Balancing Motherhood, Business, and a Full-Time Job: You Absolutely Don’t Have to Choose

Why You Can Have It All (Even If Society Loves to Tell You Otherwise)

Let’s be real: Being a mom, holding down a full-time career, and running a business sounds impossible. The world loves to remind us:
“You can’t have it all.”
“You’re going to burn out.”
“Your kids will suffer.”

Guess what? That’s nonsense. You can absolutely juggle motherhood, your career, and your business—without losing your sanity (or your sense of humor). I’m living proof: full-time Fire Protection Engineer, mom of four, and proud owner of Charm and Char—where we believe joy doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

It’s not easy, but with the right mindset (and a lot of coffee), you can thrive in all your roles.

Let’s Talk About Mom Guilt (And Why It’s Lying to You)

Ah, mom guilt—that sneaky little voice whispering, “You’re not doing enough.”
Skipped a PTA meeting for work? Stayed up late filling orders instead of folding laundry? Took a business break to snuggle your clingy, teething baby?

Yep. Been there—especially lately.

Truth bomb? I’ve intentionally taken a step back from my business for the past 18 months. Why? Because my youngest, Helen, is in that stage where she wants me constantly—and guess what? That’s not just okay, it’s necessary. Babies don’t keep. The business will be there. The customers will come back. But those squishy little arms around your neck? Those moments are fleeting.

If you’re in that same season where your business is more of a side hustle than a hustle-hustle? Give yourself grace. You’re still ambitious. You’re still capable. You’re still a boss. You’re just prioritizing the tiny humans that need you most right now—and there’s nothing to feel guilty about.

When you’re ready to lean back in? You’ll be amazed at how quickly you pick up where you left off.

Need a little reminder that you’re not alone? I love Motherly for encouraging stories, Boss-Mom for inspiration from other moms juggling business and life, or check out the book 168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam—it was life-changing for me. Spoiler alert: You have more time than you think.

Time Management Tips for the Multi-Tasking, Mom-Boss Extraordinaire

If you want to balance work, life, and business without spontaneously combusting, time management isn’t optional—it’s survival. Here’s what works for me (and no, it’s not magic—it’s messy, but effective):

✔ Embrace a Schedule (It’s Your Best Friend)

Map out your day—work, business tasks, family time, self-care (yes, you matter too). Even 30 minutes of focused effort on your business adds up over time. Google Calendar is my ride-or-die.

✔ Batch Your Tasks Like a Pro

Multitasking is a myth. Instead, batch similar tasks together.
➡ One evening for product making (hello, leather patch hats!)
➡ Another for marketing or social media
➡ And don’t forget time for movie night or spontaneous dance parties with the kids.

✔ Get the Kids Involved

Packing orders? Let the kids help. Designing products? Get their input (kids have surprisingly good taste, trust me). It’s a fun way to bond—and sneak in a life lesson or two about entrepreneurship.

✔ Master the Art of Saying No

Every meeting, playdate, and committee doesn’t deserve your time. Saying no protects your energy so you can pour it into what matters most: your family, your business, and your peace of mind.

✔ Celebrate Every Tiny Win

Balancing it all isn’t easy. Celebrate launching a new product, surviving bedtime, landing a big work project, or simply making it through the day with your sanity (mostly) intact.

Yes, You Can Have It All—But It’s on Your Terms

Having it all doesn’t mean doing it all perfectly. It means prioritizing, adjusting, and giving yourself the grace to mess up (and laugh about it later). Some days, dinner’s frozen pizza and the business emails pile up—and that’s okay.

You don’t have to choose between being a present, loving mom, a dedicated professional, and a passionate business owner. You can show up in all those roles—and your kids will be better for it.

Looking for a little joy amidst the chaos? Check out Charm and Char—where handmade accessories, quirky gifts, and good vibes remind you that joy doesn’t have to cost a fortune.