Rahet Bally Working Moms Discuss Work Challenges and Policy Restrictions

I’m a working Mom and I’m winging it. I can’t have it any other way! We -the working moms of Egypt- lead stressful lives. Some of us work to pursue their career goals or to be financially independent, and others to make their kids proud of them. We asked Rahet Bally moms about their work challenges, and more than 300 of our beautiful moms shared with us their experiences in complete honesty. So, I’m taking the liberty of speaking on behalf of all Rahet Bally working moms, as I’m after all one of them.

Have you experienced the working-mom guilt?

Photo credit: Romper

Rahet Bally moms say:

• I feel guilty for not spending quality time with my baby.
• I feel guilty for sending my child to the nursery at a young age, and in this cold weather.
• I feel guilty for not brushing my daughter’s hair before she goes to school.
• I’m not really raising my children, my mom and the nanny at the nursery do it for me.
• I feel guilty for being tired after I come back home and I can’t be present pr patient with my kids.
• I feel guilty for pushing my son’s pediatrician appointment because work always comes first.
• The most heartbreaking one of them all is when I have to leave my sick baby because I’ve finished all the days in my leave balance or when my boss rejects my leave.

We say:

Moms, I don’t want to sound cliche but shake off that feeling of guilt, because it won’t help. Be sure that every working mom, no matter where she works, what position she holds or how much she’s paid, feels the same. Fight it, Mama, you’re super, you’re strong, and you can do it.

How can I find the time to do it all? I’m overwhelmed and drained

Photo credit: Elite Readers

Rahet Bally moms say:

• I’m the first to wake up and the last to sleep. I sleep an average of 5 hours a night. I have to give my maximum at work, and then I have to return back home to do everything as if I haven’t been working from 9-5.
•  I’m sorry, son if I got mad at you when you dropped your food on the floor; you just have no idea how long my day was.
• I’m sorry I gave all the energy to my clients at work and I don’t have any left to bring home.
• There’s literally no time to do anything, not to mention time for myself or my spouse.

We say:

Believe it or not, there is time. Yes, you might not have time for everything, but you can create time for things you choose to give priority. Your keyword here is prioritization. This might sound like the craziest thing ever, but working out might help with that. Find 30 minutes to work out every other day. You’ll be exhausted at first, but it’ll multiply your energy over time. And a meal prepping guide might be of help.

Maternity leaves, work policies, and breastfeeding

Photo credit: Verywell Family

Rahet Bally moms say:

• I have a 40-day maternity leave. No baby room at work. Where am I supposed to leave my baby?
• I’m worried my breastmilk would dry up. I share an office and I can’t find a place to pump.
• I can’t waste time on pumping because that will make me stay longer at work.
• Working hours are inflexible and my boss literally told me that I should focus on my child and let go of my career.

We say:

We can’t change work policies, however, we can study them. We should be aware of the terms of the job, to protect you when you face any gender inequality gesture or abusive situation. Also, if you’re determined to make it work, click here to learn more about the Egyptian Labor Law.

The schools and nurseries, and separation anxiety

Photo credit: News Medical

Rahet Bally moms say:

• My kid asked me, “Why do I have to attend after school hours, Mommy? I’m really tired, can’t I just go home?”
• I’ve been working for 5 years, and separation anxiety still gets to me. I don’t trust nurseries, because my son is a few months old and doesn’t talk. I don’t even know how to find a good nursery.

We say:

Look at the bright side. Your child is learning and interacting with other children and is making friends.

Work-Life Balance! Who are we kidding?

Photo credit: MEME

Figured out you’re going to say that. Here are my two cents; BALANCE DOES NOT EXIST. You heard that right. There’s no such thing as balance, or at least that’s how I see it. All you can do is prioritize. Using simple math, list the top 5 things in your life and prioritize. Do your best, but don’t overburden yourself with high expectations, so you don’t collapse and lose it when you underachieve. Make sure that YOU is one of these top 5 priorities. Always be kind to yourself.