Women in Business: Juggling Motherhood as a Leader and Small Business Owner

According to a study by the Pew Research Center, more women are breadwinners than ever before. Nearly half of all working mothers are the primary or sole income earners in their households.  

While this may not seem like an issue, there are specific challenges and obstacles that these women face. How does one balance their time effectively with the demands of both being a leader and a mother?  

Balancing motherhood with your responsibilities as a business owner can be difficult. You make a point to schedule all of your business appointments during the day to be home with your kids in the evening. You try to plan out your week ahead of time to make time for both work and motherhood. It’s all about being efficient with your time and using any free moments to get things done.

One key challenge for women in business is managing the competing demands of being a leader and a mother. This can be especially difficult for women working in demanding or fast-paced industries. There may be little flexibility around work schedules.  

To address this challenge, many women turn to time management strategies such as creating to-do lists, blocking out specific periods for work tasks, and delegating tasks to others. However, these strategies can only do so much.  

Another key challenge for women in business is dealing with the biases and stereotypes they may face. This can be especially difficult for women striving to be seen as competent leaders but being judged for their maternal instincts or abilities.  

To address this challenge, many women try to be aware of the biases and stereotypes they may face and work to counter them. This may involve assertively speaking up in meetings, seeking out mentors and sponsors, and networking with other women in business.  

Despite the challenges, there are also many benefits to being a woman in business. These benefits can include gaining a greater sense of confidence, developing a stronger work ethic, and building a network of supportive colleagues.  

So, while there may be challenges to being a woman in business, there are also many rewards. By being aware of the challenges and taking steps to address them, women can succeed in both their leadership roles and their maternal roles.  

Do you dream of being your boss and having the freedom to make your hours? Here are some tips for thriving as both a mom and a business owner.  

1. Make time for self-care. One of the biggest challenges facing women in business is finding the time and energy to take care of themselves. This is especially true if you are a new mom, as caring for a newborn often leaves little point for anything else. But it’s essential to carve out time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. Consider taking a yoga class, walking, or even getting a massage to help you relax and recharge. 

2. Build your support network. Whether it’s your spouse, family members, friends, or professional contacts, having strong relationships can make a difference when balancing motherhood and business. Talk to your loved ones about what you need, whether that’s more help with childcare or simply a listening ear during the tough times. And look for mentors in your industry who can provide guidance and support as you work toward your goals. 

3. Prioritize your time and tasks carefully. Effectively managing your time is perhaps one of the most important keys to success as a working mom. Learn to delegate and create systems that help you work efficiently. For example, if you run a home-based business, hire a virtual assistant to handle some of the tasks that would typically take up your time, such as scheduling appointments or handling customer service inquiries. 

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. As a mom and business owner, it can often feel like you’re expected to do it all. But the reality is that this isn’t possible, especially if you have young children at home. So don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, whether from your spouse or hired help. This can help you manage your time and boost productivity without burning yourself out. 

5. Believe that anything is possible. Above all else, remember that you can do anything you set your mind to as a working mom. There’s no limit to what you can achieve with the right combination of passion, perseverance, and hard work. When you have the right mindset, anything is possible. 

If you’re looking for help managing your time and tasks as a working mom, look no further than Live Free Virtual Services. We can help you take care of everything from scheduling appointments to handling customer service inquiries, so you can focus on what’s important – your family and your business. Book a discovery call today to learn more!