By 
I’ve previously shared thoughts on returning to work after having a baby and on switching careers, but I haven’t delved into the day-to-day logistical challenges that many of us encounter as working mothers. Balancing motherhood and career brings a host of issues; some are rooted in societal norms, while others we inadvertently accept as our own burdens. I know many women who work late into the night because they left the office ‘early’ to pick up their little ones, feeling guilty or worried about being judged for not matching their pre-parenting productivity levels—essentially juggling two full-time roles.
Being a working mother is undeniably tough. After returning from maternity leave, I was a director at a medium-sized company, and I was committed to my role. My anxiety peaked every day as I attempted to leave the office by 5 PM (having skipped lunch and arrived painfully early) to reach the nursery on time, navigating traffic across London. The stress was constant, knowing I’d face a hefty fee if I was even minutes late. I was lucky; my company was very supportive of parents, but the pressure I felt was often self-imposed. Managing client meetings was also challenging, particularly with clients who didn’t have children, as I worried about being seen as unprofessional for needing to leave to pick up my child. One day, during a crucial meeting, my phone vibrated insistently; it was about my child. I left to pick him up, prioritizing his care over a deal—he needed me, and I was there.
A few years ago, my life took an unexpected turn, and I had to leave London. I commuted from Oxford to Shoreditch for a year, driven by my love for our company, but eventually, I needed a complete change. Today, I’m a primary school teacher, partly because it aligns better with single parenting. Though I’ll miss taking my son to school on his first day, I’ll spend each holiday with him, cherishing those moments. My income may be lower than when I started my first job out of university, but I know this choice is right for us.
