Having a successful career and being a parent are wonderful and challenging feats, but being a working parent also presents unique challenges. For example, achieving a healthy work/life balance and juggling a career, children, and/or pets can be tough! Self-care can feel like an uphill battle, and your workday/schedule may look different than it did before having children. For instance, I wrote this blog after my son’s bedtime routine, before I sat down for dinner with my husband.

Many of us already feel like there isn’t enough time in the day, so how do you prioritize parenthood alongside your thriving career (while also maintaining your sanity)? There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

With the school year now underway and companies urging (or requiring) employees to return to the office in some capacity, our board of directors’ diligent, working parents (including pet parents) came together to share ways they’ve found success managing both roles. If you are still trying to find that ‘sweet spot,’ here are several tips for striking that balance:

Prioritize filling your own cup. 

“Working parents are in many ways unsung heroes – I couldn’t have appreciated the skill of “maintaining balance” until becoming a parent myself. Prior to having children, your “cups” to fill are more streamlined, splitting your efforts between work, caring for yourself (your health, hobbies), and your relationships. Suddenly, overnight, you have another cup that needs filling – it’s entirely new and overwhelming at first, leaving you feeling drained until you finally realize that you can’t “pour your all” into one cup and neglect the rest. It takes time to learn to give yourself grace and remember that you can’t pour at all from an empty cup. Take care of yourself, and look to align yourself with a company that not only supports but actively champions your need to achieve work/life balance.” – Angelica English, PAN

Set proper expectations for yourself and your employer or clients.

“Positions in the communications field, though they can be demanding, offer a lot of flexibility that parents need. I found that project-based assignments, consulting arrangements, or management positions worked for me when I was a new mom, as I had more freedom with that kind of work.  Today, as a higher-ed professional (with three sons at home aged nine and under!), I make sure I talk to my students about the realities of having a career in this field and gaining success while also raising a family (if that’s in their future plans.) It can absolutely be done if expectations are set.” – Kristina Markos, Lasell University

Embrace the blurred boundaries and cross-utilize your skill set. 

“Once I embraced the blurred boundary between being CEO of my career and family, I realized how skills and experiences seamlessly transfer between the two. Whether managing executive publicity campaigns, working with the community on food allergy policies, or running a hockey team fundraising event, the message/audience/medium model is universally applicable. Adjustments to a strategy found in my life as a parent can yield fresh insights and approaches at work. For example, I adopted the WIN (What I Need) concept from my kids’ school and now apply it to client engagements. WIN empowers students to reflect, prioritize, and intentionally choose where to focus their energy. I incorporate this into COM plans/budgets as a flexible component that allows for a pivot when unexpected priorities arise. WIN makes it OK to address immediate needs without disrupting broader goals, which fosters an agile, collaborative partnership grounded by open communication—elements as vital in the workplace as they are in the classroom and at home.” – Jessica Ann Morris, JAM PR

Block out time on your calendar. 

“For me to be an effective parent and employee, it’s important that I plan out my week on Sunday night and block out time on my calendar for both work and personal activities. Since the work-from-home shift began, the lines between work and home have gotten blurred. By blocking out time, I’m able to ensure that I have time for my job, me, and my family over the course of the day.” – Tara Lefave Stred, Three Rings, Inc.

Slow down and find ways to decompress.

“Being a dog mom is extremely beneficial and rewarding. As a remote employee, it’s important for me to carve out time during the workday to walk Izzy – the sassiest 3-year-old rescue mut you’ll ever meet – and/or take mini play/snuggle breaks. This time away from my computer, however brief, is always helpful for me to recalibrate. When I sit back down at my computer, I’m able to think with more clarity and creativity- a walk for her is a mental health break for me! Nothing brings me more joy than seeing her happy and thriving. When the working day is done, Izzy and I often enjoy a walk on the beach to decompress. I recently watched an Instagram reel that kindly reminded the viewer “ including your dog will slow you down, but maybe that’s the whole point.” In closing, slow down dog moms – your quality of work and your nervous system will thank you.” – Abbey Clark, PAN

Unplug from technology and be present while at home. 

“I always make sure I put my phone and laptop away when I first get home. It’s essential for me to be able to give my dog a big, uninterrupted greeting after being away all day. During the workday, I’ve hired a dog walker to take Maverick to play groups several times a week so that he can have some socialization. Once I’m home from work, I make sure I take him on nighttime walks with my partner as a way to spend quality time and disconnect from the busy day.” – Kaitlynn Cooney, Brodeur Partners

This blog was written by Britney Mazareas, PR Club Board Member.