Work Life Balance

Let’s Be Honest: Work Life Balance is a Myth

Work life balance is an ideal that’s been sold to us, but for most, especially mothers, it simply doesn’t exist in the way we’re led to believe. It’s time we had a more honest conversation about what life really looks like for women trying to juggle it all.

Women carry the lion’s share of the load—work, parenting, and the invisible labour that keeps everything running. Yes, there are supportive partners and hands-on dads (I’m lucky to have one too), but the reality is, society still expects women to parent like they don’t work and work like they don’t have children.

We fought for equal rights—and we deserve them. But somewhere along the way, the pressure shifted. Now we’re expected to climb the career ladder, excel in our roles, manage the household, raise happy children, and somehow make it all look effortless.

It’s exhausting. And most of the time, the responsibility still falls on us. We carried them, birthed them, and often, we’re the one constant in their world.

Why Boundaries Matter More Than Balance

So instead of chasing the illusion of balance, let’s start talking about boundaries.

Setting realistic expectations—at work, at home, and in life—is key. Saying no doesn’t mean you’re lazy or uncommitted. It means you know your limits, and that’s a strength, not a weakness.

One of the biggest issues we face today is that work doesn’t end at 5pm. We take it home—answering emails, working after the children are in bed, constantly staying “on.” And that’s exactly why so many of us are burnt out.

In my own company, I’ve created a culture where work ends when the day ends. No emails after hours. No laptops taken home. When you’re home, be present. And honestly? More workplaces need to adopt this mindset. Because rushing through dinner and bedtime routines just to return to your screen isn’t sustainable—or fair.

We may not be able to create more hours in the day, but we can choose how we spend them. Start by setting boundaries, pushing back when needed, and most importantly—letting go of the guilt.

Time Mapping: Taking Back Control

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try time mapping. There are 168 hours in a week. Where are they going? Setting a few small, manageable goals—like going to bed early a few nights a week, or doing one load of laundry each evening—can create a sense of control without more pressure.

Work is important. It gives us purpose, fulfilment, and a sense of identity—something many women feel they lose after becoming mothers. But whether you’re working full-time, part-time, or at home raising your children, your role is valuable.

The key to feeling more in control? Structure your week the way you’d plan a project. Sit down with your partner and divide responsibilities based on each other’s strengths. Maybe one of you handles school emails, while the other manages after-school activities. Share the mental load—and be honest about what “fair” looks like in your home.

Remember: you don’t have to operate at 100% every day. Some days you’ll have 80% to give, and that’s enough—as long as your partner can give the other 20%. It’s all about teamwork and flexibility.

Sharing the Mental Load at Home

In my home, our roles are reversed—I work full-time, and my husband works part-time so he can be there for our son after school. Every family is different. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s balance that works for you.

Try setting a rule: when you get home, spend 30 minutes on the essentials—tidying up, prepping for the next day—so you can actually enjoy your evening.

Work-life balance might not exist in its perfect form, but with intentional planning, honest conversations, and strong boundaries, we can create a life that feels calmer, more connected, and more fulfilling.

Let’s stop chasing balance and start building lives that work for us.

Teamwork Over Perfection

Work-life balance may not be as simple or achievable as we’ve been led to believe—but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. By setting boundaries, creating structure, and sharing responsibilities, we can build a life that feels more manageable, more intentional, and more ours.

It’s not about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters, in a way that works for you. Let’s keep having these honest conversations, support each other, and change the narrative for the next generation of parents.

Contact Us

Want to continue the conversation or explore how we can support you further?

We’re here to support parents, carers, and educators with expert insights, real-life stories, and practical tools to help you navigate childhood with confidence.

Mienna Jones, Championing Childhood

📞 Call us: 07359 380484

📧 Email us: hello@miennajones.com

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