Why “Just Drop Something” Is the Wrong Advice for Working Moms
If you’re a working mom, you’ve probably been told, “Just drop something.” The idea that doing less is the only way to balance career and motherhood is common—but it misses the point.
For many of us, our work isn’t just a to-do list—it’s a passion, a purpose, and a reflection of who we are. So when someone tells us to “just let go,” it often feels like they don’t really see us.
So instead of telling working moms to want less, let’s ask better questions.
Where do you WANT to put your energy?
What excites you most about your work and life?
What truly makes you feel fulfilled?
Why “Do Less” Feels Like the Wrong Answer
When people tell working moms to "just let go," it often feels:
Dismissive. It ignores how much we care about what we do.
Minimizing. It assumes we’re struggling because we don’t know how to manage time.
Misguided. It suggests we must shrink our ambitions rather than find a better way to integrate them.
Sure, not everything deserves our energy. But the right solution isn’t to do less—it’s to gain clarity.
A Better Approach: Prioritization, Not Minimization
Instead of defaulting to “Do less”, try asking:
What excites you most? Not all tasks carry the same emotional weight.
Where does your energy naturally flow? Lean into what makes you feel alive, not depleted.
What gives you long-term resilience? Focus on what makes you stronger, not just busier.
This doesn’t magically create more time, but it does create clarity. And clarity is the key to sustainable balance.
Why Support (Not Minimization) Matters
As a teenager, I juggled sports, clubs, volunteering, and school—not because I overworked, but because I had clarity on what fit into my life.
Now, as a working mom, that same clarity is even more powerful.
The right support system doesn’t tell you to want less—it helps you thrive.
What’s one thing you’re excited to put your energy into right now?
