If you’re one of the many working mothers out there, you might be wondering how to balance it all. I’ll share my real working mom schedule and give you tips on how to maximize your time.
Returning to Work After Baby
The example that I’ll be using to show you a working mom schedule is my own! I have returned to full time work (40 hours per week) for almost two months now. I’ll give you the the specifics about my situation. I am a work at home mom (WAHM). My job gives me the option to telecommute full time, which I have a new sense of appreciation for after having my baby.
Telecommuting full time requires real time management skills. Since you are not in a typical office environment, no one is standing over you to make sure you remain on task. I see my manager and colleagues in person only a few times a year!
My work at home (WAH) job does require me to be in my home office for 8 hours a day. No working out of the coffee shop or at the park. You have to motivate yourself and establish real boundaries so you don’t end up working all day.
Work at Home and Childcare?
With that being said, let me address the issue of telecommuting and childcare for my specific situation. Yes, I’m at home all day and I still require full time childcare! I’m on the phone a LOT and I have a high volume of work. I can’t devote the time and attention a 4 month old baby needs and be a productive employee. It’s not fair to the baby or to my employer.
My family is a blended family, I have two daughters. The baby lives with us full time and the oldest daughter lives between two households. I live with my husband who also works outside of the home. Rhyan goes to her grandparent’s house for the day. I am beyond grateful that my daughter does not have to go to a traditional daycare at this time! My typical day looks like this:
Time Saving Tips for Working Moms
1. Use the power of written goal setting, utilize lists. Writing down what needs to be done and crossing it off when complete can be rewarding. You can also visually see your progress for the day.
2. Stress less about perfection. It’s just not possible so don’t drive yourself crazy trying to achieve it.
3. Delegate, delegate, delegate! Learn to let someone else do a task. You don’t have to do it ALL. Admitting you need help is NOT a sign of weakness or defeat.
5. Outsource some tasks you would normally do if this is feasible or in your budget. This can mean you hire a cleaning service, sign up for meal delivery.
6. Worry less about what other people may think. Sometimes, well meaning people will be judgmental and overly critical of your parenting skills. They will assume you should be doing as a mom. This does not matter one bit, don’t get bogged down with other’s expectations.
Related: 15 Easy Mom Hacks To Get More Done
Real Working Mom Schedule
Early Morning
6:00 AM My 4 month old daughter Rhyan usually wakes up for the day
6:15 AM Rhyan gets her diaper changed and a new outfit for the day
6:30 AM I work out for about 30 minutes. Usually this is a video I do from one of my favorite You Tube workout channels (Hey PopSugar!) in the living room while Rhyan watches from her swing,
7:00 AM Rhyan is ready for a bottle by now. She is not a fan of drinking her bottle all at once. She might take 3-4 ounces.
7:20 AM We need to leave the house by this time to drop Rhyan off at her grandparents house in order for me to return home timely for work. If my husband drops her off on his way to work, I use this time to shower and fix breakfast!
7:45 AM I return home, shower (QUICKLY!) and prepare breakfast and coffee
Workday
8:00 AM Work begins! Log into my computer and work, work, work.
1:00 PM I get an hour lunch break. I usually take my lunch after 1 PM or later. It can be really flexible. I utilize this hour for getting things done! Chores, blogging or running errands! I have to maximize my childfree hour to the fullest.
5:00 PM Work is done! I like to leave promptly at 5PM to pick up Rhyan. Sometimes that doesn’t happen if I’m tying up loose ends, but I leave no later than 5:30 PM.
Early Evening Hours
5:30-5:45 PM Arrive at Rhyan’s grandparents. I catch up on her day and chat with my family.
6:30 PM Arrive back at home. We like to catch Wheel of Fortune at this time. If we haven’t had dinner at my in laws, I will try and cook something fast. If I don’t have anything to cook, we grab food. Trying to minimize eating out.
7:00 PM Rhyan plays! We try to do tummy time or play with her toys.
7:30 PM Rhyan’s bedtime routine starts! This consists of bath or wipe off, baby massage with lotion, PJs and a book.
Night
8:30 PM Rhyan should be in bed by now and sleeping. At this time I wash her bottles out for the day and prepare them for the following day.
9:30 PM Honestly, depending on how tired I am I will go to bed here. Still adjusting to this working mother life. If I feel the energy and I’m motivated I will complete a chore, catch up on a tv show or work on the blog.
11:30 PM Bedtime, I most likely cannot keep my eyes open after this time.
3:00-4:00 AM Rhyan usually wakes for a bottle
This is honestly what a typical workday looks like in our household. Exceptions to this working mom schedule include school schedules for my husband who is a teacher or my older daughter, sick days, etc. Those things are unpredictable thus, the schedule might get completely thrown off.
Is This Working Mom Schedule Working ?
This a new normal and it takes some getting used to. Sure, I miss sleeping in until the very last minute and then logging on. (Perks of having no work commute!) I look at my 6 AM rise time now as an incentive.
If I rise early with the baby (my alarm clock) I will have time to exercise. I feel that is the best way to start my day, it makes me feel accomplished before I even start work.
After the baby is sleep, I need to try and optimize those hours to the best of my ability. Honestly, it’s taken some adjusting to get used to Rhyan’s sleep schedule. She’s had her days and nights figured out for a while, but we are just now getting into the groove of sorts in regards to a sleep schedule. I might implement this cleaning schedule for working moms later on down the road.
Work Life Balance for Moms Is Attainable
So there you have it, an example of a real working mom schedule. What works for us and what isn’t. I also shared some tips on how we can more effectively balance work and life. Those tips are for myself as well, I will be practicing what I preach.
I wanted to share my schedule, not because it’s perfect, but because it’s real. This is my day to day life and I know there are other moms who can relate.
If you’re working outside of the home or simply need to get ready for the day faster, I have a super easy morning routine for moms. Check out these 3 products that will simplify your beauty routine.
Tell me about your working mom schedule! If you have some tips or secret time hacks, please share!