Surviving Corporate Culture as a Mom

Balancing motherhood and corporate life isn’t for the faint of heart. From pumping in bathroom stalls to guilt over missing milestones, I’ve been there. Here’s what I’ve learned about surviving—and thriving—in both worlds.

Being a mom in corporate America isn’t for the faint of heart. From taking calls from school midday to feeling the weight of mom guilt during every meeting that went over 5pm, I’ve lived the struggle. There’s no manual for balancing your role as a mother with the relentless demands of work—but there are lessons I’ve learned along the way that have made survival (and even thriving) possible.

First, I had to unlearn the idea that asking for flexibility was a weakness. I’d sit in meetings pretending I wasn’t silently panicking about daycare pick-up or school events. Eventually, I realized that advocating for my needs wasn’t just good for me—it made me a better employee. Setting clear boundaries, like protecting my time after hours or negotiating remote days, didn’t make me less professional. It made me more effective. It also helped by being honest during my job search in terms of seeking opportunities that aligned with what I valued.

Second, I learned to take better care of myself. Yes, there were days I worked later in the evenings at home because I attended a soccer game or having lunch at my desk to make a recital in place of my “lunch break”. But I’ve also learned that showing my daughter what ambition, resilience, and success look like is a lesson she’ll carry for life.

If you’re a mom navigating corporate culture, know that you’re not alone. You don’t have to sacrifice your sanity or your family to succeed. My Corporate Survival Guide has tips for creating work-life harmony and navigating this unique journey.