This article is sponsored by MALTESERS, a supporter of Peanut and women alike.
You don’t need us to tell you that being a working mum is hard.
Juggling so many balls can mean that some things fall to the ground.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t pick them back up again.
And it can help to know that, however you’re feeling ‒ exhausted, proud, guilty, fulfilled, judged ‒ you’re not alone.
Millions of mums are in the same boat.
It’s no surprise that 79% of mums in the UK feel guilty about not spending enough time with their children and 59% feel guilty about not working enough.
So we teamed up with MALTESERS® to share all the best working mum quotes for motivation, inspiration, and validation, from celebs and real mums, like you.
Because we all need a little pick-me-up every now and then.
For more information, resources and support please visit maltesers.co.uk/lighten-the-load
In this article: 📝
- Inspirational quotes for working mums
- Advice and real stories from working mums like you!
- What is a positive affirmation for a working mum?
- What do working mums struggle with the most?
- Helpful working mum tips
Inspirational quotes for working mums
- “For me, being a mother made me a better professional, because coming home every night to my girls reminded me what I was working for. And being a professional made me a better mother, because by pursuing my dreams, I was modelling for my girls how to pursue their dreams” ‒ Michelle Obama, attorney, author, previous first lady of the United States, mother
- “I think every working mum probably feels the same thing: you go through big chunks of time where you’re just thinking, ‘This is impossible ‒ oh, this is impossible.’ And then you just keep going and keep going, and you sort of do the impossible.” ‒ Tina Fey, actress, comedian, writer, producer, playwright, mother
- “Working mothers’ laughter comes hardest when our double life is revealed for what it is: a juggling act in which the balls can drop at any time, invariably on our own head.” ‒ Allison Pearson, columnist, author, mother
- “Get rid of the guilt. When you’re at one place, don’t feel bad that you’re not at work; when you’re at work, don’t feel bad that you’re not at home.” ‒ Katie Couric, journalist, presenter, mother
- “It’s not about what we can do, it’s about what we must do as working mums and working dads. Anything is possible… if it means warming up and stretching while holding my baby, that’s what this mama will do.” ‒ Serena Williams, tennis player, mother
- “There’s no such thing as a mum who has it all together. And that’s OK.” ‒ Anonymous
- “She never quite leaves her children at home, even when she doesn’t take them along.” ‒ Margaret Culkin, author, mother
- “I think the most important thing is to keep being positive, and to keep holding up your fellow mums instead of being critical or comparing your own journey to another mum’s.” ‒ Michelle Kennedy, founder/CEO of Peanut, mother
- “We should go after our dreams and not be apologetic about it, but it’s scary. Whether you want to work or not, you have to do what makes you a fuller person. You have to love yourself.” ‒ Catherine Reitman, actress, producer, writer, mother
- “You need to choose what you are going to spend your time and energy on as a working mother. You cannot do everything at once, so find people you trust to help you. And don’t be afraid to say no.” – Jane Seymour, actress, mother
- “You are not a bad mum because you go to work each day. Similarly, you are not a failure because you left your career altogether. Choices regarding work and family are personal – there is no one-size fits all method. Anyone who tells you otherwise is wrong.” – Candace Alnaji, writer, mother
- “When I first became a mother I suffered from serious ‘half-ass’ shame. I felt like I was mediocre at everything. I felt so stretched and so distracted (and exhausted). I said ‘Yes’ way too often in an effort to prove that I could do it all. I’ve worked so hard over the past decade to move from ‘What will people think?’ to ‘I am enough.’.” – Brené Brown, professor, author, podcast host, mother
- “I think mums put a lot of pressure on ourselves trying to balance it all. It’s never going to be perfectly balanced – the sooner you know this, the sooner you can relieve some of the pressure you put on yourself.” – Denise Richards, actress, television personality, model, mother
- “The balancing act of motherhood and a career, and being a wife, is something that I don’t think I’ll ever perfect, but I love the challenge of it.” – Kerri Walsh Jennings professional volleyball player, three-time Olympic gold medallist, mother
- “I’m learning to feel better about asking for help, whether it’s from family or hiring help. It’s not profound but I love my career and I don’t want to make myself feel bad about pursuing both. Just cutting myself some slack has been very helpful for me.” – Mindy Kaling, actress, comedian, screenwriter, producer, mother
- “Like so many working mothers all over the world, I feel the constant struggle to be the best mother I can, whilst setting a good example to my children to work hard. I travel for work when it’s necessary, and I miss them all the time when I am away.” – Victoria Beckham, fashion designer, singer, television personality, mother
- “Balance is a myth! The essence is in trying to move through the madness, and not beating myself up when I get something wrong, or when I drop a ball. I’m human, I don’t always get it right, that’s OK. I have to keep on that mantra. (Easier said than done, but I try!).” ‒ Michelle Kennedy, founder/CEO of Peanut, mother
- “As a working mother, I know that women can be both professionally ambitious and deeply committed to their families.” ‒ Tory Burch, founder of Tory Burch LLC, mother
- “I always give my title as ‘working mother’, because my children and my work are the two most important things in my life. Finding that balance is very important. Your career lasts a lifetime… stop and have your children whenever you’re ready, not when your job ‘allows’.” ‒ Karren Brady, business executive, television personality, mother
- “You can be a good mum and a working mum. You’re allowed to be both.” ‒ Anonymous
- “The obligation for working mothers is a very precise one: the feeling that one ought to work as if one did not have children, while raising one’s children as if one did not have a job.” ‒ Annabel Crabb, journalist, commentator, television host, mother
- “When you’re a working mum, you have an endless amount of cups to fill. It’s inevitable to have days where you run out of water. Don’t forget to refill your own cup.” ‒ Anonymous
- “It’s important for everyone ‒ working mums especially ‒ to find moments to ground themselves and connect with their own breath.” ‒ Alicia Keys, singer-songwriter, mother
- “Shout out to all working mums. You’re doing your best. Even when you think you’re at your worst.” ‒ Anonymous
- “We need more portrayals of women as competent professionals and happy mothers ‒ or even as happy professionals and competent mothers.” ‒ Sheryl Sandberg, tech exec, philanthropist, writer, mother
- “Never limit yourself. You can be a mum and pursue your dream simultaneously.” ‒ Anonymous
- “There is something really empowering about saying, ‘I can do it all!’ That’s the wonderful thing about mothers. You can because you must, so you just do.” ‒ Kate Winslet, actress, mother
- “Being a working mother and a working single parent instills you with a sense of determination.” ‒ Felicity Jones, actress, mother
- “Motherhood shaped and inspired my career in a way I could never have thought possible.” ‒ Michelle Kennedy, founder/CEO of Peanut, mother
- “This working motherhood business is challenging, let’s lift each other up.” ‒ Amal Clooney, barrister, mother
- “I want her [my daughter] to know something that I feel is important. I love work. I love her and I love work, and I want her to know work’s a good thing. It’s not something you’re dragged off to.” – Hoda Kotb, broadcast journalist, television personality, author, mother
- “A happy mother is a good mother, and if work makes you hum, your whole family sings along.” – Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober, authors, mother
- “Some days you will be the best CEO and sometimes the best mum, every once in a blue moon, both. Work will be fine on the days you need mum more and your kids will be fine on the days you need to work more.” ‒ Michelle Kennedy, founder/CEO of Peanut, mother
Advice and real stories from working mums like you!
Something that can help, as a working mum, is knowing you’re not alone.
So we asked our Peanut Community of real mums what advice or words of wisdom they would want to hear as working mums:
- “Make the most of any of the daycare you can get.” ‒ Sarah
- “Prioritize what is important to you. Be that time with your little one, house chores, you time, or even work. Do what is important to you but don’t neglect the others.” ‒ Kiara
- “Do what works for you. Lean into the help when it’s offered. And ignore mum guilt. You deserve the rest when you get it.” ‒ Kwakyewaa
- “Find something that works around your kids, not something that your kids have to work around.” ‒ Mulan
- “Don’t feel guilty for putting your family first, because your boss is putting their family first. There will always be work to do, go home and rest. This job is not your identity. The routine of work can help you keep a sense of normalcy and socialization. This, too, shall pass.” ‒ Breanna
- “I can be a professional and a mother.” ‒ Erin
- “You cannot do it all. Prioritise what you want/need from your day. You can ask for help. Sleep is important. No is a full sentence. The kids WILL love you.” ‒ Jacquelyn
- “As a work-from-home mom my best advice is to have balance. Although I work from home, I have to separate work from nonwork. Always make time for yourself to disconnect… even if it’s walking to the mailbox alone!” ‒ Jess
What is a positive affirmation for a working mum?
If you’re after something you can tell yourself in the mirror each morning ‒ or any time you need a boost ‒ try these working mum affirmations on for size:
- “I am a good mother, even when I don’t feel like it.”
- “I am setting a good example for my children.”
- “I am balancing my work and family life in a way that works for me.”
- “I am doing my best, and that is enough.”
- “I deserve boundaries between work and life.”
- “I am capable, but I don’t have to do it all.”
- “I am allowed to ask for help. I don’t have to do everything on my own.”
- “I am allowed to take breaks. I need to recharge my batteries in order to be my best self for my family and my career.”
- “I am proud of myself. I am juggling a lot, and I am doing it well.”
What do working mums struggle with the most?
Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all way to be a working mum, and we all have our own personal struggles.
What one working mum finds a struggle, another could find a welcome challenge.
But we’ve found there are some more common challenges of working mums, so if any of these sound familiar, know that you’re not alone.
- Time crunch. It can feel like a never-ending loop of work, school runs, meal preps, and so much more.
- The work-life balance myth. Sounds great on paper, but in reality, it’s the norm to have some sort of imbalance between family and work. You’re just one person, mama.
- Mum guilt. Missing school days, baby milestones, or just cute face-pulling ‒ it can feel gut-wrenching at times. It’s hard to shut out, but it can help to know you’re not the only one feeling guilty. And you’re doing great.
- Feeling authentically you. Motherhood changes people, you might not feel like the same person you were when you were last working. Many mums feel like there’s no space for their authentic, new selves in the workplace.
- Unsolicited ‘advice’. “Why don’t you stay at home?”, “You can’t have it all”, “Is working best for baby?” Ugh. We’ve heard it al before.
- Time for you. You’re so busy taking care of everyone else that you fall to the wayside. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so fill that baby up!
Helpful working mum tips
So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember these working mum quotes and know that you’re not alone.
Honestly, you’re doing great.
MALTESERS, in partnership with Comic Relief, is working towards a future where women no longer face injustice.
Together, LET’S LIGHTEN THE LOAD for working mums and help women thrive.
Find out more about this here: maltesers.co.uk/lighten-the-load
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s from your partner, family, or friends, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Have the conversations at work, you have rights.
- Take some time for yourself. Even if it’s just a few minutes each day, make sure to take some time for yourself to relax and recharge.
- Celebrate your accomplishments. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget to celebrate your accomplishments. Make sure to take some time to appreciate all that you do.
- Embrace imperfection. ‘Having it all’ doesn’t really mean anything. There’s no such thing as the ‘perfect mum’ or the ‘perfect employee’.
We’ll say it again: you’re doing great, mama.
And we’re here for you.
MALTESERS, in partnership with Comic Relief, is working towards a future where women no longer face injustice. Together, we’re working to lighten the load for working mums and help women thrive.
Find out more about this: www.maltesers.co.uk/lighten-the-load
Mars Wrigley is donating £500,000 in 2023 to Comic Relief, operating name of Charity Projects, registered charity in England & Wales (326568) and Scotland (SC039730)
If you need urgent help, please call 999. Otherwise, you should speak to your GP or call the Samaritans on 116 123 as they have people at the end of the line who can help.
This article was paid for by MALTESERS.