The Working Mom’s Guide to Having a Thriving Career and a Fulfilling Family Life

Hey moms,

If you’re anything like me, you want to grow in your career, achieve your goals, and still be the incredible mom your family needs. But sometimes it feels like an impossible balancing act, right? There’s this idea that in order to climb the career ladder, we have to sacrifice our family life. I want to tell you: that’s a myth.

I've been working in a call center for almost 10 years now. When I started, I was young, single, and living with my parents. Fast forward to today, and I'm married with two beautiful children. Along the way, I've had four different roles, each time taking on positions with greater responsibility. I've held the most demanding role of the four while also being a wife and mother.

You Don’t Have to Choose Between Career and Family

For many of us, the mind block comes from believing that success in our careers means we have to give up time with our kids or sacrifice being present at home. But what I’ve learned in my journey is that it’s not about choosing one or the other—it’s about finding balance.

I’m grateful for my support system. My husband and extended family have been my rock, helping me juggle the responsibilities of work and motherhood. It’s true that no one achieves their goals alone, and having people in your corner makes all the difference.

But here's the thing: You can still move forward in your career, even if you don’t have a huge support system. The key is to approach your goals with intention and faith.

God Has a Plan for You—In Your Career and at Home

I firmly believe that the career goals we have were placed on our hearts for a reason. God knows what’s best for us, and He guides us on the path that aligns with His purpose. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”

When we bring our career goals to God, asking for wisdom, balance, and strength, He makes a way for us. He gives us the ability to grow in our careers without losing sight of what matters most at home.

Practical Steps to Advance Your Career Without Sacrificing Your Family

Now, let’s get into some practical ways to break through that mental block and pursue your career without feeling like you’re giving up on family life:

1. Set Clear Career Goals: Get specific about what you want. Whether it’s a promotion, a new role, or even starting your own business—write it down and make it plain. Keep your vision in front of you, just like Habakkuk 2:2 says, “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets.” This will help you stay focused on what you’re working toward.

   
   

2. Leverage Your Support System: If you have a spouse, family, or even close friends, don’t be afraid to lean on them. Let them know your goals and how they can support you. Sometimes that’s as simple as asking for help with the kids or carving out time to work on a project. And if your support system isn’t big, don’t be afraid to ask for help in your community or hire help if you can. You’re not alone in this.

   
   

3. Prioritize Your Time Wisely: Time management is key. Time-blocking has been a game-changer for me. I map out my work tasks, family time, and personal time each week. This helps me stay focused when I’m working and fully present when I’m with my family.

   
   

4. Know When to Say No: Not every opportunity is worth saying yes to. Sometimes we feel like we need to take on more to get ahead, but saying no can protect your time and energy. You don’t have to prove yourself by burning out.

   
   

5. Trust God’s Timing: This is a big one. Sometimes, we feel like we’re not moving fast enough in our careers, but God’s timing is always perfect. Trust that He’s opening the right doors for you at the right time, even if it doesn’t look the way you expect. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

   
   

You Can Have Both

I want to encourage you, mama: You can absolutely have both—a thriving career and a fulfilling family life. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. You can advance your goals while being the incredible mom your family needs. You’re more capable than you think. With faith, intentionality, and a solid plan, you can remove the mental block that says you have to choose between work and family.

I’ve been there, and I’m still growing. Let’s move forward together, breaking through the myths that hold us back, and stepping into the future God has for us.