Balancing Career and Family After 35

🚀 Juggling the Chaos: Finding Our Rhythm in Career and Family After 35

Hey fellow mamas! 👋 Let’s get real for a minute. That sweet spot after 35—when maybe you’re settling deeper into your career, or perhaps pivoting to something new, all while navigating school projects, soccer practice, and that ever-growing laundry pile—it’s a lot.

I used to picture “balance” as this zen, perfectly still scale. Now? I see it as a slightly manic seesaw, constantly tipping, sometimes scraping the ground, but always, always in motion. And you know what? That’s totally normal.

If you’re feeling like you’re wearing 12 different hats and they all desperately need ironing, pull up a chair. We’re in this beautiful, messy journey together.

The Myth of “Having It All” (and Why We Should Burn the Script 🔥)

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the pressure to “have it all.” A thriving, six-figure career, impeccably behaved children, a spotless home, and time for a weekly pilates class.

News flash: That’s an Instagram filter, not real life.

When you’re trying to excel in your career, it often means late nights, early calls, and deadlines. When you’re trying to be present for your family, it means pausing that email to listen to a 7-minute story about a ladybug. The trick isn’t doing it all; it’s deciding what matters most in this specific season.

My Top 3 Sanity-Saving Strategies (Tricycle-Tested!)

Here are a few things that have helped me feel less like I’m drowning and more like I’m… well, floating (sometimes with a very strong paddle).

1. Embrace the “Good Enough” Standard (The 80/20 Rule)

Perfectionism is the enemy of the working mom. Seriously, banish it.

Work: If a report is 80% perfect and meets the core objective, send it. Don’t spend an extra two hours polishing the font.
Home: Dinner is mac and cheese and frozen peas? Good enough. The floor has Cheerios on it? Good enough. Your kid’s Halloween costume was store-bought? Good enough.
- 🔑 Key Takeaway: Save your gold star effort for the things that truly move the needle at work, or the moments that truly matter to your kids (like reading that bedtime story). Everything else gets the B+ effort.

2. Time-Blocking vs. Task-Slicing (The Small Bites Method 🍕)

Large tasks feel impossible when you have limited, fragmented time. Instead of blocking out a whole Saturday for one big project, try task-slicing:

The 30-Minute Power Hour: When the kids are quietly watching a show or doing homework, dedicate a specific 30-minute block only to a high-impact work task (e.g., “Draft the intro,” “Analyze the data”). Then, walk away.
The Commute Cleanup: Use your commute (even if it’s just from the kitchen to the home office) to transition your brain. Listen to a podcast to switch from “Mom mode” to “Work mode,” and vice versa on the way back.
Delegate, Delegate, Delegate! Can your partner handle school pickup on Tuesday? Can a teenager (or a hired service) mow the lawn? Can you order groceries online? Your time is your most precious resource. Protect it fiercely.

3. Scheduled Connection (Don’t Confuse Presence with Connection)

You can be physically present—sitting in the same room—and still be checking emails under the table. Our families crave real connection, not just proximity.

The 15-Minute Rule: Schedule a non-negotiable 15-minute connection time with each child/partner. No phones, no distractions. It can be reading, wrestling, or just chatting about their day. Knowing this time is coming makes it easier to set boundaries when you need to focus on work.
Book Your Own Break: Schedule time for you in your calendar. Whether it’s 20 minutes to read a book, a walk around the block, or just drinking your coffee while it’s still hot. You cannot pour from an empty cup, Mama. Treat that time like a mandatory work meeting—it’s non-negotiable.

The Bottom Line: Be Kind to Yourself

Balancing a career and family in your mid-thirties and beyond isn’t about finding a static equilibrium; it’s about constantly adjusting, forgiving yourself for the inevitable screw-ups, and celebrating the tiny wins.

We are role models. Our kids are watching how we work hard and how we prioritize them. They are learning that it’s okay for Mom to have passions outside of the home, and that sometimes, a deadline does mean a takeout pizza night.

So, let go of the guilt. High five yourself for getting through the day. You’re crushing it in all the ways that truly matter.

What’s your best “Good Enough” tip? Share your sanity-saver in the comments below! 👇

Sometimes, the simplest moments hold the deepest wisdom. Let your thoughts settle, and clarity will find you. Use this quote space to share something inspirational or reflective, perfectly aligned with the theme of your article.