Making It Work: Real Advice from the Woman Who Gets Working Moms

Building a career while raising a family is no joke. It’s exhausting and filled with invisible work that rarely gets acknowledged. I spoke with Philipa Geard, founder and CEO of Recruit My Mom, a platform dedicated to helping moms find flexible, family-friendly work. Philipa knows firsthand the challenges working moms face, from career breaks to constant juggling acts. 

In our MOMents episode, she shares practical strategies and honest insights on how moms can thrive in both career and family life.

The Many Hats Moms Wear

Philipa calls moms the CEOs of their households. We’re chauffeurs, therapists, chefs, HR managers and emotional anchors. Yet society often undervalues this labour because it’s expected. 

Her advice? Take stock. Write down all the hats you wear daily. Share your contributions with your family or employer. And most importantly, let go of guilt. If one role is harming you or your family, it’s okay to set it down. 

Setting Boundaries: Work-Life Integration Over Balance

Forget the myth of balance. Philipa advocates for integration, not perfection. Create a dedicated workspace, establish clear work hours and teach your children and partner to respect those boundaries. Yes, interruptions will happen. But a structured approach, combined with flexibility, reduces stress and protects your mental health.

Flexible Work: Handle With Care

Flexible work sounds like the dream, right? But without clear boundaries, it can actually add stress. Philipa advises assessing what truly works for your family and being honest with your employer about your needs. Sometimes the structure of an office or defined hours is simpler than trying to juggle work and home simultaneously.

Career Breaks and Rebuilding Confidence

Taking time off to raise children is common, and sometimes necessary, but it comes with challenges. Philipa points out that 43% of South African women take career breaks, with 94% eventually returning, often in different roles. 

Her advice: view breaks as opportunities to grow soft skills, network and upskill. Rebuilding confidence after maternity leave is key. Celebrate your wins, acknowledge your abilities and surround yourself with a support network of moms who’ve walked the same path.

Prioritise What Matters: Glass Balls vs. Rubber Balls

Not every task is equal. Philipa’s “glass balls” are the non-negotiables, marriage, children and personal well-being. Everything else? Let it bounce. Perfection isn’t the goal, protecting your most important priorities is. Self-compassion is critical. You’re allowed to drop a ball sometimes.

The Power of Support Systems

Behind every successful working mom is a village. Build it. Recognise your partner’s contributions. Ask for help. Support other moms. Philipa credits her husband as a co-parenting partner whose role is invaluable.

Juggling motherhood and career aren’t easy, but with boundaries, self-awareness and support, they’re manageable. Philipa reminds us that being a diamond with many facets is our reality: each role adds value, resilience and growth. Embrace it, own it and give yourself grace. 

Watch the whole conversation with Phillipa here: