I Stopped Working Weekends And Was Called Mediocre. Here’s What I Did Next.

Most working moms I meet talk about life in two distinct chapters: before kids and after kids.

I get it. It happened to me too.

Before becoming a mom, I was all in at work—fully committed, passionate about marketing, and driven to grow the business, one launch at a time. If there was too much to do, I worked late. If something needed attention over the weekend, I’d make time. It didn’t feel like a sacrifice because I loved it.

Then I had my baby.

And just like that, my relationship with work changed.

Not my passion. Not my drive. Just the way I chose to give my time. I was still willing to log in at night after my daughter went to bed, but weekends? That was a hard no.

And then one day, I was in a meeting with my VP when he casually said, “People who don’t work on weekends are mediocre.”

I’ll never forget that moment. The flood of emotions—frustration, anger, disappointment. But mostly? Powerlessness.

Because how do you explain to someone like that that commitment isn’t measured by weekends? That passion isn’t about how many hours you work but how you work? That working moms are just as driven, just as engaged—but also fiercely protective of the time they give to their families?

Maybe you’ve been in a situation like that too. Different people, different words, but the same unspoken message: if you’re not constantly available, you’re somehow less.

And honestly? That’s exhausting.

But here’s the thing—while we may not be able to change every workplace or every manager overnight, we can change the way we think, the way we show up, and the way we claim space in our careers without sacrificing our lives.

The Shift from Powerless to In Control

A few days ago, I talked about the Way of the “I”—how shifting our mindset can reshape our experience. And today, I want to dig deeper into that.

Because when I look back at that moment in the meeting, I see something I didn’t see then.

I wasn’t powerless.

I just hadn’t yet claimed my power.

And that’s where it all starts.

Step One: Stop Believing You’re Stuck

For so long, I told myself, This is just how workplaces are. If I want to be successful, I have to play the game.

But is that true? Or is it just a belief we’ve absorbed from years of corporate culture rewarding burnout?

Because the moment I started questioning that, things shifted. I realized: I have options. I can advocate for myself. I can choose where I work, how I work, and who I work for.

It’s not about waking up one day and flipping a switch. It’s about taking one step at a time. Maybe that means setting a clear boundary with your boss. Maybe it means starting to explore companies that actually get what it means to support working parents.

You’re not stuck. You’re just standing still. And the moment you decide to move, things start changing.

Step Two: Challenge the Idea That No Good Workplaces Exist

I used to believe that no workplace truly supported working moms. That the flexibility I needed was a fantasy.

But then I started asking myself: Is that actually true?

And the more I looked around, the more I realized: There are companies out there doing this right. There are leaders who respect boundaries. There are workplaces that measure performance by impact, not by hours logged.

And if they exist, then we have choices.

But you’ll never see them if you don’t believe they’re out there.

Step Three: Stop Waiting for Permission to Feel Valued

For the longest time, I wanted my manager to see my struggle. To acknowledge it. To tell me, I get it, and you’re doing a great job.

But what if that validation never comes? Does that make us any less valuable? Any less committed? Any less worthy?

Hell no.

I had to learn to recognize my own worth. To stop waiting for someone else’s approval and start defining success on my own terms.

And you can do the same. Start keeping track of your wins—big and small. The things you accomplished at work, the moments of presence you had with your kids, the ways you showed up for yourself.

Because the more you see your own value, the less you need anyone else to tell you what you’re worth.

Step Four: Speak Up, Even If Your Voice Shakes

I used to think asking for flexibility meant I’d be seen as uncommitted.

But then I asked myself: If a man in my position requested the same thing, would anyone question his dedication?

Probably not.

And that’s when I realized—advocating for what we need isn’t a weakness. It’s a leadership skill.

You don’t have to demand change overnight. But you do have to start somewhere. Maybe that means setting clear boundaries with your team. Maybe it means negotiating for flexibility. Maybe it means finally having that hard conversation with your boss.

You might feel uncomfortable at first. That’s okay. Growth is uncomfortable. But the more you speak up, the stronger your voice gets.

Step Five: Redefine Success on Your Own Terms

For years, I let my career define me. If I wasn’t excelling at work, I felt like I was failing at life.

But then I asked myself: What if success isn’t just about career growth? What if it’s about balance? What if it’s about being present? What if it’s about knowing that I can be ambitious and still have a life?

Because here’s the truth—your work matters, but so does your family. So does your health. So do you.

And real success? It’s not about proving yourself. It’s about building a life that actually feels good to live.

Your Mindset is the Key

Listen, I know changing the way we think isn’t always easy.

But it’s powerful.

Because when you shift the way you see yourself—your choices, your worth, your power—you start moving differently. You start showing up differently. And suddenly, things that felt impossible before? They start to feel doable.

Your workplace might not change overnight. Your manager might never get it. But you?

You get to decide how you move forward.

So tell me—what’s one mindset shift that you need to make right now? Drop a comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts.