The Working Mom Dilemma: Balancing Family and Business in Interior Design

Being a working mom is tough, especially when you own an interior design company with five employees and have lots of clients and projects. As someone who deals with this daily, I can tell you that the struggle is so real. Balancing professional responsibilities with family duties can make you feel like you're constantly letting someone down. But as I've gone through this journey , I've picked up some important lessons about finding balance, being present, and showing yourself some kindness.

Don’t get me wrong, by giving you tips, it doesn't mean I always practice them; I fail most of the time!

The Guilt of Division

When I'm at work, I often feel terrible for not being with my kids. I worry about missing important moments or not being present enough in their daily lives. On the flip side, when I'm with my kids, I feel guilty about not giving my business the attention it needs. The emails, client meetings, and project deadlines don't stop just because I'm spending time with my family.

Many working moms face this dual guilt. It's okay to feel guilty, but we shouldn't let it overwhelm us or control our actions.

The Myth of Perfection

One of the most liberating things I've learned is that perfect work-life balance doesn't exist. Some days work demands more, and other days my family needs more from me. I've stopped aiming for perfection and started focusing on being present and giving my best wherever I am.

When I'm at work, I give my all to my clients and team, making sure everything runs smoothly. When I'm with my family, I make a conscious effort to be fully present and cherish those moments without distractions.

Setting Boundaries and Priorities

Setting clear boundaries between work and home life has been crucial for me. Having set work hours and sticking to them as much as possible has been a game-changer. When I'm home, I try to disconnect from work emails and calls to fully enjoy time with my family. When I'm at work, I minimize personal distractions to stay productive.

Prioritizing tasks is also important. Not every email needs an immediate response, and not every meeting needs to happen during family time. Learning to delegate tasks within my company has allowed me to focus on the big picture and balance my time more effectively.

Embracing Flexibility

Being flexible is key in managing the working mom dilemma. There will be days when a sick child means rearranging my schedule, or a last-minute work deadline demands extra hours. Having a support system in place, whether it's a great team at work or a supportive partner at home, makes dealing with these challenges easier.

Self-Compassion and Realistic Expectations

Being kind to myself has been a crucial lesson. Acknowledging the effort I put into both my family and my business and celebrating small victories has made a big difference. It's also important to have realistic expectations and understand that it's okay to have good and bad days. The goal isn't perfect balance every day but finding what works for you and your family over time.

Finding Joy in Both Worlds

Being a good mom and a successful business owner is about finding joy in both roles. It's about acknowledging the challenges but also the rewards. The pride of running a successful business, the joy of seeing my kids grow and thrive, and the satisfaction of doing my best in both areas of my life.

As I continue this journey, I remind myself that it's a long process, not a quick fix. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, and with each step, I learn more about balance, presence, and the true meaning of success.

By sharing my story, I hope to inspire and support other working moms facing similar struggles. Remember, you're not alone, and with patience, flexibility, and self-compassion, it's possible to thrive both at work and at home.