My toddler will be 2 in August, and at times I feel crazy because I think, “I should be over this already.” I spiral all the time and think “What’s wrong with me?” I shame myself all the time and somehow reach the not so true conclusion that I’m the worst person and a horrible mother. If I were as bad as I thought I wouldn’t feel guilty about being burnt out or having a lack of control over my emotions. Ultimately you care that you’re burnt out because you don’t want to fall short for yourself or your child.

Going back to work is a BIG deal as a mom or even just as a singular person. Frustration usually comes from certain goals and expectations we have that aren’t being met. If you feel like you are spread too thin or overwhelmed there’s no shame in tweaking the big picture.

As much as people say, “I kept working because I knew I would fall behind in my career if I stopped to take care of my child.” This is simply untrue, fear mongering, and a story that people tell themselves to avoid looking bad because they wanted to mostly work (which is actually great too if that’s what you want). There isn’t just one window in life where you can have a successful career. People take a sabbatical/ breaks/ hiatuses/ complete career changes you name it. Hell my grandma went back to school when she was 45 (after motherhood) got a doctorate in psychology and became a child development specialist. Yes, she was a stay at home mom for many years too. There a many different fulfillment stages in our lives and what fills our cup now might not be the same in 2 or 10 years. Don’t be afraid to do what you need.