The Real Cost of Being a Working Mum: Challenges and How to Navigate Them
Being a working mum means juggling so much every single day. Your career goals, your family’s needs, and everything in between. And yet, despite all the hard work you do, women in Australia still earn just 78 cents for every dollar men make. That gap is a reminder of the challenges many of us face in balancing work and family life.
Why Negotiating Your Worth Matters
It’s common to feel unsure or hesitant about asking for more at work, whether that’s a higher salary or flexible hours that fit your life. But knowing your value and speaking up for yourself can really make a difference. Using tools like Seek or LinkedIn to understand what you’re worth, and being confident in negotiating your pay and benefits early on, is one way to take control.
Flexibility That Actually Works for You
Flexibility isn’t just about working from home or having a casual start time. It’s about having the freedom to focus on results and outcomes, so you can manage your work around your family’s needs. It’s important to look for employers who genuinely support flexible working, not just talk about it.
Sharing the Mental and Domestic Load
As mums, we often carry more than just physical tasks, there’s a mental load, too. That invisible work of organising, planning, and remembering can wear you down and affect your confidence at work. Having honest conversations with your partner and dividing responsibilities more fairly can make a huge difference! Tools like the RACI matrix can even help you figure out who does what.
Taking Charge of Your Career Path
Knowing what flexibility and support look like for you and your family helps you choose the right job or decide when it’s time to move on. Don’t be afraid to be clear about your needs, and remember, it’s okay to walk away from roles that don’t respect your boundaries. Flexibility should be for all parents, and you deserve to work somewhere that gets that.
How Go Mama Can Support You
At Go Mama, we see you. We know how tough it can be to balance your career and your family, and we’re here to help. Our coaching and community give you the confidence, tools, and support to negotiate your worth, find real flexibility, and build a career that fits your life, on your terms. Whether you’re heading back to work, making a career change, or just trying to figure it all out, you’re not alone.
Being a working mum isn’t easy, but with the right mindset and support, you can create a career and life that feel right for you and your family.
Want to explore these ideas more? Listen to our podcast episode for honest conversations and practical advice from experts who understand what it’s really like to be a working mum.
