Mother's Day is an opportunity to recognize and honor the women who have shaped our lives. For many REALTORS® who are also mothers, this day highlights the delicate balance between their careers and the demands of motherhood.
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, approximately 60% of women in the real estate industry have children, with 43% of them serving as primary breadwinners for their households. These mothers face unique challenges, such as managing their work schedules around their children's activities and balancing family responsibilities with their professional obligations.
Missouri REALTOR® President, Andrea Sheridan, epitomizes the essence of a working mother. We had the privilege of asking Andrea some questions about how she balances her various responsibilities, and her thoughtful responses provide invaluable tips and tricks for all working mothers in this association.
1. What strategies have you found most effective in achieving a healthy work-life balance as a working mom, and how do you prioritize self-care in your busy schedule?
Andrea: Appointments with your loved ones (spouse, children, grandchildren, friends, and yourself) can be scheduled and blocked in your calendar. By setting these appointments you are committing to and reserving space for personalized time with the people that matter most in your life. Your clients do not need to know what your appointment is, just that you have an appointment at that time. Give alternate options and they will select one that works for their calendar and yours. If you do not reserve space for this, other people's priorities will fill your time.
2. What steps do you take to maintain a positive mindset and avoid burnout when balancing the demands of work and family life?
Andrea: I feel like I experience burn out when my hustle is not in alignment with my purpose. I admit, I used to be a "yes" person and would agree to take on things that took me away from my purpose without even thinking about what I would have to say "no" to in exchange. Frustration and resentment show up when there is a gap between expectation and reality. There are many times when I have to pause and give myself a "check up from the neck up" to evaluate if my frustration is because I had unrealistic expectations, failed to communicate my expectations or needed to take action to change the actual reality of any situation. For all my friends out there who feel they have too many things on their plate, remember the 4 D's of a successful calendar.
D1: Do It Now (If it is important or urgent, just get it done.)
D2: Delegate It (Who could do this task? We are all trading our time for money. There may be things on your calendar that are worth paying for them to be completed so you can earn more of your time back. PS: You are worth it.)
D3: Delay It (This does NOT mean you get to procrastinate! You need to evaluate the importance of the task, if it is not urgent, move the task to another day/time to tackle more of your important tasks. Pro tip: if you move this item more than 3 times you might need to give another D a shot.)
D4: Delete it (There are some items on your calendar that are not important or urgent. Get it off your calendar! If the item affects someone else, communicate that you will not be doing that task. If you are not willing to have that conversation, see D1!)
3. In your opinion, what are the benefits of achieving work-life balance, both for working moms and for their employers?
Andrea: Sorry to burst anyone's bubble but there is no such thing as work-life balance. It is a continual pendulum of work focus to family/self focus. "Present Over Perfect" by Shauna Niequist was a helpful resource for me to set down the perpetual guilt that I would carry around: mom-guilt when I was at work away from the family, boss-guilt when I was spending quality time with the family, etc. When I was choosing that guilt and thinking about one while I was physically at the other, I was robbing myself of being effective in that moment. When I choose to be where my feet are I am empowered to give 100% of myself to the activity at hand.
4. How can working moms navigate the sometimes conflicting expectations of their professional and personal lives, and what advice would you give to those who are struggling to find balance?
Andrea: Your children are only little for a blink. This is time we will never get back. You will need to fiercely protect your time and set very clear expectations for your availability. Your appointments with your children are more valuable than any listing appointment. Be present for them. Please do not confuse that statement to mean that you have to be home all of the time! You are setting an example for your children, they need to see you work hard to accomplish your goals! Share that journey with them! If you are brave enough, allow your kids to help hold you accountable to your business commitments. This helps them understand the work that goes behind the life they get to enjoy, even if that means you have to work late sometimes.
5. Final thoughts?
Andrea: You cannot pour from an empty cup. If you are caring for anyone (your children, your aging parents, your teammates, etc.) you must take care of yourself, Tips for filling your cup: Take some time to think about what energizes you, gives you peace, makes you feel whole, celebrates and restores your physical and emotional being. Make a list of things that pop into your head.
Decide how much time you will commit to caring for yourself and schedule/block those times in your calendar. Assign one of those activities to that time and enjoy it! You deserve it and there is no reason to feel guilty for investing in yourself! Find what brings you joy, make time for it and let your light shine!
To all the Missouri REALTORS® who are also mothers, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering commitment and hard work. You play a vital role in the real estate industry, and your contributions are invaluable. We also acknowledge and thank the families and loved ones who support and encourage these amazing women. Keep up the fantastic work, take Andrea’s tips to heart and know that you are celebrated not just on Mother's Day, but every day.