MOMS WITH A SOCIAL WORK CAREER – HOW TO BALANCE YOUR LIFE & CAREER

We all need to carve out a healthy work-life balance, but women have a more massive responsibility as primary caregivers. While both parents have an active and equal obligation at home, mothers always take precedence with their miraculous problem-solving abilities. They are the go-to person for kids in times of hunger, trouble, injury, and other minor or major problems. 

Licensed female professionals largely dominate the social work arena as this career path demands empathy and compassion. Women are more suited for child protection services, social services, and working with the underprivileged for many reasons. However, as a social worker, achieving a harmonious work-life balance is no small feat. 

It requires one to focus on setting priorities and barriers and dividing their time and energies mindfully. As a mother, you want to nurture your family and combat your job stressors without bringing them home. How can you meet your jobs’ needs and return home with a happy and sunny disposition? This article will help social worker moms carve out a healthy work-life balance with some practical tips. 

Breaking Free Of Myths 

It is crucial to break free of myths and banish all gender roles before you start devising a harmonious work-life balance. Modern-day relationships are grounded in equality, and equal responsibility is the cornerstone of a healthy and happy marriage. Mothers are no longer the always-available parent with an apron tied to the necks and ovens brimming with delicious delicacies. 

Modern-day women are hustlers who juggle their family responsibilities alongside flourishing careers and leadership roles. You don’t have to be tied to the kitchen to be an attentive and loving parent. Children need our love and attention, and most importantly, they need happy, healthy, and constructive parents. 

Moreover, social worker jobs typically come with undefined hours and numerous stressors. It is crucial to make a routine that allows you to unwind and be your best self around your family. Instead of being a fixture at home or work, focus on creating a rewarding routine. 

Your children will benefit from social interactions, activities, and hobbies that make them grow through exciting experiences. Daycare centers, summer camps, school, music lessons, sports, and other activities will keep them physically and socially engaged. Naturally, the time they spend away from parents must be reasonable, but you must allow them immersive and exciting life experiences. 

While your children embark on new adventurers, cultivate meaningful friendships, and develop new skills, you can focus on work responsibilities. 

Reliable & Quality Child Care

If you want to build a lucrative and successful career in social work, be sure to get quality and reliable child care. You know what they say, it takes a village to raise a child. You will need all the support you need to ensure your child has a rewarding and constructive routine each day. 

The first step is to find the best quality schools and child care that are a perfect match for your routine and requirements. Seeking out quality and reliable caregivers are no easy feat and require considerable research. Be sure to ask your colleagues and friends for referrals when seeking reliable child care assistance. 

The right caregivers will ensure your child’s comfort and safety so you can avoid all last-minute crises and catastrophes. Be sure to set up backup caregivers and babysitters for emergencies and unusually busy weeks. Create a monthly or yearly schedule for your child and line up all the local events, camps, classes, and activities.

If your child has a busy week or a summer lined up with activities, your absence during the day will not be missed. You can also indulge them in new hobbies, schedule visits to grandparents or relatives in another city. Be sure to clear up the schedule so you can make room for romantic date nights with your partner. Some me time is also essential so you can unwind and relax with a tall glass of wine and a salty bubble bath. 

Setting Firm Boundaries 

Numerous social work positions require professionals to be available during their non-work hours. Some social work jobs require long hours or constant interruptions that make you rush to the office during family time. If you’re continually cutting your family time short to be more vigilant and available at work, you need to set boundaries. 

It is not healthy for your job to take up a significant chunk of your non-work hours, especially if you have a family and children. It is crucial to set boundaries and train your boss and colleagues to respect these boundaries. Your downtime is yours and yours alone, and you have everything to use it as per your preferences. 

Your job or position at work should not be impacted by your inability to answer emails during non-work hours. It would help if you made it a healthy habit to avoid answer off-hour emails, calls, and requests. It would be best if you reminded your supervisors of your right to work on reasonable schedules and lodge complaints about late-night intrusions. 

Unless the matter is of the utmost importance, and can only be addressed by you, focus on preserving off-work hours. If you tend to agree with every demand made by your superiors, you will find carving balance increasingly challenging. 

All social workers serve communities and populations that are underprivileged and require constant care. However, one social worker can’t sacrifice their family life all the time. You need to focus on being fair and available for your loved ones before you look outwards. People who depend on you at home take precedence overall, especially when you are at home. Free your mind of all responsibilities the second you enter the house, leaving them at the doorstep without a second glance.

Conclusion

Social work is physically and emotionally draining, so it is crucial to take care of yourself. It’s easy to lose oneself while juggling responsibilities at work and at home. Mothers often get so caught up between giving their best at work and being the nurturing caregiver at home. The only person who ends up being ignored is you. 

It is crucial to start carving out the balance you want in your life by balancing yourself. Instead of being caught between work and home, divide your time and leave out a few hours for yourself. Don’t deny yourself moments of self-pampering and pleasuring. Take a night off work and kids, and go out with your girls for a crazy night out. Remember to unwind with a cozy blanket and a fascinating read now and then. After all, a balanced and happy woman is more likely to be a hands-on mother and a responsible professional.