I was stay at home mom for a few years until recently returning to work full time. The transition was a bit of an adjustment to say the least – and nothing had prepared me for the sheer exhaustion when I first went back! Things have definitely been getting easier as the weeks (and now months) go by. And my husband, three sons and I have found our own rhythm amidst the challenge of finding work-life balance… I can finally say that we are starting to get into a comfortable routine!

In the context of working and parenting, Angelina Jolie was once quoted as saying “I think if you love what you do, and the choice you’ve made in your life, somehow that drives you forward to enjoy it all. Even the chaos, even the exhaustion of it, and even when it seems out of balance.”

Here are the five most important things I’ve learned in the process of transitioning back to work and as a parent working out of the home.

1.     Meal prep, always! 

The more you can meal prep the more you will save time and avoid scrambling for last minute ideas on what to have for dinner. At our house we have a loose meal prep plan (and try to limit grocery shopping to once a week) — I plan 4 nights out of the 7 which allows me to have the flexibility of doing something different if there is an unplanned event one evening or we are doing a lot of running around from activity to activity.

2.     Balance organization with down time, every day, morning to night

Making sure my life is in order is key for helping keep my head on straight while multitasking each day. I’ve learned the hard way how important unwinding is for your mental and physical health! I try to do one thing a day for myself (even if it’s only for 15-30 minutes) and try to keep flexible work hours to help with maintaining balance. I also make a conscious effort to avoid sweating the small stuff.

3.     Lean on your support network

It takes a village to help raise children and I could not do it without the support of my friends and family. My family often helps out when I need childcare during the day while I’m at work or out for date nights with my husband, but if they’re not available I arrange for alternate childcare. Cultivating friendships are also a priority for me and have at least one girl’s weekend away each year with my best friends.

4.     Embrace your strengths, weaknesses and insecurities

There is so much to think about when you are going back to work, not to mention all the little things that keep you up at night… like to do lists and worrying whether you’ve lost your edge being out of the workforce caring for your children (or that you’re not as sharp anymore because of mommy brain) and what to wear now that you’re body has changed after having kids. Accept yourself for who you are — and remember that you are doing your best and that perfection isn’t an option!

5.     Let go of mommy guilt

This may be the most difficult part about going back to work. It’s not easy to be a working parent but life doesn’t have to be so complicated either. No matter what your reason for returning back to work is, and despite the craziness of it all, everything seems to all work out in the end because you’re doing what’s best for you and your family.

About the author

Phyllis Oruclar is a wife and mother of three very loud boys. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 12 years and has a love for anything designed well.

Phyllis contributes to Calmparent.net because she believes in reconciling her own personal goals with being a busy mother. She is a supporter of what it represents for women – simplifying your life to find balance so that you can pursue your hobbies, or work while still being a dedicated mother. Phyllis is also a personal advocate of Calm Baby Sleep Routine which she used to get her third child on a good sleep routine.

Phyllis enjoys trying new recipes and spending time with her family. She also likes being outdoors, reading a good novel, writing and window-shopping online. Her dynamic and practical ideas are a breath of fresh air for mothers trying to maintain a sense of balance!