It is not. The traditional 9–5 work model aligns better with the male 24-hour hormonal cycle and not the female 28-day hormonal cycle, making it less suitable for many women. Especially for working moms.
Here Is How...
Men’s energy peaks in the morning, declines in the afternoon, and winds down in the evening, complementing a fixed daily schedule. In contrast, women experience varying energy levels across their monthly cycle, with different phases promoting rest, planning, socializing, or productivity.
Male vs. Female Hormonal Cycles:
- Male Cycle (24 hours): High energy and productivity in the morning, socializing in the afternoon, and rest in the evening.
- Female Cycle (28 days): Energy levels and focus vary by phase:
- Menstrual: Rest and reflection.
- Follicular: Planning and creativity.
- Ovulatory: Socializing and high energy.
- Luteal: Productivity and organization.
The 9–5 workday originated in the 1920s by Henry Ford and was codified by the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1938.
Initially designed for male workers in industrial settings. When men made up the bulk of the working population.
But today, working mothers face challenges balancing career and familial duties within the rigid 9–5 framework.
So, How Do You Balance 9-5 & Kids As A Working Mom?
You, too, can adapt to a 9–5 schedule by shaping your routines to suit your life and speaking up for the flexibility you need to feel balanced and fulfilled. Here is what you can try:
1. Work With Your Natural Energy, Not Against It
- Identify your most productive times during your hormone cycle (e.g., planning during the follicular phase or high energy during ovulation) and align challenging tasks accordingly.
- Use lower-energy phases (e.g., menstrual or late luteal) for rest, reflection, or less demanding tasks.
2. Keep Work and Family Life Separate
- Create a defined workspace if working remotely, and avoid carrying work stress into family time.
- Communicate your availability to colleagues and family to set expectations.
3. You Don’t Have to Do It All Alone
- Share household chores and childcare duties with your partner or family members.
- Involve older children in small, age-appropriate tasks to foster independence and lighten your load.
4. Ask for Flexibility When You Need It
- Advocate for flexible working hours or remote work if possible.
- Use core working hours to complete high-focus tasks and schedule breaks for family needs.
5. Make a Family Routine That Works for Everyone
- Establish consistent meal, homework, and bedtime schedules to minimize chaos.
- Use a shared family calendar to track everyone’s commitments.
6. Prep Ahead to Make Mornings Easier
- Meal prep on weekends to save time during the workweek.
- Lay out clothes, school supplies, and work essentials the night before to streamline mornings.
7. Lean on Your People
- Seek help from family, friends, or hired help when overwhelmed.
- Use childcare services or after-school programs to bridge workday gaps.
8. Take Care of Yourself, Too
- Schedule regular breaks during the day to rest or recharge.
- Prioritize sleep and allocate time for personal interests or hobbies to maintain mental and emotional health.
9. Stay on Top of Things With a Planner
- Use planners or apps to track tasks, appointments, and deadlines.
- Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
10. Be Honest About Your Needs
- Discuss your challenges with your employer and request accommodations, such as adjusted hours or additional flexibility.
- Keep an open dialogue with your family about shared responsibilities and any adjustments to the routine.
11. Let Go Of The Guilt & Perfectionism
- You don’t have to be perfect to be a great mom or employee.
- Accept that it’s okay to have off days, and focus on doing your best instead of trying to do it all.
12. Involve Your Husband
- Parenting is a team effort. Share responsibilities with your husband, whether it’s meal prep, school pickups, or bedtime routines.
- Collaboration makes balancing work and home life much easier.
13. Focus on What Matters Most
- Avoid over-committing by setting clear priorities for work and personal life.
- Learn to say no to tasks that don’t align with your goals or capacity.
14. Be Adaptable and Patient With Yourself
- Accept that some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay.
- Adjust as needed to ensure your well-being remains a top priority.
How Society Views Working Moms?
Working moms are doing incredible things, but they still face pressures and biases. Thankfully, society is slowly recognizing their efforts and pushing for more support and understanding.
1. Seen as Superwomen
People admire working moms for juggling work, kids, and home life. They’re often seen as real-life superheroes who somehow do it all. But you don’t have to do it all, it’s always best to take a rest when required.
2. Facing Big Expectations
Society sometimes expects too much from working moms, making them feel like they need to be perfect at work and home.
3. Dealing with 'Mom Guilt'
Many working moms feel guilty about not spending enough time with their kids, even though they’re doing their best.
4. Challenging Old Stereotypes
Working moms are breaking outdated ideas that women can only be caregivers, showing they can thrive at work and still be great moms.
5. Judged for Prioritizing Work
Some people unfairly think working moms care more about their careers than their families, which isn’t true.
6. Recognized as Economic Powerhouses
Working moms contribute a lot to the economy and prove how important it is to support them with things like affordable childcare.
7. Fighting Against an Unfair System
Society is beginning to understand how hard it can be for working moms, with limited maternity leave and workplaces that don’t always help.
8. Changing the Work Culture
Working moms are leading the way in pushing for more balance, encouraging flexible work hours, and family-friendly policies.
9. Still Battling Stereotypes
Even though things are improving, some people still believe outdated ideas, like moms can’t be as dedicated to their jobs after having kids.
How Can Working Moms Help Each Other?
1. Speak Up for Change
Women need to support each other and advocate for more representation in leadership roles and public office. Honest conversations about challenges can raise awareness and help others feel less alone.
2. Be Clear About Your Needs
If having kids makes you hesitate to go for a job or promotion, it’s time to change the narrative. Practice confidently asking for what you need—whether it’s flexible hours, remote work, or a slower career trajectory. Be honest about what will help you thrive.
3. Lean on Your Support System
You don’t have to do it all on your own. Use workplace resources, join parenting groups, and connect with other working moms. Sometimes you need advice, and sometimes you just need someone to step in when life gets overwhelming.
4. Advocate for Better Policies
Lasting change, like improved maternity and family leave, requires action on a larger scale. Push for legislation that benefits working families and makes a real difference.
5. Make It Make Sense for Business
Companies need to see the value in supporting working moms. Losing talented employees impacts the bottom line. When advocating for better policies, show how retaining women benefits the company’s growth and productivity.
By recognizing their energy cycles and adopting strategies to simplify tasks, working moms can manage the challenges of a 9–5 job while caring for their families and themselves.
However, their success greatly depends on the support they receive from their families, partners, and workplaces.
