Stay at Home, Work Full-Time, or Something in Between? [Classic Replay]
Digest
This episode of The Mom Hour delves into the multifaceted topic of work, working, and motherhood, featuring a candid conversation between hosts Megan Frances and Sarah Powers. They share their personal journeys as moms who have navigated various work arrangements, from full-time office jobs to stay-at-home parenting and freelance careers. The hosts acknowledge the diverse experiences of moms and emphasize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to balancing work and motherhood. They address the common pressures and expectations that moms face, whether they work outside the home or stay home full-time, and encourage listeners to embrace their own unique paths. The episode also highlights the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and finding support systems. Megan and Sarah offer practical advice for moms who are seeking to make changes in their work lives, emphasizing the value of taking small steps and exploring opportunities that align with their goals and values. They also acknowledge the financial realities that often influence moms' choices, reminding listeners that not everyone has the same options. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to embrace their own journeys, celebrate their successes, and remember that it's okay to ask for help and support along the way.
Outlines
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Introduction and Sponsor Shoutout
This Chapter introduces the hosts, Megan and Sarah, and their podcast, The Mom Hour. They also highlight their sponsor, LMNT, a zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix that helps boost hydration.
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Work, Working, and Motherhood: A Deep Dive
This Chapter dives into the central theme of the episode: work, working, and motherhood. Megan and Sarah share their personal experiences with different work arrangements, including full-time office jobs, stay-at-home parenting, and freelance careers. They emphasize the diversity of moms' experiences and the lack of a one-size-fits-all approach to balancing work and motherhood.
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Navigating Change and Finding Your Path
This Chapter explores the question of how to know when it's time to make a change in your work life. Megan and Sarah discuss the importance of looking back at your experiences and identifying patterns that suggest a need for change. They encourage listeners to take small steps towards their goals, rather than jumping into drastic reinventions. They also emphasize the value of embracing opportunities that come your way, even if they don't seem like the perfect fit.
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The Role of Income and Financial Realities
This Chapter addresses the financial realities that often influence moms' choices about work and motherhood. Megan and Sarah acknowledge that not everyone has the same options and that financial constraints can make it difficult to pursue certain paths. They encourage listeners to get creative and explore different possibilities, even if they seem daunting.
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Taking Action and Embracing the Journey
This Chapter emphasizes the importance of taking action when you feel a strong need for change. Megan and Sarah encourage listeners to trust their instincts and to be open to exploring new opportunities. They also remind listeners that it's okay to stay put if that's the best choice for them.
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Outro and Call to Action
This Chapter concludes the episode with a call to action for listeners to leave a rating and review for The Mom Hour. The hosts express their gratitude for the support of their listeners and encourage them to continue their journey of motherhood with confidence and support.
Keywords
The Mom Hour
The Mom Hour is a podcast hosted by Megan Frances and Sarah Powers, two moms with eight kids between them. The show features conversations with moms from across the country about motherhood, parenting, and life in general. The Mom Hour aims to provide support, encouragement, and a sense of community for moms.
Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance refers to the ability to successfully manage the demands of work and personal life. It is a common challenge for many people, especially parents, who often struggle to find time for both work and family. Achieving work-life balance can involve setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and seeking support from others.
Motherhood
Motherhood is the state of being a mother. It is a complex and multifaceted experience that can be both rewarding and challenging. Mothers play a vital role in the lives of their children, providing love, care, and support. Motherhood can also involve significant personal and professional sacrifices.
Freelancing
Freelancing is a type of work arrangement where individuals work independently and are not employed by a specific company. Freelancers often work on a project basis and are responsible for their own taxes and benefits. Freelancing can offer flexibility and autonomy, but it can also be challenging to find consistent work and to manage finances.
Stay-at-Home Mom
A stay-at-home mom is a mother who chooses to stay home to care for her children rather than working outside the home. Stay-at-home moms often provide childcare, education, and emotional support for their children. The decision to stay home is a personal one that can be influenced by a variety of factors, including financial considerations, personal values, and family circumstances.
Working Mom
A working mom is a mother who works outside the home. Working moms often face challenges balancing work and family responsibilities. They may need to rely on childcare, flexible work arrangements, or support from family and friends. Working moms are often praised for their resilience and multitasking abilities.
Mom Boss
A mom boss is a woman who is both a mother and a successful entrepreneur or business owner. Mom bosses are often admired for their ability to juggle motherhood and business responsibilities. They are often seen as role models for other moms who are seeking to achieve their professional goals.
Social Media
Social media is a collection of online platforms that allow users to connect with each other, share information, and create content. Social media can be a powerful tool for communication, but it can also be a source of stress and comparison. It is important to be mindful of the content you consume on social media and to focus on your own unique journey.
Mindset
Mindset refers to a person's beliefs and attitudes about themselves and the world around them. A positive mindset can help people overcome challenges and achieve their goals. A negative mindset can lead to self-doubt and procrastination. It is important to cultivate a mindset that supports your goals and values.
Baby Steps
Baby steps are small, manageable actions that can help you move towards a larger goal. Taking baby steps can make a big goal feel less overwhelming and can help you build momentum. It is important to celebrate your progress along the way and to be patient with yourself.
Q&A
What are some of the different paths moms take when it comes to work and motherhood?
Moms take a variety of paths, from full-time office jobs to stay-at-home parenting, freelance careers, and everything in between. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and each mom's journey is unique.
What are some of the challenges moms face when trying to balance work and motherhood?
Moms often face pressure and expectations from society, family, and even themselves. They may struggle with guilt, time management, and financial constraints. It's important to remember that it's okay to feel overwhelmed and to seek support from others.
How can moms know when it's time to make a change in their work life?
Looking back at your experiences and identifying patterns that suggest a need for change can be helpful. If you've been feeling unhappy or unfulfilled for a while, it might be time to consider making a change. Taking small steps towards your goals, rather than jumping into drastic reinventions, can be a good approach.
What are some practical tips for moms who are seeking to make changes in their work lives?
Update your resume, research positions that offer flexibility, and explore opportunities that align with your goals and values. Don't be afraid to take baby steps and to embrace opportunities that come your way, even if they don't seem like the perfect fit.
How can moms navigate the financial realities that often influence their choices about work and motherhood?
Get creative and explore different possibilities, even if they seem daunting. Don't be afraid to ask for help from family or friends. Remember that there are often more options available than you might think.
What is the importance of taking action when you feel a strong need for change?
Trust your instincts and be open to exploring new opportunities. Don't let fear or self-doubt hold you back. Remember that you are capable of achieving your goals.
What are some of the benefits of taking baby steps towards your goals?
Baby steps can make a big goal feel less overwhelming and can help you build momentum. They can also help you learn and grow along the way.
What are some of the things moms can do to support each other and create a sense of community?
Share your experiences, offer encouragement, and be a source of support for each other. Remember that you are not alone in your journey.
What is the importance of self-care for moms?
Self-care is essential for moms to maintain their physical and mental health. It can involve taking time for yourself, engaging in activities you enjoy, and seeking support from others.
What is the message of The Mom Hour?
The Mom Hour aims to provide support, encouragement, and a sense of community for moms. The show encourages moms to embrace their own unique journeys, celebrate their successes, and remember that it's okay to ask for help and support along the way.
Show Notes
Are you happy with your work-mom balance? This classic replay from 2017 is about finding satisfaction in your current situation and how to take small steps toward a different one (if that’s what you’re seeking). Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, working outside the home, freelancing or something in between, we’ve got you covered. Just know that no matter what your choice and how you feel about it, you’re definitely not alone. Enjoy!
HELPFUL LINKS:
- 10 Signs You Might Be a Work-Anywhere-Possible-Mom (WAPM) (Sarah’s tongue-in-cheek post for City Mom Collective)
- Click to see the Facebook conversation and Instagram conversation we reference in this episode.
- Similar Episodes From The Archives:
- Time Management & Productivity Tips For Savvy Working Moms: Voices 54 With Whitnee Hawthorne
- Inside the Lives of 3 Working Moms: Voices 02
- Career Challenges & Working Mom Strategies: Voices 41
- Listener Questions (Working Mom / SAHM Edition): Episode 142
- Meagan & Sarah’s Working-Mom Lives: Episode 140
- Check out the blog post “How To Start A Freelance Career Without Spending Money” by Jennifer Carroll.
OTHER HELPFUL LINKS:
- Visit our website
- Check out deals from our partners
- Follow us on Instagram
- Join our private listener group on Facebook (be sure to answer the membership questions!)
- Sign up for our newsletter
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