Why Your Work-Life Balance Might Be Broken and How to Fix It

Shelleka Powell-Tomlinson
Feb 4
3 min read

If you’re a working mom, chances are you’ve felt like you’re constantly running on empty—trying to be everything to everyone while barely having a moment to breathe. Work deadlines, school drop-offs, meal prep, laundry, side hustles… the list goes on. And somewhere in between, you’re supposed to find time for yourself?

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or guilty about not “doing enough” at work or home, your work-life balance might be broken. But don’t worry, you’re not alone—and there are ways to fix it. Let’s talk about the most common struggles moms face when it comes to work-life balance and practical solutions to help you regain control.

Common Struggles That Break Work-Life Balance

1. You’re Trying to Do Everything Yourself

Moms are natural multi-taskers, but that doesn’t mean we should do it all. From managing work deadlines to cleaning the house, we often feel like asking for help is a sign of failure. But the truth is, trying to do everything alone is the fastest route to burnout.

✅ Fix It: Learn to delegate.

Share household responsibilities with your partner and kids.
Use grocery delivery or meal prep services to save time.
Accept that perfection isn’t the goal—done is better than perfect.

2. You Feel Guilty No Matter What You Choose

Mom guilt is real. When you’re at work, you feel bad for not being with your kids. When you’re home, you feel bad for not doing more at work. It’s a cycle that never seems to end.

✅ Fix It: Shift your mindset.

Instead of focusing on where you aren’t, be fully present where you are.
Set clear work and home boundaries—when it’s family time, be all in.
Remind yourself that balancing both roles makes you a great role model for your kids.

3. Your Schedule Feels Out of Control

Does your day feel like a constant rush from one task to another with no room to breathe? Without structure, it’s easy to feel like time is slipping away and you’re always playing catch-up.

✅ Fix It: Plan your week in advance.

Use a weekly planner (like my free 2025 Planner!) to map out key tasks, appointments, and self-care time.
Set priorities—everything doesn’t need to get done today.
Time-block your day to avoid last-minute scrambling.

4. You Never Make Time for Yourself

When was the last time you did something just for you? Many moms sacrifice their needs because they feel guilty spending time or money on themselves. But you can’t pour from an empty cup.

✅ Fix It: Schedule self-care like a meeting.

Block out 10–30 minutes a day for something that brings you joy.
Use my Self-Care Planner to track small, meaningful ways to recharge.
Start small—one quiet coffee break, one short walk, one deep breath.

My Self-Care Planner & Journal

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5. You’re Saying Yes to Everything

Ever find yourself over-committed—agreeing to extra work projects, school events, or social gatherings even when you don’t have time? It’s time to set boundaries.

✅ Fix It: Learn to say NO.

If it’s not a priority, a passion, or a paycheck, reconsider saying yes.
Set limits—your time is valuable.
Use this phrase: “I’d love to help, but I don’t have the capacity right now.”

Final Thoughts: Work-Life Balance is a Work in Progress

There’s no perfect balance—it’s about adjusting and adapting as life changes. Some weeks will feel more work-heavy, others will be more family-focused. The key is to be intentional.

If you’re struggling with work-life balance, start with one small change today. Whether it’s delegating, planning your week, or saying “no” more often, every step counts.

Let’s Fix This Together!

Download my free 2025 Planner & Calendar to organize your time and find balance. Join the Efitmi Lifestyle Facebook Group for support from like-minded moms. Subscribe to my blog for weekly tips on managing motherhood, work, and self-care.