Work + Life: It’s All About Balance

Dana Gomez

As a newish mom of two, work-life balance has taken on a completely different meaning than it did before. In the PR world where deadlines are tight, travel is the norm, client expectations are high, and the pace is quick, maintaining work-life balance can seem a bit overwhelming at times. And a couple of little ones add another layer to the balancing act. I know I’m not alone when I say it’s not easy juggling family, work and self-care. With barely three years under my belt, I’m no expert, but I can tell you a few things that have helped me as I’ve taken on the new role as a working mom in PR.

Embrace Flexibility

PR isn’t your typical 9-to-5 job. Yes, it comes with urgent client calls and emails, events that extend into evenings and weekends, and tasks that require immediate attention. But it also allows for tackling less urgent tasks such as writing a press release early in the morning before the kids wake or wrapping up projects after they’ve gone to bed. Plus, today’s hybrid work model, and the technology to support it, makes it easier than ever to connect and work virtually anywhere and at any time.  Life happens – kids get sick, babysitters cancel, and school activities pop up unexpectedly. Balancing these moments while staying on top of your work is essential, and I’ve learned that having the ability to be flexible when navigating both personal and professional responsibilities can make all the difference.

Conquer To-Dos

My notepad and calendar have been invaluable tools when it comes to my to-dos. So much so that I’ve extended this approach from work into my home life. Whether I need to follow up with someone from work, have a doctor’s appointment, or attend an upcoming event at daycare, I try to mark everything on my calendar. This not only helps me keep my sanity but also lets my colleagues know if I will be out or away from my computer. Additionally, I still rely on the old-fashioned pen-and-paper list. Every work task and even some grocery items get jotted down in my notebook.  This gives me a simple view of everything in one place to help prioritize what is urgent and what can wait – and the satisfaction of marking items off the list never gets old. Ultimately, my notepad helps me avoid the feeling of being overwhelmed and ensures important things don’t fall through the cracks.

Ask for Help

Raising children while managing a career isn’t something you should do on your own. Whether it’s a partner, family members, friends, or a reliable babysitter, building a support system is crucial. I’ve been lucky to not only have support from my partner and family members, but a reliable babysitter and daycare program. On top of that, I work for a company that values and supports a healthy balance between family and career, which has been invaluable for me as a newer mom trying to navigate all the ups and downs and curve balls thrown my way. It’s not always easy to ask for help nor step away from work when life gets in the way but one of the most important things I’ve learned as a working mom is that you can’t control everything and asking for help is okay.

Take Moments for Yourself

I can say from experience that this is much easier said than done. In the constant juggle of work and parenting, self-care often takes a backseat. We all need downtime for both our mental and physical well-being. Whether it’s a morning walk, a quiet coffee break, or reading a book after bedtime, it’s important to make time for you. I try to sign up for workout classes, find a walking buddy or schedule a hair appointment well in advance. It’s easy to put yourself on the back burner when you are busy taking care of others, but if an appointment is set or you are obligated to be somewhere, it can help be the extra push to do something for you. In the end, when you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to show up fully for your work and your family.

Balancing work and family is no small feat. Reiterating all the above, I’ve found it extremely helpful to remain flexible, evaluate and align priorities, ask for support, and find time for things that I want to do. I’ve had to remind myself many times that I can’t do it all and need to let some things go at times. What’s most important is being present in the moments that count.