Are you a working mom who feels like you're constantly choosing between career success and being present for your children—all while battling guilt, resentment, and chronic exhaustion that a good night's sleep can't fix?

Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Coach for Moms Christi Gmyr joins Rebecca to tackle the reality of working mom burnout. Having experienced firsthand the challenges of balancing a demanding career with motherhood—especially when her second child was born during the COVID shutdown—Christi shares practical strategies for overcoming burnout, managing guilt, and reconnecting with family without resentment. This conversation dives deep into the difference between stress and burnout, why boundaries matter, and how to reframe the false choice between being a successful career woman and a present mother.

5 Key Takeaways

➤ Burnout vs. Stress: Stress is situational and temporary, but burnout is chronic exhaustion that doesn't go away with rest—it requires addressing environmental and systemic issues, not just self-care.

➤ Guilt Stems from Mindset: Working mom guilt typically comes from thoughts like "I'm doing something wrong" or "I'm letting someone down"—challenging these deep-rooted societal expectations is key to moving forward.

➤ Career and Motherhood Complement Each Other: You don't have to choose between being a successful career woman and a present mom—when you feel fulfilled at work, it rolls over into your ability to be more present as a parent.

➤ Boundaries Prevent Resentment: Resentment builds gradually from unresolved frustrations, and without clear boundaries, partners can't respect limits they don't know exist—leading to disconnection and relationship strain.

➤ Let Go of Perfection: Success doesn't mean being 100% in all roles at any given time—it's about adjusting, adapting, and remembering that as long as you're intentional, you're doing a great job.

Quotes from Christi

"We need to let go of this idea of perfection. You know, because perfection does not exist. There are lots and lots of ways to be a great mom."

"We're all just doing the best we can."

How to Reach Christi Gmyr

Website: www.christigmyrcoaching.com

Facebook Group: Thrive as a Career Driven Mom (free tips, strategies, and support for working moms)

Host: Rebecca Greene | Podcast: Whinypaluza

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