Is It Possible to Balance Running a Business and Being a Mum?
One year ago, I decided to take the plunge of becoming fully self-employed and what a journey it has been, especially as I have a toddler. Every day, I’m juggling two roles that feel like they should each take 100% of me, but there’s only so much of me to go around. Some days I feel like I’m absolutely nailing it; other days…well, it’s a toss-up between whether I’m feeling “mum guilt” or “business guilt.” Balancing both is a constant act of choosing where to pour my energy, and often it feels like no matter what I pick, something or someone isn’t getting enough of me. So, here’s a peek into what it’s really like to try and be both a devoted mum and a driven business owner—and why, despite the challenges, I believe it’s worth it.
The Dance Between Mum Guilt and Business Guilt
When I’m with my daughter, a part of my mind is often drifting back to work. Did I answer that important email? When am I going to finish a report? And when I'm working, I’m thinking about my daughter. Is she happy at nursery? Did I miss something important she needed me for today? Each side can feel like it’s pulling me in opposite directions, and on any given day, I’ll feel the sting of either “mum guilt” or “business guilt.”
Mum guilt is that ache in my chest when my daughter asks me why I have to work and can’t just spend time with her. It’s tough hearing my own daughter ask why I can’t do a puzzle or read her a story because I have to “finish something.” It stings because I know those little moments are what I don’t get back. I have this vision of myself being totally present for her, but then reality tugs me back into the business world, where things are less forgiving.
Business guilt, on the other hand, rears its head when I feel like I’m letting my business down. Running a company is intense, and I know there are times when I should be devoting all my energy to driving growth, perfecting reports, or replying to emails. When I’m with my daughter, I might get a ping from my phone with an email I haven’t answered yet, and I feel that tug. That feeling that I’m not giving my best to something I care so deeply about. I’ve built this company from scratch, poured my heart into it, and I want to give it the attention it deserves—without missing out on my daughter’ life in the process.
Reframing Guilt as a Sign of Love
One thing I’ve come to realise is that this guilt stems from a place of love. I feel mum guilt because I want to be there for my daughter in every way, and I feel business guilt because I want my company to succeed. It’s easy to think of guilt as a negative emotion, but it’s also a reminder of just how much I care. That care is what makes me a dedicated mum *and* a passionate business owner. So, when I feel that pang, I remind myself it’s a sign that I’m invested in both roles deeply.
How to Balance Running a Business and Being a Mum?
Finding Peace in Prioritising
I’ve had to learn to embrace the art of prioritising. I can’t do it all, at least not all at once. There are days where my daughter will come first without hesitation—her first day of nursery, Christmas plays, doctor appointments, the times when they just need mum to be fully present. Then, there are days where my business has to be the focus. A big project launch, an important meeting, or a day when I simply need to be “on” to keep the momentum going.
One trick I’ve found is to be intentional with my time. When I’m with my daughter, I put my phone on silent and let the business emails wait. I want her to know that when I’m there, I’m truly there. And when I’m working, I try to dedicate a chunk of time to be “all-in” so that I’m more productive and efficient. This way, I don’t feel like I’m halfway in either world, and it’s easier to stay present in the moment.
Building My Support System
The other side of juggling both motherhood and entrepreneurship is knowing when to ask for help. Whether it’s my husband stepping in, grandparents lending a hand, or an extra day at nursery, I’ve realised that I can’t—and shouldn’t—try to do it all on my own. Building a support system isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a recognition that both my daughter and my business need the best of me. And for that, I need to stay balanced and supported.
Finding the “Why” in Both Roles
The balance of being a mum and an entrepreneur is constantly shifting, and there’s no “perfect” way to do it. But I’m motivated by my “why”—my daughter inspires me to be a better person and to pursue my dreams, and my business lets me create something I’m proud of. Both roles fuel me in unique ways, and I’m realising that they don’t have to be in constant conflict. It’s okay if some days lean a little more toward one side or the other because the ultimate goal is the same: building a life that’s meaningful for me and my family.
Embracing the Journey
At the end of the day, I know that the juggle of mum guilt and business guilt will probably never completely go away. But I’m okay with that because I know I’m doing my best. There’s a lot of value in showing my daughter that it’s okay to chase dreams and build something you believe in, and it’s just as valuable for me to be there for her as she grows. Each day, I’m figuring out how to be both a mum and a business owner, one step at a time.
So, if you’re out there asking yourself if you can really do both, my answer is yes—but it’s going to be messy, it’s going to be imperfect, and it’s going to test you in ways you didn’t expect. But it’s worth it. And if you’re feeling guilty, know that it just means you’re giving your all to something you love. That’s something to be proud of.
