The Untold Realities of Being a New Working Mom (Part 3): Adjusting at Work

Resuming work with a new kid is like stepping into a whole new world. One that expects me to switch on, show up, and perform—just like I did before. But everything has changed. I’ve changed.

Now, work involves travel, long hours, late nights, and a focus that doesn’t come as easily when my thoughts keep drifting to the little one waiting at home. I get exhausted. Physically, emotionally, mentally. And yet, I count down the hours until I can rush home to see her—my baby girl.

But sometimes, coming home isn’t the comforting end to the day I imagined. She throws a fuss. A tantrum. Maybe she missed me, maybe she’s overwhelmed too. And I, running on just a few hours of broken sleep and aching with exhaustion, find it hard to handle. My patience wears thin. And the guilt sets in.

This is the part no one talks about enough—the constant balancing act that feels like a tightrope walk with no safety net. The lack of rest. The late-night feedings. The 3 AM wakings. The housework. The pressure to "bounce back" at work like nothing ever changed.

But one thing makes it all worth it: seeing her every night. That little face lighting up (even if it’s followed by a tantrum). Her drooly mouth and first teeth coming out. That moment I get to hold her close and remind myself why I do what I do. Those cuddles mean the world. They give my days purpose, my nights meaning, and my career a deeper reason.

So yes, it’s hard. So very hard. But I’m going to continue to push on.

To every mom out there, especially the new working moms trying to do it all—this month, we celebrate you. Happy Mother’s Day. The love of a mother is truly priceless.