Dear Working Moms: Work Without the Guilt

By Stevie Howard:

Recently I became a mom to a beautiful little girl, and it finally came to the time where I had to go back to work. To any and all other working mamas of the world, hats off to you! I learned very quickly the mental and emotional strain of being a working parent can cause. Seriously, it’s a whole new kind of tired.

Constantly thinking about my little one. Asking myself if I should just stay home. Realizing I can’t stay home because we need the money. Seeing her face every night and wondering if I should just stay home.

You get the point, it’s an endless cycle of wanting to be with them but also understanding the need to provide. But, it’s more than just for the money (but honey, in today’s economy…) it’s about values and skills too. And, a recent study proves just that.

Lessons from Working Moms

Get this, a Harvard Business study found daughters of working moms make up to 23% more money than daughters of stay-at-home moms. Yeah, you read that right – 23%! Furthermore, 21% of women whose mothers had worked got supervisor jobs, compared to 18% of women who had stay-at-home mothers. Ladies, this is groundbreaking. Turns out the example of working moms can affect their daughters (and sons) well into the future.

In a society that still struggles with gender roles and stereotypes (even though my husband is the best dang diaper changer in the world), it’s a relief to know working moms are proving the patriarchy wrong. Turns out all those working hours are totally worth it. We’re teaching our little ones some great lessons, even if some people still think we just belong in the kitchen (yes, they still exist).

But, even more, it has the power to put those who feel major guilt at ease. For me, it’s fantastic to know my little girl will grow up seeing her mama completely crush having both a career and family. I couldn’t be happier. I can only hope this means she will not only take in the great work ethic that both her parents share but also the mindset she can do anything she sets her mind to.

But our daughters aren’t the only ones benefiting – our sons are too. Turns out, sons who see their moms working feel the need to help out (thank goodness!) Meaning they take the time to help you with household chores or even manage other caretaking duties for little brothers or sisters. Talk about a win-win! Those young men will grow up knowing they can assist in and outside the house and creating a more equitable work-life balance within their future families.

Buh-Bye Guilt

So, are you guilty of feeling…well, guilty? Well, stop it miss thang because there’s no reason to! Your little ones are going to be just fine, if not better off, because of the hard work you’re putting in at your workplace. They’re in good hands and you’re doing an amazing job! Now, grab that wine bottle and relax knowing your children are going to grow up to be great and successful – even if you have to miss a practice or recital once in a while. Cheers!

The Branchers

We build the best damn marketing campaigns on the planet. And we do it for industries and companies you might not identify as easy to market (right away). Working here takes a very special kind of person.