Working Mom Moments | Work Life Balance, Energy, Stress, Career, Time Management, Mom Guilt

In today’s episode, I continue our conversation about the silent second job nearly 73% of us are doing: caregiving. Balancing paid work and unpaid care for family members, pets, or children — especially as working moms — is real, relentless, and often invisible. I lay out why self-care isn’t luxury—it’s essential. Drawing on my 15 years as a working mom and 20 years aiding families in senior living, I share how overlooking self-care isn’t just cliché; it can lead to burnout, physical decline, and reduced work performance. Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re fences that protect our well-being and sustain our ability to care for others. Throughout the episode, I illustrate how asking for help is one of the most powerful self-care moves we can make. I share data showing that 59% of employees don’t seek support due to fear of appearing weak, and that caregiver-employees face higher rates of depression (87%) and turnover. I compare this to experiences I’ve seen in senior living—like caregivers declining faster than those they care for—highlighting that neglecting our own needs doesn’t serve anyone. It’s not about perfection; it’s about protection and sustainability. I close with encouragement to build micro-rituals—whether five quiet minutes in the car, a dinner with friends, or extending a trip for solitude—and to embrace asking for help as a power move. Starting today, I urge listeners to consider: What is one thing you can do for your own peace? Setting that boundary, advocating for yourself, and accepting support isn’t selfish—it’s smart. Because when we care for ourselves, we show up stronger—for our families, our careers, and most importantly, for ourselves. 00:00 Introduction to Employee Caregivers 00:44 Welcome to Working Mom Moments 01:36 The Silent Job of Caregiving 03:34 The Sandwich Generation 05:04 The Importance of Asking for Help 07:13 The Impact of Caregiving on Health 09:17 Setting Boundaries and Self-Care 14:33 Empowerment Through Self-Advocacy 16:56 Conclusion and Next Steps **** For the direct links shared on this episode and previous shows, click below! Order my new book: The Working Mom Blend Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider Email me: info@lacyjungman.com Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/

Navigating the Journey of Employee Caregivers Welcome back to Working Mom Moments! In this episode, I dive deep into the journey of employee caregivers, a topic I'm extremely passionate about. We explore the duality of roles as working moms and caregivers, and the immense challenges faced by those caring for young children, aging parents or family members with disabilities. With 73% of the workforce engaged in some form of caregiving, it's crucial for organizations and individuals to understand and navigate this journey effectively. We'll discuss each stage of the caregiver journey, from the status quo to the critical decision-making phase, and how employers can support their caregiving employees to enhance productivity and retention. Whether you're a caregiver yourself or a leader looking to support your team, this episode is filled with insights and practical advice to help you thrive. **** For the direct links shared on this episode and previous shows, click below! Order my new book: The Working Mom Blend Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider Email me: info@lacyjungman.com Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/

What if I told you that nearly three out of four people at your workplace are secretly working a second job? A job with no paycheck, no benefits—and no off switch. It’s called caregiving. And chances are, you’re one of them. In this episode, we’re breaking the silence around what it really means to be a working caregiver—so you can finally feel seen, supported, and reminded: you are not alone. In this eye-opening episode of Working Mom Moments, I expose the invisible reality that 73% of employees are also caregivers—juggling professional responsibilities with raising children, supporting aging parents, or both. From the emotional toll to the workplace silence that feeds burnout, this episode explores the mental load, working mom guilt, and the career sacrifices being made in silence. If you’ve ever: Used PTO just to survive the week Skipped opportunities because you’re drowning at home Felt like you’re holding up your job and your family alone …this episode is for you. What You’ll Hear: The shocking statistics about employee caregivers How caregiving leads to burnout, isolation, and career sacrifice What employers must do to support the people holding everything together Why staying silent is hurting us—and how speaking up can change everything If you've ever googles the following words...this episode is for you: working moms, caregiver burnout, mental load, sandwich generation, eldercare, mom guilt, invisible labor, employee caregivers, flexible work, caregiving at work. 00:00 – “A second job with no paycheck or off switch”: redefining caregiving 03:55 – 73% of employees are caregivers (Forbes stat) 04:30 – The pressure to stay silent, appear strong, and avoid judgment 07:00 – "We're all rowing in different boats, but in the same ocean”: caregiver metaphor 10:00 – 61% of caregivers have modified or quit their jobs 12:00 – How silence leads to overcompensation, isolation, and burnout 14:00 – Why caregiving builds powerful leadership skills like empathy and prioritization 16:30 – How $1 of caregiver support = $18 ROI in productivity and retention 17:45 – Why now is the time to speak up and advocate—for yourself and others **** For the direct links shared on this episode and previous shows, click below! Order my new book: The Working Mom Blend Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider Email me: info@lacyjungman.com Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/

Welcome back to Working Mom Moments! In this inspiring episode, I sit down with one of my favorite humans—and my boss—Amy Birkel, Chief Operating Officer at Heritage Communities. Amy opens up about her journey as a working mom of three and shares hard-won wisdom from her seat in the C-suite. Together, we dive into: If you’ve ever felt stretched thin, stuck in reactive mode, or unsure how to move forward, this episode will equip you with empowering tools and perspective shifts to take back control. Whether you’re leading a team or leading bedtime routines, this conversation is for you. Hit play for a real, relatable, and radically helpful conversation on what it takes to grow your career without losing yourself along the way. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:58 Amy Birkel's Career Journey 02:25 Balancing Work and Motherhood 05:07 Leadership and Empowerment 09:48 The Empowerment Dynamic 21:01 Balancing Home and Work Dynamics 22:08 Focusing on Desired Outcomes 25:19 The Empowerment Dynamic 30:59 Three Vital Questions 34:02 Personal Growth and Reflection 37:37 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Follow Amy Birkel: Click here – LinkedIn Click here – Heritage Communities **** For the direct links shared on this episode and previous shows, click below! Order my new book: The Working Mom Blend Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider Email me: info@lacyjungman.com Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/

Boost Your Energy as a Working Mom, through Integrative Health and Balanced Living In this comprehensive episode of Working Mom Moments, I sit down with Nicole Szpilka, Vice President and co-founder of Coastal MD, to delve into the essentials of integrative healthcare for busy working moms. Nicole discusses the significance of distinguishing between lifespan and health-span and emphasizes the importance of holistic well-being through nutrition, hydration, exercise, stress management, and sleep. These are the five pillars of total health, and critical for working moms to pay attention to! She offers practical tips for maintaining a balanced diet, including meal prep and mindful eating, and stresses the crucial role of hydration for mental clarity and energy levels. The episode also covers the benefits of IV hydration and specialized vitamin cocktails for quick, effective rehydration. Nicole highlights the value of consistent exercise, particularly walking and strength training, for boosting energy and overall health, addressing the differences between morning and evening workouts. She shares her personal journey in balancing a busy career and family life, illustrating how quality time with loved ones can coexist with professional success. Moreover, Nicole explores stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and breath work, all tailored to the hectic schedules of working moms. She also dives into the pivotal role of sleep in restoring the body and regulating hormones, sharing her experience with sleep training for better nighttime rest. This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration, making it a must-listen for any mom striving to balance a thriving career with a healthy, happy home life. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 01:31 Nicole's Journey and Coastal MD 02:52 Balancing Work and Family Life 05:40 Foundations of Health: Nutrition 13:50 Hydration and Its Importance 15:53 IV Hydration and Vitamin Cocktails 18:45 Exercise and Energy Management 19:18 The Importance of Exercise 19:42 Walking and Strength Training for Women 22:24 Morning vs. Night Exercise 27:15 Managing Stress for Working Moms 34:01 The Role of Sleep in Wellbeing 35:28 Personal Sleep Training Success ****** Follow Nicole and Coastal MD here: Follow Nicole Polemini, PA-C: Click here – Instagram Learn more about Coastal MD: Click here – Official Website Click here – Newsletter Signup Follow Coastal MD: Click here – Instagram Click here – Facebook **** For the direct links shared on this episode and previous shows, click below! Order my new book: The Working Mom Blend Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider Email me: info@lacyjungman.com Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/

Mastering Time Management and Home Systems with Chelsi Jo In this episode of Working Mom Moments, Chelsi Jo shares her expertise on systematizing and time blocking to help working moms manage their time effectively and create consistent income without sacrificing their family or personal life. With 17 years of corporate experience and her own business, Chelsi Jo has developed a home management system broken into four key parts: time management, task management, tidying and maintaining the home, and involving the family. She dissects the concept of time blocking, emphasizing the importance of morning and nighttime routines and provides actionable steps to maintain efficiency, reduce overwhelm, and ensure self-care. Chelsi Jo also tackles the myth of multitasking and offers strategic tips for balancing work and home life. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:53 Chelsea Jo's Journey to Systematization 03:44 Understanding Home Management Systems 06:14 The Four Key Systems of Home Management 08:08 Time Blocking for Working Moms 21:35 Balancing Tasks and Time Management 25:16 Multitasking and Efficiency 26:51 Prioritizing Self-Care for Moms 30:40 Final Thoughts and Encouragement You can find more information about Chelsi Jo here! www.chelsijo.co **** For the direct links shared on this episode and previous shows, click below! Order my new book: The Working Mom Blend Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider Email me: info@lacyjungman.com Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/

In this inspiring episode, Kelly Roach, an eight-figure entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist, joins Working Mom Moments to discuss the essential strategies working moms need to balance career and family life. Kelly shares insights on viewing oneself as a catalyst rather than a cap, the importance of focusing on 'blue chip' activities, and the dangers of living in the 'FOHG' of fear, obligation, habit, and guilt. She emphasizes the significance of prioritizing personal well-being to sustain long-term success and happiness. Kelly also introduces the concept of Kairos time, encouraging women to focus on God's timing rather than man-made deadlines. Tune in for actionable advice on how to ruthlessly manage your time and achieve life and career goals without compromising family and personal health. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:27 Kelly Roche's Background and Achievements 01:38 Balancing Motherhood and Career 02:17 The Cap and Catalyst Concept 04:46 Blue Chip Activities for Working Moms 07:05 Overcoming Fear, Obligation, Habit, and Guilt (FOG) 09:24 Prioritizing Family and Faith 19:26 Making Intentional Life Decisions 24:42 Final Thoughts and Resources ******** Want to stay in touch with Kelly? Here's how! Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01BUMNVZ2 Bigger Than You Audiobook: https://www.audible.com/pd/Bigger-Than-You-Audiobook/B0DMR2FB2P Freebies/opt-ins: https://thekellyroach.com/reinvention - Masterfully craft your next game-changing breakthrough for record-breaking growth and industry domination with Kelly Roach’s FREE Business Reinvention Playbook. https://thekellyroach.com/shift - Unlock the critical mindset shifts required to expand your capacity, command the strategic growth process in your company, and avoid entrepreneurial burnout with Kelly Roach’s FREE 5 Essential Internal Shifts to Soar from 7-8 Figures Guide. ******** For the direct links shared on this episode and previous shows, click below! Order my new book: The Working Mom Blend Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider Email me: info@lacyjungman.com Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/

Working Mom Moments is baaaaack!! In our last episode, we talked about the importance of pausing and pivoting. In today's episode, we expand more on this topic and dive into the impact of change. Change can be hard and it can be painful. But there are unexpected gifts that can come from change if we are open to looking at our situations differently. Through my own frustrations with change shared on this episode, I was able to find clarity and a little corner of peace. In upcoming shows, we'll spend time with working moms who are juggling career and motherhood...and their perspectives, tips and techniques that we can all learn from. I'm looking forward to learning and growing together as a working mom community! ******** For the direct links shared on this episode and previous shows, click below! Order my new book: The Working Mom Blend Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider Email me: info@lacyjungman.com Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/

As a working mom, it’s easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of commitments and obligations. From professional responsibilities to personal goals, we often find ourselves juggling an endless list of tasks. In the midst of the chaos, it’s important to recognize the importance of pausing, reflecting, and reprioritizing. Sometimes in our careers we take a step back, while other times we take a huge leap forward. Similarly, as our children grow, we find ourselves in phases where we can lean into our career because of their independence and other times when they simply need more time and energy from us. Through it all, though, remember why you started. What was your dream? The one that gets you energized and out of bed thinking about? Don't lose sight of your dream...even if you need to hit pause for a moment. I am living proof that pause does not coincide with failure. A pause in life doesn't have to be goodbye or a pivot, it can simply be a holding place. Thank you, truly, for letting me be part of your working mom journey this past year. It's time for me to hit pause on an area of life, to focus on others. You have been the best community and I look forward to coming back on air to connect with you in the future. Don't Quit Your Daydream. ******** For the direct links shared on this episode and previous shows, click below! Pre-order my new book: The Working Mom Blend Rent the Runway Discount Code Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider Connect with me: info@lacyjungman.com Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/ If you're ready to create the work life blend you've always dreamed of, I'm here for you! Grab time on my calendar for coaching here. _

The Silent Struggle: Why Working Moms Hesitate to Ask for Help In today's fast-paced, achievement-oriented society, working moms face a unique and often overwhelming set of challenges. Juggling careers, households, parenting, and personal ambitions requires an extraordinary level of dedication and resilience. Despite all of the concentrated efforts, many find it difficult to ask for help. This reluctance is often rooted in a complex interplay of societal expectations, internalized beliefs, and practical concerns. The reality of asking for help is often vastly different from our internal fears and assumptions about how others will perceive us. This discrepancy can be understood through a phenomenon known as the "Spotlight Effect" and also relates to concepts like "Impostor Syndrome." Working moms might feel that asking for help will expose them as inadequate or unfit for their roles, even if this is far from the truth. They might believe others will see them as failing to meet their responsibilities, while in reality, others might see them as strong for recognizing and addressing their needs. Ready to grow past the difficulty of asking for help? Let's dive in! ******** For the direct links shared on this episode and previous shows, click below! Pre-order my new book: The Working Mom Blend Rent the Runway Discount Code Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider Connect with me: info@lacyjungman.com Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/ If you're ready to create the work life blend you've always dreamed of, I'm here for you! Grab time on my calendar for coaching here.

You put boundaries in place to protect your time and priorities...but why does it seem like you're living in hustle culture, treading water and barely keeping up? Weren't those boundaries to keep us from getting to this pace of life in the first place? If you're anything like me, you think you're coming at life from a strategic perspective where you're making decisions that are best for your time and family. But more often than not, we find small pockets of decisions that need to be made that can compromise the well intended parameters. Before we know it, we're living life in a dead-out sprint rather than a sustainable jog. We're frustrated, overwhelmed and feeling like the busyness is getting the better of us. If this sounds like you, know that you're in good company. We all start out with great intentions, but somewhere between decision and action...we can easily get diverted. If you're living life in the fast lane even though you've set your boundaries...this episode is for you. Let's dive in! ******** For the direct links shared on this episode and previous shows, click below! Rent the Runway Discount Code Pre-order my new book: The Working Mom Blend Like this episode and want more?! Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider Connect with me: info@lacyjungman.com Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/ If you're ready to create the work life blend you've always dreamed of, I'm here for you! Grab time on my calendar for coaching here.

One of the most common frustrations for the working moms I talk with, is centered around not having enough time. Have you ever said any of the following: If any of these lines sound like something that's ran across your thoughts before, you are not alone. In fact, this episode is for you. In this episode, I share the three things I'm loving right now that help me better manage my time and energy...so that I can spend it in areas that I'd rather prioritize. For the direct links shared on this episode click below! Rent the Runway Discount Code Pre-order my new book: The Working Mom Blend ******** Like this episode and want more?! Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider Connect with me: info@lacyjungman.com Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/ If you're ready to create the work life blend you've always dreamed of, I'm here for you! Grab time on my calendar for coaching here.

Ever had one of those moments that replayed over and over in your mind? Before you know it, you've become consumed with what happened, what you could have done or said differently, and how other's must have perceived you? Welcome to the overthinking club! Overthinking so often leads to feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion. And guess what, we have resources to help us dig our way out of this negative pattern! In today's episode we're talking about two strategies to help you refocus and on what's important and stop the talk tracks happening in your mind once and for all (or at least put them on pause for a while). Let's get ready to dive on in! ******** Like this episode and want more?! Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider Connect with me: info@lacyjungman.com Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/ If you're ready to create the work life blend you've always dreamed of, I'm here for you! Grab time on my calendar for coaching here.

Ever find yourself trapped in a whirlwind of thoughts, endlessly analyzing situations until your brain feels like mush? You're not alone. Overthinking has become somewhat of an epidemic among women today, and I've certainly felt its grip tightening around my mind more one too many times. What I’ve learned is the distinct correlation between overthinking, overwhelm and exhaustion. Today, we're walking through exactly what it is and how the mind is connected to the body. If you consider yourself an over-thinker...this episode is for you! ******** Like this episode and want more?! Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider Connect with me: info@lacyjungman.com Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/ If you're ready to create the work life blend you've always dreamed of, I'm here for you! Grab time on my calendar for coaching here.

Have you ever found yourself thinking that the grass must be greener on the other side of the fence? Whether that grass resembles the idea of a new job or dreaming of a better marriage...we often look to big changes that can give us satisfaction. Sometimes, though, the grass is actually green where we're at, and we only need to make a few minor modifications to live the life we've always dreamed. Join me as we walk through an unconventional approach to boundaries. If you're looking to reduce the stress, guilt and time lost...this episode is for you. Let's go! ******** Like this episode and want more?! Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider Connect with me: info@lacyjungman.com Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/ If you're ready to create the work life blend you've always dreamed of, I'm here for you! Grab time on my calendar for coaching here.

We've been told working moms can have it all...but is that really true? On today's episode, we're looking at this notion from several viewpoints. What does "having it all" mean to you? And how can you achieve it? Pop in those earbuds and let's dig in! ******** Like this episode and want more?! Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider Connect with me: info@lacyjungman.com Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/ If you're ready to create the work life blend you've always dreamed of, I'm here for you! Grab time on my calendar for coaching here.

It's time to get real about your time. So often, we are upholding obligations and priorities of other people without much consideration to their impact on our own schedules. We carry the expectations of others or what we think we "should" be doing as working moms...and before we know it, we're spending time in areas we never would have chosen. In today's episode, we're talking through how you can identify opportunities to shed others' priorities and expectations in order to get more time back in your day. I'll also be sharing one of my favorite methods that can help you analyze just where your time is being spent in order to dig into the "why". If you're ready to take control of your schedule and own your time - this episode is for you! ******** Like this episode and want more?! Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider Connect with me: info@lacyjungman.com Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/ If you're ready to create the work life blend you've always dreamed of, I'm here for you! Grab time on my calendar for coaching here.

Have you ever told yourself.... If I wear the right clothes, I'll be taken seriously? Or If I work a certain way, I'll finally get that promotion? Or If I do all the things as a mom, I'll be a great mom? We tell ourselves a lot of stories, but rarely do we consider what we'd do if there were no expectations, pressures or judgement being placed on us. Who are you as a working mom outside of everyone else's expectations? It's an important question to ask...and one we're diving into on today's episode. Time to get real with who you are as a working mom and what you truly want. Let's dive in! ******** Like this episode and want more?! Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider Connect with me: info@lacyjungman.com Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/ If you're ready to create the work life blend you've always dreamed of, I'm here for you! Grab time on my calendar for coaching here.

One of the most common sources of guilt for working moms is missing our children's activities due to work commitments. I have missed games and practices...and soon to be a band concert. I'm not a perfect mom by any means, but these moments don't make me a bad one. And they don't make you a terrible mother either! In today's episode, we'll delve into the roots of this guilt, offer a more realistic perspective, and explore the positive aspects of these situations along with strategies to overcome the accompanying guilt. ******** Like this episode and want more?! Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider Connect with me: info@lacyjungman.com Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/ If you're ready to create the work life blend you've always dreamed of, I'm here for you! Grab time on my calendar for coaching here.

With so many projects, activities and events on our calendars...it's hard to find time for ourselves. In today's episode, I'm diving into the number one thing you need in order to create a highly effective routine. But I'll warn you...it's not what you think. I'm a firm believer that progress is better than perfection, and living in the grey is better than black and white thinking. It's why I believe in blending over balancing. One great way to do that, is to approach our schedules and routines with moderation. More specifically, to approach it from an 80/20 lens. Curious how that can set you up for success? Wonder no longer! Hit play and let's dig into this theory, and its application to working moms, now! ******** Like this episode and want more?! Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider Connect with me: info@lacyjungman.com Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/ If you're ready to create the work life blend you've always dreamed of, I'm here for you! Grab time on my calendar for coaching here.