Balancing Career, Motherhood, and Making Your Desk Job Cool
As a career woman juggling meetings, a doctorate, and sippy cups, I often feel like I’m performing a high-wire act with no safety net. Add in my competitive streak and the fact that my husband’s job as a helicopter pilot is the undisputed “coolest” in our kid’s eyes, and it’s a recipe for overwhelm. How do I compete with a guy who flies helicopters? I don’t. Instead, I’ve learned to celebrate my little wins, show my son that my desk job has its own kind of magic, and turn our everyday moments into opportunities for us both to grow. Here’s my story of navigating the chaos, redirecting mom guilt, and making my career shine for my kiddo, all while teaching him life skills that will set him up for success.
Turning Mom Guilt into Mom Power
Some days, work leaves me so overstimulated that I’m leaning hard on Bluey episodes and dino-nuggets to get through dinner. The mom guilt hits like a freight train—am I failing my son by not being 100% present? But I’ve started to see that guilt differently. It’s not a sign I’m a bad mom; it’s proof of how much I care about being great at both my job and motherhood. Here’s how I’m flipping the script:
I share my wins with my son: I tell him about my day in a way he gets, like, “Mom helped her team finish a big project today, just like when you built that awesome Lego tower!” It bridges my world to his, showing that my desk job has its own superhero moments, even if it’s not as flashy as Dad’s helicopter.
I make my job an adventure: I turn work challenges into stories, like how “Mom saved the day” by fixing a team problem. It makes my role exciting for him and helps him see that my work is cool in its own way.
I embrace the Bluey nights: When I’m tapped out, I rely on quick meals and screen time. Those aren’t failures—they’re me choosing what works so I can still cuddle up with my kid. I tell myself, “I’m doing what’s best for us today,” and let the guilt slip away. My son won’t remember the dino-nuggets; he’ll remember the love.
Teaching Life Skills Through Bedtime Negotiations
My poor kiddo has had to endure some unique bedtime stories—think less Goodnight Moon and more “how organizations communicate,” thanks to my doctorate work. But those moments have turned into a crash course in negotiation and business principles for him. When we go back-and-forth over extra playtime or one more snack, I’m not just “giving in”—I’m teaching him how to advocate and compromise. Here’s how I make it work:
I make negotiations a game: We play “Best Bedtime Deals,” where I say, “Three stories tonight, but we start bedtime five minutes earlier—deal?” He loves the challenge, and it’s teaching him persuasion skills, just like I use when negotiating project timelines at work.
I cheer his progress: When he makes a great case, I call it out: “Wow, you explained why you need that extra story so wel!” It boosts his confidence.
I sneak in business lessons: Since he’s already heard my doctorate musings, I simplify concepts like trade-offs for him. “If we play outside now, we’ll have less story time later—what’s your choice?” It’s like my program management work, and it’s setting him up to think strategically.
Making My Desk Job the Coolest (Well, Almost)
Let’s be real—my desk job will never outshine a helicopter pilot in my son’s eyes. But I’m determined to show him that being a program manager is pretty awesome too. Here’s how I’m doing it:
I show the impact: I explain my work in ways he understands, like, “Mom’s job makes sure projects happen so companies can help people, like getting toys to stores for kids!” I tie it to things he loves, like planning his birthday party.
I share my daily wins: I’ve started telling him what I did each day, like finishing a project or solving a team issue. I frame it as an adventure: “Today, Mom made her team’s plan super strong, like building your favorite fort!” It helps him see my job as dynamic and important.
Growing Together in Patience and Communication
I’ll be honest—communication isn’t always my strong suit. Sometimes my filter fails, and I blurt out something unpolished at work or home. But my son? He’s been my greatest teacher in patience, a skill I now bring to my job. Here’s how we’re growing together:
I practice listening: When he’s negotiating or telling a story, I reflect back: “So you want a treat because you ate all your dinner, right?” It sharpens my listening skills for work and shows him how to listen well too.
I own my slip-ups: If I say something goofy, I laugh it off with him: “Oops, Mom said something silly!” We talk about saying things clearly, and I take that lesson to work, giving my team honest, concise feedback.
We set goals together: We work on staying calm under pressure. We do some great yogi breathing before bed, and I use the same trick before big work presentations. It’s a win for both of us.
Embracing Off Days with a Bluey Vibe
Some days, I’m just not at 100%—and I’ve learned that’s okay. When work leaves me frazzled, I channel Bluey’s chill vibe: I pop on an episode, serve those dino-nuggets, and let the moment be. Here’s how I make it work:
I normalize off days: I tell myself, “Today’s a low-energy day, and I’m still a great mom.” I share it with my son too: “Mom’s tired, so we’re having a cozy Bluey night!” It takes the pressure off.
I create off-day rituals: Low-energy evenings are now “snuggle and story” nights with his favorite book or a Bluey episode. It’s quality time that doesn’t demand perfection.
I show resilience: I let him see me bounce back, saying, “Mom had a tough day, but tomorrow I’m ready to rock!” It teaches him to keep going, just like I do at work.
My Superpower in the Juggle
Balancing a career, school, and motherhood while competing with a helicopter pilot’s cool factor is no easy feat—but I’m turning it into my superpower. By celebrating my wins, reframing guilt as love, and weaving negotiation and communication skills into my son’s life, I’m not just surviving the juggle—I’m thriving. My desk job may not involve soaring through the skies, but it’s teaching my son resilience, teamwork, and the value of hard work. Every Bluey night, every bedtime deal, and every story about my day is building a bond and a skillset that will carry him far. So I’ll keep shining, keep negotiating, and keep showing him that Mom’s job—and Mom herself—is pretty darn cool.