Juggling Work and Motherhood
“Balancing work, motherhood, and personal aspirations can be challenging, but it’s essential to be compassionate and flexible with oneself during this period.”
Not too long ago I received an email with the request to write a blog post on how to ‘juggle home, work, and motherhood while still making time to be the best illustrator you can be.’
I wish I had a simple answer to give on how to manage it all with ease, but the truth is I don’t have one. I, too, still have days that are harder than others.
You see, since my daughter was born I struggled for a long time to juggle these demands (especially as a single parent.) Not only was I ashamed for not working as consistently as before, but also for not being able to care for my daughter the way I had always imagined. And everyday I felt guilt and shame for not knowing how to handle it all.
What I has helped me, though, is accepting my new reality with as much compassion, empathy, and grace as possible.
Now there’s no getting around that becoming a parent changes our lives and work practices. The new responsibilities that motherhood brings has changed the way I show up in the world—not only for my work and artistry but for myself and others, too. And over time, I understood how unfair and unkind I was being by judging and berating myself as a new mom.
Instead, I’ve learned that it’s okay to accept my limitations and be more flexible and informal with my work practice. And if there are resources I can use that will make my new reality easier, I accept them with open arms.
“Allow your art and work practices to be very flexible and informal as you weather this season of your life.” - Lindsay Mack
To juggle the responsibilities of both work and motherhood, we need to give ourselves grace for learning how to tend to both. We need to understand that our limited time and energy now is more precious than ever before. And we need to let go of the unfair expectations that we place upon ourselves (and that society places on women as well.)
Remember, this season is temporary. There are so many new parents like you and me who are finding ways to juggle the new responsibilities that parenthood brings. And as we grow and adapt as parents, so will our lives and our art practices. So go easy on yourself. This season will eventually pass and a new one with different challenges and surprises and blessings will take its place.
If you’re a mom who’s juggling work as an illustrator and caretaking your little ones, please share what has helped you in the comments below. I’m sure we could all find solidarity with one another’s journey into motherhood.
With love and care,
Ebony
