Written by Sandra Kleinsasser.
Dear WCA Mentors,
I’m a working mom and sometimes juggling my full-time job and kids is about all I can handle. I have a feeling I could learn from someone who has already traveled this route. Would it be OK to ask for a mentor who could help with life/work/motherhood balance? Any quick tips?
– Too Busy
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Julie Tereshchuk
In 2002, Julie took a leap off a cliff, landed intact, and has gone on to become an award-winning freelance magazine writer and book editor. In November 2014 she took on her current role as Editor-in-Chief of Texas Lifestyle Magazine, a quarterly print and daily online publication.
Learn more about Julie.
Life balance is a great mentoring topic.
Here are a few tips to try:
- Set boundaries at work and home.
- Be clear on responsibilities with your significant other.
- Map out the week to come and meals at a set time each week.
- Keep a family calendar.
- Invite other family members to meetings and outings via cell so you have “fun” appointments just like work.
- Have a set night each week (or at least each month) for a babysitter to give you a break in the action.
— Glenda Beasley
Many of us have been there. And we survived! Remember – you may never have balance every day, so try not to waste precious energy on regrets. Live in the moment and appreciate the times everything falls into place. A mentor will be glad to listen, but make sure your goal is realistic. Personally, I’m not sure I ever achieved balance.
We are here to help
Need some career advice? Wondered how others have handled the situation? Got a question or comment for our mentors?
Contact us at wcamentors@wcaustin.org.
Our volunteers are glad to help. Confidentiality will be respected.
Tips? Here goes. YMMV (your mileage may vary).
- Lunchables and ramen will not ruin your child.
- Kids can be taught to do laundry.
- If you dress your young son in his school clothes before he goes to bed, he’s ready when he wakes up in the morning.
- You don’t have to sell gift wrap for the PTA. They’ll take a check instead.
–Sandra “I Am NOT a Bad Mother” Kleinsasser
WCA’s peer mentoring program is designed to uplift our members and provide a listening ear. It would be fine to ask for a mentor to discuss those issues. However, bear in mind that the program is primarily to assist with short term issues and, if you need more than that, you will need to hire a life coach, someone who will stay with you until you’re satisfied you have the answers. WCA has a number of professional coaches in its membership.
— Jane Baxter Lynn
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