My Journey From Working Mom to Entrepreneur: Achieving Work Life Balance
- Jill Tant
- Feb 4
- 3 min read
My journey to achieving work-life balance started as a working mom juggling deadlines and daycare pickups, shifted to a stay-at-home mom navigating the chaos of full-time parenting, and most recently evolved into an entrepreneur mom building a business from scratch. Along the way, I discovered practical ways to create a work life balance that supports both my family and my ambitions.
This post shares my story and the key strategies that helped me find balance. Whether you are a working parent, a stay-at-home mom, or an entrepreneur, these insights can help you build a life where work and family thrive together.
My Story: From Working Mom to Entrepreneur Mom
When I was a working mom, I felt stretched thin, constantly reacting to urgent demands both at work and home. Then I became a stay-at-home mom, which brought its own challenges—feeling isolated and struggling to find time for myself amid endless caregiving.
Starting my own business gave me a new sense of control but also introduced new pressures. I realized that without clear boundaries and habits, work could easily consume my whole day. I had to learn how to be accountable to myself, plan ahead, and build routines that fit my family’s needs.
Accountability & Being Proactive
Accountability is having an internal sense of obligation to achieve an outcome. For me, this was a game changer. Instead of waiting for external deadlines, I set clear goals and checked in with myself regularly.
Set specific, measurable goals for work and family time.
Track progress weekly to see what’s working.
Use a journal or app to reflect on successes and challenges.
Being accountable helped me stay focused and gave me confidence that I could meet my commitments without sacrificing family time.
I also learned to be proactive:
Prepare in advance for busy days - Meals, Rides, Meetings, etc.
Prioritize tasks by what was important for ME
Say no to commitments that don’t align with my goals or my schedule
This shift gave me more control over my time and reduced stress.
Routine Building
Trying to overhaul your entire schedule at once can be overwhelming. Instead, I like to focus on adding one new habit at a time.
Start with a simple habit like waking up at a certain time or evening walks
After a week or two, assess what worked and what didn’t.
Adjust and build on habits gradually.
For example, I began by setting a consistent wake-up time. Then I added a quick workout in the morning before my kids were awake.
Plan Ahead to Reduce Stress
Planning ahead became essential for managing both work and family life. I use a calendar and planner to schedule:
Client Sessions, Networking Events, etc.
Kids' Sports Commitments, School Activities, and Appointments
I typically dedicate an hour on the weekend to review the calendar for the coming week, plan meals, and do grocery shopping.
When I feel overwhelmed, I like to make a list of what needs to get done and prioritize tasks.
Schedule Time for Yourself
It’s easy to put yourself last when life gets busy. I learned that scheduling time for things I love is not selfish—it’s necessary.
Block out time for hobbies, exercise, or quiet moments - What is something you love to do?
Treat these appointments with the same respect as work meetings.
Making myself a priority recharges my energy and improves my focus for both work and family.
Create Consistency Amid Chaos
Life with kids and a business is always changing. I found that creating consistency helps me stay grounded. Establishing a routine is one of the most effective strategies I have implemented to manage the ebb and flow of daily life.
Set specific times for family meals, work hours, and downtime
Dedicate certain hours of the day as "work time" - Increases productivity and allows me to be present during "family time"
Celebrate small wins and accomplishments
Reward yourself for sticking to routines.
Make a Ta-Da List!! Focus on what got done, not what didn’t.
I make a note of 3 things I’m grateful for each day. This simple practice encourages me to stick with it when life is challenging.
Lean Into Your Support System
Don’t feel like you have to do it all alone. Building a support system is crucial to finding balance.
Delegate tasks at home and work when possible.
Connect with other moms or entrepreneurs for encouragement - Join my Facebook Group
Consider working with a health and wellness coach - Having someone to talk to who can relate and offer advice makes the journey less lonely and more manageable.
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