There are certain days where I come to the end of my day and I don’t exactly know which end is up. I have two boys and they always seem to keep me on my toes no matter what. To be perfectly honest, there are some days where finding God throughout my day is certainly a challenge. However, in today’s fast-paced world, more and more mothers are pursuing careers while raising their children. Moms that work face unique challenges as they strive to strike a balance between their professional aspirations and their responsibilities as mothers. Juggling work and family life and maintaining your focus on faith can be demanding, but with effective strategies and support, moms who work can find fulfillment in all aspects of their life.
I can attest to the fact that trying to balance my work (including my Catholic mom blog) plus all my other “normal” mom responsibilities can be a handful. However, with the right type of focus and trust in God, it can be done. Although it may not all be done according to how I think it should go. What can I say? My stubbornness can die hard. I’m working on it!
Challenges That Moms That Work Face in Finding Peace Between Their Work, Faith and Personal Life
Finding peace between work, faith, and personal life can be a complex and challenging task for moms who work. Here are some common challenges they may encounter:
- Time Constraints:
I know that I feel as though there are never enough hours in the day. In the blink of an eye it seems as though half my day is gone and I haven’t gotten done what I planned to do! Moms that work often face time constraints due to the demands of their careers and family responsibilities. Balancing work hours, commuting, household chores, and parenting duties can leave limited time for personal and spiritual pursuits. Finding the time to invest in faith practices and personal well-being can be a significant challenge.
- Guilt and Prioritization:
Boy oh boy do I feel a bunch of guilt… a lot! Working moms may experience feelings of guilt when they have to divide their time and attention between work and family. They may struggle with prioritizing their own spiritual and personal needs, fearing that doing so may compromise their professional performance or their ability to meet their family’s needs. The pressure to excel in multiple areas can lead to internal conflict and emotional stress. When I’m feeling this type of guilt, I often look to the lives of saints who were mothers for some inspiration and guidance.
- Workplace Expectations:
Workplace expectations and demands can sometimes conflict with a mom’s desire to live out her faith and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Long work hours, travel requirements, and inflexible schedules may make it challenging to participate in religious activities or engage in personal spiritual practices. Striking a balance between work commitments and faith commitments can be a constant negotiation.
- Lack of Supportive Environment:
Not all work environments are supportive of employees’ faith practices or understanding of the challenges faced by working moms. Limited support or understanding from colleagues, supervisors, or organizational culture can make it difficult for moms to integrate their faith and personal life into their work. Feeling isolated in their religious beliefs and values can add to the overall challenge of finding peace.
- Self-Care and Burnout:
Juggling work, family, and faith commitments often leaves little time for self-care. Neglecting personal well-being can lead to burnout and compromise a mom’s ability to find peace and balance in all areas of life. Ignoring self-care needs can impact mental, emotional, and physical health, making it even more challenging to maintain a sense of peace. - Role Strain and Identity:
Working moms may face role strain, feeling torn between their roles as employees, mothers, and individuals with their own desires and aspirations. Balancing these different roles and finding a sense of identity beyond work and motherhood can be a struggle. This can affect a mom’s overall well-being and ability to find peace across all areas of life.
What are Ways that Moms That Work Can Find a Balance Between Work and Their Faith
Finding a balance between work and faith can be a rewarding and fulfilling Catholic mom journey. Here are some practical ways that can help them navigate this balancing act:
- Prioritize Daily Devotion:
Make time for daily devotion and prayer, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. Set aside a specific time, such as early mornings or before bedtime, to connect with God through prayer, reading scriptures, or engaging in spiritual reflection. Prioritizing this time will help moms stay grounded in their faith amidst the busyness of work and family life. Keep in mind that you can incorporate veneration to the saints in your devotions as well. Asking St. Elizabeth Ann Seton or Saint Monica for guidance can help to bring you a sense of direction and peace.
- Seek Supportive Communities:
Connect with like-minded individuals who share your faith and understand the challenges of being a working mom. Join faith-based groups, attend church events, or participate in online communities that provide support, encouragement, and spiritual nourishment. Engaging with others who are on a similar journey can provide valuable insights and a sense of camaraderie.
- Bring Your Faith to Work:
Find ways to integrate your faith into your work life. For me, one of the ways that I did this was through volunteering as a catechist teacher. Other options include displaying religious symbols or inspirational quotes in your workspace to serve as reminders of your faith. Practice Christian values, such as kindness, compassion, and integrity, in your interactions with colleagues and clients. Look for opportunities to share your faith discreetly, such as offering to pray for coworkers during challenging times.
- Establish Boundaries:
Set clear boundaries between work and personal life to ensure that your faith is not overshadowed by professional demands. Allocate dedicated time for family, self-care, and spiritual activities. Learn to say no to excessive work commitments that encroach upon these essential aspects of your life. By creating boundaries, you protect your faith and allow it to thrive alongside your career.
- Leverage Technology:
Leverage technology to enhance your spiritual practices. Utilize mobile apps or websites that offer daily devotionals, prayer reminders, or Bible study resources. Listen to faith-based podcasts or sermons during your commute or while doing household chores. Technology can help moms stay connected to their faith even during busy workdays.
- Involve Your Family:
Include your family in your faith journey. Encourage your children to participate in family prayer time, attend religious services together, or engage in discussions about spiritual matters. Incorporate faith-based activities into your family routine, such as reading religious stories or volunteering for charitable causes. By involving your family in your faith, you create an environment where work and spirituality blend harmoniously.
- Practice Self-Care:
Take care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Prioritize self-care activities that replenish your energy and nurture your soul. This can include exercise, meditation, engaging in hobbies, or spending time in nature. When moms are personally fulfilled and balanced, they are better equipped to integrate work and faith effectively.
During the chaotic moments that every mom faces at some point throughout their day, a prayer for mom is something that can go a long way! After the stressful day that I had a few days ago, my day started off with texts from two other mom friends of mine telling me that I was in their prayers. This gave me such a sense of comfort and definitely helped me to see a bit more clearly throughout my day.
Overall, I don’t think that anyone will disagree with the idea that moms that work have a tough job. Regardless of whether you go out into the field and work or you’re a stay-at-home mom, it’s important to remember that you are the backbone of your family. Finding the important balance between work and faith will open the door to so many opportunities which is why it’s something I continue to work on daily.
