Working Mom Moments | Work Life Balance, Energy, Stress, Career, Time Management, Mom Guilt

In today’s episode, I continue our conversation about the silent second job nearly 73% of us are doing: caregiving. Balancing paid work and unpaid care for family members, pets, or children — especially as working moms — is real, relentless, and often invisible. I lay out why self-care isn’t luxury—it’s essential. Drawing on my 15 years as a working mom and 20 years aiding families in senior living, I share how overlooking self-care isn’t just cliché; it can lead to burnout, physical decline, and reduced work performance. Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re fences that protect our well-being and sustain our ability to care for others.

Throughout the episode, I illustrate how asking for help is one of the most powerful self-care moves we can make. I share data showing that 59% of employees don’t seek support due to fear of appearing weak, and that caregiver-employees face higher rates of depression (87%) and turnover. I compare this to experiences I’ve seen in senior living—like caregivers declining faster than those they care for—highlighting that neglecting our own needs doesn’t serve anyone. It’s not about perfection; it’s about protection and sustainability.

I close with encouragement to build micro-rituals—whether five quiet minutes in the car, a dinner with friends, or extending a trip for solitude—and to embrace asking for help as a power move.

Starting today, I urge listeners to consider: What is one thing you can do for your own peace? Setting that boundary, advocating for yourself, and accepting support isn’t selfish—it’s smart. Because when we care for ourselves, we show up stronger—for our families, our careers, and most importantly, for ourselves.

00:00 Introduction to Employee Caregivers
00:44 Welcome to Working Mom Moments
01:36 The Silent Job of Caregiving
03:34 The Sandwich Generation
05:04 The Importance of Asking for Help
07:13 The Impact of Caregiving on Health
09:17 Setting Boundaries and Self-Care
14:33 Empowerment Through Self-Advocacy
16:56 Conclusion and Next Steps
 
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Navigating the Journey of Employee Caregivers
 
Welcome back to Working Mom Moments! In this episode, I dive deep into the journey of employee caregivers, a topic I'm extremely passionate about. We explore the duality of roles as working moms and caregivers, and the immense challenges faced by those caring for young children, aging parents or family members with disabilities.
 
With 73% of the workforce engaged in some form of caregiving, it's crucial for organizations and individuals to understand and navigate this journey effectively. We'll discuss each stage of the caregiver journey, from the status quo to the critical decision-making phase, and how employers can support their caregiving employees to enhance productivity and retention.
 
Whether you're a caregiver yourself or a leader looking to support your team, this episode is filled with insights and practical advice to help you thrive.
 

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Order my new book: The Working Mom Blend

Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group

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What if I told you that nearly three out of four people at your workplace are secretly working a second job? A job with no paycheck, no benefits—and no off switch. It’s called caregiving. And chances are, you’re one of them. In this episode, we’re breaking the silence around what it really means to be a working caregiver—so you can finally feel seen, supported, and reminded: you are not alone.

In this eye-opening episode of Working Mom Moments, I expose the invisible reality that 73% of employees are also caregivers—juggling professional responsibilities with raising children, supporting aging parents, or both. From the emotional toll to the workplace silence that feeds burnout, this episode explores the mental load, working mom guilt, and the career sacrifices being made in silence.

If you’ve ever:

Used PTO just to survive the week

Skipped opportunities because you’re drowning at home

Felt like you’re holding up your job and your family alone

…this episode is for you.

What You’ll Hear:

The shocking statistics about employee caregivers

How caregiving leads to burnout, isolation, and career sacrifice

What employers must do to support the people holding everything together

Why staying silent is hurting us—and how speaking up can change everything

If you've ever googles the following words...this episode is for you: working moms, caregiver burnout, mental load, sandwich generation, eldercare, mom guilt, invisible labor, employee caregivers, flexible work, caregiving at work.

 

00:00 – “A second job with no paycheck or off switch”: redefining caregiving
03:55 – 73% of employees are caregivers (Forbes stat)
04:30 – The pressure to stay silent, appear strong, and avoid judgment
07:00 – "We're all rowing in different boats, but in the same ocean”: caregiver metaphor
10:00 – 61% of caregivers have modified or quit their jobs
12:00 – How silence leads to overcompensation, isolation, and burnout
14:00 – Why caregiving builds powerful leadership skills like empathy and prioritization
16:30 – How $1 of caregiver support = $18 ROI in productivity and retention
17:45 – Why now is the time to speak up and advocate—for yourself and others

 

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For the direct links shared on this episode and previous shows, click below!

Order my new book: The Working Mom Blend

Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group

Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider 

Email me: [email protected] 

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/

Welcome back to Working Mom Moments! In this inspiring episode, I sit down with one of my favorite humans—and my boss—Amy Birkel, Chief Operating Officer at Heritage Communities. Amy opens up about her journey as a working mom of three and shares hard-won wisdom from her seat in the C-suite.

Together, we dive into:

How to break free from the Drama Triangle and embrace the Empowerment Dynamic

Why shifting from victim to creator, and adopting roles like challenger and coach, can change everything

Real-world examples of managing executive leadership while raising a family

Practical tips for time management, boundary-setting, and redefining balance

The mindset tools every working mom should know to thrive at work and at home

If you’ve ever felt stretched thin, stuck in reactive mode, or unsure how to move forward, this episode will equip you with empowering tools and perspective shifts to take back control. Whether you’re leading a team or leading bedtime routines, this conversation is for you.

Hit play for a real, relatable, and radically helpful conversation on what it takes to grow your career without losing yourself along the way.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:58 Amy Birkel's Career Journey

02:25 Balancing Work and Motherhood

05:07 Leadership and Empowerment

09:48 The Empowerment Dynamic

21:01 Balancing Home and Work Dynamics

22:08 Focusing on Desired Outcomes

25:19 The Empowerment Dynamic

30:59 Three Vital Questions

34:02 Personal Growth and Reflection

37:37 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Follow Amy Birkel:

Click here – LinkedIn

Click here – Heritage Communities

 

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For the direct links shared on this episode and previous shows, click below!

Order my new book: The Working Mom Blend

Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group

Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider 

Email me: [email protected] 

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/

Boost Your Energy as a Working Mom, through Integrative Health and Balanced Living

In this comprehensive episode of Working Mom Moments, I sit down with Nicole Szpilka, Vice President and co-founder of Coastal MD, to delve into the essentials of integrative healthcare for busy working moms.

Nicole discusses the significance of distinguishing between lifespan and health-span and emphasizes the importance of holistic well-being through nutrition, hydration, exercise, stress management, and sleep. These are the five pillars of total health, and critical for working moms to pay attention to!

She offers practical tips for maintaining a balanced diet, including meal prep and mindful eating, and stresses the crucial role of hydration for mental clarity and energy levels. The episode also covers the benefits of IV hydration and specialized vitamin cocktails for quick, effective rehydration.

Nicole highlights the value of consistent exercise, particularly walking and strength training, for boosting energy and overall health, addressing the differences between morning and evening workouts. She shares her personal journey in balancing a busy career and family life, illustrating how quality time with loved ones can coexist with professional success.

Moreover, Nicole explores stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and breath work, all tailored to the hectic schedules of working moms. She also dives into the pivotal role of sleep in restoring the body and regulating hormones, sharing her experience with sleep training for better nighttime rest. This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration, making it a must-listen for any mom striving to balance a thriving career with a healthy, happy home life.

 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

01:31 Nicole's Journey and Coastal MD

02:52 Balancing Work and Family Life

05:40 Foundations of Health: Nutrition

13:50 Hydration and Its Importance

15:53 IV Hydration and Vitamin Cocktails

18:45 Exercise and Energy Management

19:18 The Importance of Exercise

19:42 Walking and Strength Training for Women

22:24 Morning vs. Night Exercise

27:15 Managing Stress for Working Moms

34:01 The Role of Sleep in Wellbeing

35:28 Personal Sleep Training Success

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Follow Nicole and Coastal MD here:

Follow Nicole Polemini, PA-C:
Click here – Instagram

Learn more about Coastal MD:
Click here – Official Website
Click here – Newsletter Signup

Follow Coastal MD:

Click here – Instagram

Click here – Facebook

 

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For the direct links shared on this episode and previous shows, click below!

Order my new book: The Working Mom Blend

Join my community: Working Mom Moments Facebook Group

Get the latest - Email Newsletter: www.lacyjungman.com/insider 

Email me: [email protected] 

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacyjungman/