my responsibilities at work and as a parent. It was a constant juggling act, trying to balance both without feeling like I was failing. The guilt of not being able to be there for my son when he needed me most weighed heavily on me.

As my career demands increased, I realized that something had to give. I couldn’t keep sacrificing my time with my son for a job. I decided to prioritize my family and step back from my high-demand field.

It wasn’t an easy choice, but it suited my family and me. I found a new career path that allowed me more flexibility and work-life balance. It was a challenging transition, but ultimately, it brought me closer to my son and allowed me to be there for him in ways I never could have been before.

Looking back, I realize that hitting the jackpot in my career wasn’t worth sacrificing my personal relationships and well-being. While achieving success in my career was necessary, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and nurturing meaningful connections with loved ones is invaluable.

Ultimately, no amount of professional success can replace the happiness and fulfillment that comes from having strong relationships and caring for myself mentally and physically. It’s a lesson I’ve learned the hard way, but I will never forget it.

Recognizing the signs of workaholism is the first empowering step towards reclaiming a sense of balance and fulfillment in life. This article will delve into practical strategies and mindset shifts to help you overcome workaholism, prioritize self-care, and cultivate a healthier approach to success as a workaholic mom.

 Recognizing the Signs of Workaholism as a Mom

 Do you find yourself constantly discussing work during family dinners? Do you feel guilty when not working? These could be signs of workaholism, a trap many of us, as moms, fall into. Recognizing these signs is essential to prevent them from affecting your family life.

Reflecting on what triggers your workaholic tendencies can be a powerful tool in preventing a relapse. Is it the need for validation or the fear of failure? By identifying these triggers, you can take proactive steps to prevent falling into the workaholic cycle. One way to do this is to keep a journal of your work habits and emotions, noting down any patterns or triggers that you notice.

 Workaholism can strain family relationships in various ways. For instance, your kids might miss quality time with you, and your partner may feel disconnected. You might find it hard to switch off from work, even during family activities. It’s crucial to understand how your work habits impact your loved ones. 

It’s important to remember that seeking validation from others is not a sustainable source of happiness. True validation comes from within, from knowing that you are doing your best and living in alignment with your values. By shifting your focus away from seeking validation outside of yourself, you can break free from the workaholic cycle and find a healthier balance between work and personal life.

Remember, your worth is not determined by how much you accomplish or how busy you are. Take time to prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and practice self-compassion. You deserve to live a fulfilling and balanced life as a mom.

If you’re struggling to make healthier changes, you may not be convinced a change is needed. Many of us are also great at avoiding change due to fear of the unknown. This fear can be a significant barrier to personal growth, as it tends to be something we dread rather than look forward to. But it’s important to remember that change is often the catalyst for positive transformation. 

However, it’s important to recognize when a change is needed to live a life that aligns with your values and brings you joy. So, how exactly can you realize that change is required in your work life? It’s about understanding what makes you truly happy and fulfilled and making choices that prioritize those things. 

Below, you’ll discover some common signs to look out for.

You feel lost or stuck in life when you aren’t working

Feeling like you’re in a boring routine and not sure what your purpose is? It’s totally normal to feel that way sometimes. Figuring out what you’re meant to do can be tough, especially when you’re still growing up and learning new things. Your purpose might even change as you get older and try new stuff. If you’re feeling lost and like you’re not living your best life, it might be time to mix things up a bit.

Your mood is consistently flat when you aren’t working

If you’re feeling blah all the time and nothing seems to make you happy, it might be time for a change. You don’t have to be super sad to know something’s not right – feeling flat all the time is a sign that your life might need a little shake-up. Remember the things that used to make you smile that aren’t related to school or work.

You suffer from poor self-esteem when you aren’t working

Feeling bad about yourself can happen for many reasons. But it’s more common in people who don’t take care of themselves. When you don’t treat yourself well, you might start being really hard on yourself or thinking you’re not important. 

If you keep feeling this way, it can make you believe you don’t deserve good things. And then you might stop trying to be happy. If you’re struggling with feeling bad about yourself, it’s a sign that you need to make some changes.

You have very little energy when you aren’t working

Feeling tired all the time can be a sign that you need to take better care of yourself. If you’re constantly exhausted, it might mean that you’re not doing things that make you happy or excited. Doing things that don’t inspire you can make you feel drained and unmotivated. So, if you wake up feeling tired every day, it’s time to start practicing self-care.

Taking care of yourself means doing things that make you feel good, like getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and doing activities that bring you joy. When you take care of yourself, you’ll have more energy and be ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

Recognizing when you need to make a change is important. Self-care can boost your confidence, give you a sense of purpose, and make you feel happier and more energized. So, if you want to feel better, start by taking care of yourself and getting rid of anything that’s bringing you down.

Overcoming the Challenges of Being A Workaholic

Once the Pandemic, everything changed. My outlook on work had changed. I realized the pleasure I had taken surrounding my career was me operating on my lower self or for egotistical purposes. My intention to engulf myself in my work wasn’t aligning with my higher self or who I truly am. Once I realized this, overcoming the challenges of being a workaholic, burnout and mom guilt became easy. Here is how I overcame these challenges:

• Set boundaries at work.

– Refrain from overworking yourself.

– Say no to extra tasks if you have too much work

• Mediate

– Meditation allows you to be present. Being present relieves the tension of stress.

• Exercise and play with your kids

– Exercise releases dopamine and endorphins. Dopamine is a hormone that improves blood flow, proving to allow the feeling of pleasure and motivation. Meanwhile, endorphins are a brain chemical that helps relieve pain and stress.

As a workaholic mom, I have learned that, above all else, balance is critical. Working hard and taking pride in our accomplishments is essential, but time for ourselves and our families is necessary. Working too much can affect how we view our careers and our families, not to mention the toll it can take on our physical and mental health. 

The only way to combat workaholism is to make a conscious effort to maintain a healthy work-life balance. We must create structure and boundaries to keep each aspect of our lives in check. It is possible to prioritize our work and nurture our families simultaneously—these two things are not mutually exclusive. We can be successful in both.

We must remember that our families come first, and our careers should be seen as a means to provide for our families and bring us joy, not guilt or shame. Maintaining a healthy balance between work and family life can create a harmonious environment where both aspects of our lives can thrive.

Remembering this perspective can help us navigate the challenges of balancing career aspirations with family responsibilities in a way that brings us fulfillment and happiness. Let’s use that wisdom to create a life we’re proud of and ensure work doesn’t take away from our pride in our families.

Find the motivation to make a change and strive towards a healthier balance. If this post resonates with you, purchase my upcoming book Done On Purpose– on finding your purpose, leave a comment, and share your story and tips for success as a workaholic mom.

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