My working mom guilt is at an all time high right now for me. Guilt for being a working parent during a highly stressful and confusing time for many. More guilt that by working there’s a chance of coming into contact with COVID-19 and bringing it home to my loved ones. Or the guilt that I’m upset at my son’s school for creating a hardship on me and other working parents while knowing full well that they are doing what is best for the community as a whole. Lastly, I’m feeling all the mom guilt today that I must head into work while my children are at home.
Many employers are allowing their employees to take time off or work from home. However, that option is just not for me. When you work in healthcare you’re expected to show up every shift and then some.
Why I’m Feeling Working Mom Guilt Today
I knew when I went into the nursing field that I was signing up to work long shifts under some not so ideal circumstances. I also knew this even more so when I took a job as an emergency department nurse. Still it doesn’t do anything to lessen my working mom guilt. Especially now when there is anxiety and fear surrounding how long things will last.
I know that we are all experiencing a hardship at this time. Whether it is a small business losing customers, cancelled events, or parents being forced to home school their children when they don’t even understand the material themselves. Not to mention the overall working mom guilt felt by many to not be able to be there for their children during this confusing and scary time.
So yes, my working mom guilt is at an all time high right now. And for all the other moms out there who are working, staying home, or saying a silent plea for this quarantine to end sooner rather than later; I am with you and we will get through this.
Thank you so much for what you’re doing for the community during these crazy times! I can only imagine the way you’re feeling having to expose yourself and be at work daily, when I’m sure the idea of snuggling up with your kiddos in the safety of your own home is much more appealing. I hope the mom guilt fades, because it is definitely out of your hands, but as with most things, I am sure that’s easier said than done. Wishing you and your family health and safety during all of this!
I am a SAHM. But I can totally understand what you are going through. A heartfelt thanks to you and everyone who work tirelessly to fight this situation. Your kids will understand everything you do, if not now, one day for sure. Hugs Mamma, you are doing great even if you don’t feel like it. Don’t stress over it. 🙂
I totally understand your feelings! Things are not going to plan and it’s frustrating, yet you know it’s for the best, and I appreciate caution, but it’s still hard.
Hang in these momma! We all appreciate your dedication to the medical field during this time! It can be so difficult to leave our babes at home while we go off to work. It’s can be harder on mom than on the littles.
I get the guilt! Thank you so much for what you do!
Thank you for continuing to go to work. I’m lucky enough to be able to work from home through this. It’s terrifying whenever I have to leave the house. My son’s birthday is next week and we can’t really celebrate because of social distancing.
There is so much guilt surrounding motherhood. Just keep doing what you’re doing and know we are all rooting for you.
I can totally relate to this. This entire experience has brought out emotions in me that I never realized I had. Work life balance has always been a focus of mine, but the guilt surrounding simply working in general is indescribable and something so foreign to me.
I’m so glad I’m not alone! I already felt guilty working on my small business but now I feel like I’m in over drive trying to keep my business afloat while being shut inside for days on end. Thank you for posting this!!
I’ve been feeling this myself lately. I’m testing a new schedule this week as we continue to deal with school closures and online learning. Working from home hasn’t been easy, but we are doing our best.