Full Disclosure: I am a proud affiliate, meaning if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. My recommendations are based on deep experience with and knowledge of the products I mention and I recommend products only when they are genuinely helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I may receive. Please don’t spend any money on products I recommend unless you genuinely believe they will help you achieve your goals.

Are you a career mom, dad, parent, or even simply interested in becoming one?

Being a parent is a full-time job alone. But for many, having a career is important too. 

A career can provide financial security, personal fulfillment, and a sense of identity. It can also improve your life balance.

In this article, I’ll tell you 10 key ways a career can actually improve your life balance as a parent.

Introduction

I became a first-time mom in 2018, nearly a decade after I started my career. Finding balance as a career mom was initially difficult, but for me, it was important.

You may feel the same. While being a mom is rewarding, it’s also challenging. Sometimes a career can provide a satisfying break from being a busy parent.

Not only that, but a number of households can’t rely on one income alone, especially in light of rapidly rising living expenses, so sometimes it’s simply necessary to be a career mom, career dad, or career parent.

So if you’re a parent and you balance a career, or if you’re considering getting into a career, then you may be wondering about the benefits a career can have for you.

10 Ways a Career Improves Your Life Balance

You may have already considered some of the benefits, but here are 10 ways that a career can improve your life balance as a career mom, career dad, or career parent:

1. Increased income. 

Probably the most unsurprising on this list, a career can provide you with a steady income, which can help ease financial stress. 

If you have FIRE goals, then your increased income can help you achieve a FIRE lifestyle sooner.

Achieving a FIRE lifestyle can free up your time and energy to focus on other areas of your life, such as spending time with your family and friends, pursuing your hobbies, or volunteering in your community.

2. Improved financial security. 

With a steady income, you can support your family and meet your financial goals sooner. This can give you peace of mind knowing that you have a safety net in case of unexpected expenses.

3. Personal fulfillment. 

As a career mom, a career can provide you with a sense of personal fulfillment and joy. You may feel that you’re making a difference that makes you proud. 

Working in a field that you’re passionate about can give you a sense of purpose and satisfaction. This can boost your mood and energy levels, helping you balance the challenges of parenting.

4. Sense of identity. 

A career can help you maintain a sense of identity outside of your role as a parent, which can be a challenge. 

Your job may also help you feel confident and capable. This can be especially important if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood (which is totally normal, trust me).

5. Reduced stress. 

A career can reduce your stress by providing you with a sense of control over your life. 

When you feel purposeful and passionate about your work, you will likely experience reduced stress and anxiety. As a more fulfilled career mom, you’ll be better equipped to cope with the challenges of motherhood.

6. Increased self-worth. 

A career can increase your self-worth by giving you a sense of accomplishment and making you feel good about yourself. 

That increased confidence can also make you feel like a more capable parent. 

7. A sense of purpose and identity. 

A career can give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It can be a way to use your skills and talents to make a difference in the world. This can be a great source of satisfaction and fulfillment.

8. Opportunities for social interaction. 

A career can provide you with social interaction and networking opportunities. This can help you stay connected with other adults and build lasting relationships. 

This can be especially important if you’re feeling isolated or lonely as a mom (which is also totally normal).

9. A chance to grow and develop. 

A career can give you the opportunity to learn new things and grow as a person. This can help you stay sharp and engaged in life.

Psst… if you’d like some ideas to help you uncover your innate strengths and develop your skills, I recommend reading Strengths Finder, which comes with a free personality quiz when you buy the book new!

10. A way to set a good example for your children. 

Seeing you work hard and achieve your goals as a career mom can inspire your children to do the same. This can help them develop a strong work ethic and their own sense of self-worth.

If you’re in a career or considering getting into one, then you’ve probably considered at least one of these key benefits, but did any of these benefits surprise you?

Additional Tips for Career Moms

If you are a mom who is considering going back to work or even starting a new career, I encourage you to do so if you feel it’s best for you and your family. A career can be a great way to improve your life balance and overall well-being.

Here are 5 additional tips for moms who are balancing a career and motherhood:

1. Get organized.

It can be difficult to balance a career and parenting, which is why I recommend you keep track of the progress you’re making toward your goals.

I personally prefer using ClickUp to make sure I’m on target, though there are plenty of great project management tools available to help you stay on track.

2. Set boundaries. 

Admittedly, this is the single thing I struggle with as a career mom. It’s hard to set boundaries (especially as a people pleaser), but it’s so so SO important. You’ll risk a quick and terrible burnout if you don’t set the right boundaries… I speak from experience.

You should always set healthy boundaries, but it’s an added challenge as a career mom, as you’ll need to set boundaries between your work life and your home life. 

Set aside specific times for work and family, and stick to those times as much as possible.

3. Delegate. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your spouse, family, or friends. There are many things that you can delegate, such as cooking, cleaning, and running errands.

4. Take care of yourself. 

Make sure you take time for yourself each day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Find your outlets for relaxation and commit to finding time for them.

For me, that might mean going for a run or a walk, writing, doing yoga, meditating, reading, or even watching a show or playing a game.

You might want to choose from my list or try something else.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 

If you’re struggling to balance your career and parenting, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a therapist, counselor, trusted friend or family member, or other professional.

Conclusion

It’s easy to feel guilty as a parent. In fact, it’s totally normal. But whether you choose to be a career mom or a stay-at-home mom, trust your gut and know that you’re doing what you know to be best for you, your family, and those you love.

Think starting a journey as a career mom will FIRE Your Career? Check out the posts page for more ways you can FIRE Your Career and achieve financial freedom.

FIRE Your Career: Achieve Financial Freedom Through Your Career & Spend MORE Time Doing What You Love.

Products I recommend in this article:

Strengths Finder (book to uncover your innate strengths)

ClickUp (my recommended project management tool)