I am one of every 5 mothers in India who is working. I know, that being a working mom in India is like playing a game of Jenga while walking on a tightrope. You’re constantly balancing your job and your family, all while trying not to collapse under the pressure. A client meet vs a marriage in family, an investor’s meet vs someone sick in the family, an approaching presentation vs children’s exams next week. Juggling between them all, almost each woman has sometime or the other, been in the dilemma of quitting her job.
They want to quit because they yearn to give all their time to their children. They can’t, because of myriad of reasons ranging from financial compulsions to career goals. I too have a four-year-old daughter whose emotional needs are increasing and I often wonder is it wise to quit the job?
My mother wanted me to have a bright future and quit her job to give her whole self to me. That’s why, when I think of quitting, I feel, I will put all her efforts and sacrifice to vain. The circle of a capable women quitting careers to raise a future capable girl who will again quit when she becomes a mother, MUST STOP!!! But How? How to deal with situations that swirl your mind towards quitting job.
SHOULD WORKING MOMS STOP WORKING WHEN THEY ARE UNABLE TO GIVE THEIR BEST TO THEIR CHILDREN OR IS THERE A WAY OUT?
But fear not, after careful reading of numerous books and articles from experts along with experiences of women around me, I have some tips to help you achieve the elusive work-life balance.
Tip #1: Leave the Office on Time
You must understand that you are living a compartmentalized life where
office time is office time and post that, it is family time. No ifs and no buts around adherence to timings. (Emergency situations excluded) Don’t care about the raised eyebrows or missed meetings when you pick up your bag to leave for home at 5’o clock in evening. People don’t realise that a women’s day starts 2 hours earlier and ends 1 hour later than everyone else. So, work in office whole heartedly and leave office on time.
Tip #2: Weekends are for kids and family:
Try to spend the weekend with your child and make the most of it. Put the phone down and be in the moment. Plan your weekend in advance and think what can you do. This will help you get the best time with your family. 
A plan could mean going out to any local garden to play-zone or even sit back at home to watch a movie or some cartoon or some character movie or a hearty cooking session with your children. Drop of your children to their activity class Do anything that you and your kids will enjoy.
Note: Do not spend all the weekends teaching your child because he wants more than that. He wants to spend time with you without an agenda.
Tip #3: Where’s the Me time:
I know what you’re thinking – “What’s that? I’ve never heard of it.” But trust me, it exists. So, take a break during your workday to indulge in some self-care. It can be your lunch break or 10 to 15 minutes after office time. I know it’s a little cruel that working women hardly get time for themselves but you gain in a lot of ways too. One way could be to plan dates with your friends who have kids. This way it is win-win on both ends.
Tip # 4: You can’t do everything:
As much as we’d like to, we can’t be superheroes all the time. 
As a working mom, you must realise and admit that your time, energy and money are not infinite. There will always be something you couldn’t do. So please! Please! don’t feel bad or guilty or stressed about it if your neighbour’s child knows piano while you can’t make your kid join such class coz you don’t have such kind of time or if you couldn’t bag a client because his work requires late night hours or if you missed weekend workout coz you were too tired. Whatever it is, you are doing your best and you kids will love you no matter what.
Tip # 5: Get Help:
Remember when you were a kid and your parents had a support system that included grandparents, aunts, and uncles? Well, now it’s your turn to seek help. So, if your mom-in-law offers to babysit, say yes and run before she changes her mind. Don’t hesitate.
Tip # 6: Honor your decision:
Remember the time you decided to work or resume work after baby. It was a conscious decision because you were missing something in your life. You had all the time in the world with your child but still you wanted to start working. I know it seems hard and squeezing but recall why joined at the first instance. Honor your decision. Just remember, that it is your job which keeps you sane.
Tip # 7: This too shall pass:
Working and motherhood taught me that “life is hard” is a perception based on the phase you are in. Some days are full of sweet surprises and happiness while other days are exhausting and torturing. A special assignment or financial year end can be tolling on you and your child and life can seem impossible to bear. While an annual event at school or a special acknowledgement at office may make it seem all worth it. So, remember, the day is tough today but it won’t be the same tomorrow or a week later. This too shall pass.
Tip # 8: Last resort
Lastly, this is my most badass solution to be resorted to only at last. 
You may take a child care leave if permissible in your organisation or a medical leave (fake one) to spend time with your child to your heart’s fulfilment. It may sound bad or unfair but don’t overthink. Taking a leave is definitely better than leaving your job. If management is understanding you can even talk to them about this dilemma and see if they are adjusting to the situation. Taking this leave will clear out your mind if you miss job or not. When you have all the time with your child and you still yearn to work – office or job, the true desire of your heart will be revealed.
So, there you have it, folks. Balancing career and motherhood is no easy feat, but with a little bit of humor and a lot of patience, you can do it. Take a break. Quitting is not the solution Breaking the monotony and finding the right kind of time with your child is the key. And if it still doesn’t work for you, come back to the article and write your suggestions in the comments section and let me know if you wonderful mothers have some other suggestions for your fellow working moms who are going through a similar phase in life.
