How we reduced screen time and accidentally increased independent play

What if we just tried to be "good enough" at work?

Embracing 'Good Enough' in Work and Life as a Working Mom In this episode of Working Mom Unplugged, Jennifer explores the challenges faced by high-achieving working moms who often feel the pressure to excel both at work and at home. She discusses the concept of 'strategic mediocrity,' suggesting that doing a 'good enough' job can help preserve energy for family and personal time. Jennifer shares her personal experiences and insights, inspired by the book 'The Good Enough Job,' and encourages listeners to rethink their approach to productivity and self-worth. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on impactful tasks rather than perfecting every detail, and aims to help working moms find a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:18 The Pressure of Perfection in Work and Home 01:32 Balancing Work and Family Life 02:45 Redefining Productivity and Self-Worth 04:18 The Trap of Over-Optimization 08:48 Strategic Mediocrity: A New Approach 14:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts You can find Jennifer on Instagram @8thdayformomonly https://www.instagram.com/8thdayformomonly/ [https://www.instagram.com/8thdayformomonly/] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit workingmomunplugged.substack.com [https://workingmomunplugged.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

How we reduced screen time and accidentally increased independent play

How we managed screen time in our house ended up teaching my kids how to do independent play. I'm not saying that it was easy, but it has made a big difference for us. Please know that screens are a tool and I still use them! I am not anti-screens. Just one mom sharing her experience of how we managed screens in our house. This may not work for you, take it as one data point! You can find me on Instagram @8thdayformomonly https://www.instagram.com/8thdayformomonly/ [https://www.instagram.com/8thdayformomonly/] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit workingmomunplugged.substack.com [https://workingmomunplugged.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Goal-Setting Skill That Gets Working Moms Recognized at Work

You were taught to put your head down, work hard, and trust that someone would notice.Here’s the problem: that’s not how it works. In this episode of Working Mom Unplugged, I’m breaking down one of the highest-leverage career skills you can learn as a working mother: writing goals and reviews that clearly communicate your impact. We’re talking about: * Why tasks don’t get rewarded → outcomes do * How to use SMART goals to tell a clear, compelling story about your work * How to connect what you do every day to what leadership actually cares about * How to advocate for yourself without feeling awkward, braggy, or “too much” Whether you’re at the start of your review cycle, halfway through it, or staring down year-end reviews right now, this episode will help you stop underselling yourself and start getting recognized for the value you already deliver. This is career strategy for working moms who don’t have time to waste and want their work to actually count. 🎧 Listen while you’re driving, walking into daycare pickup, or stealing five quiet minutes for yourself. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit workingmomunplugged.substack.com [https://workingmomunplugged.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Ask Me Anything: Your questions answered

Today on the podcast, I answer some of the most popular questions from subscribers including how it’s been to bring home a new baby, pumping, and reading. I’d love to hear from you - what questions should I answer next time? Thanks for reading and sharing this post. Working Mom Unplugged offers candid, unfiltered insights on balancing a career with mother… This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit workingmomunplugged.substack.com [https://workingmomunplugged.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_7]

Introducing Working Mom Unplugged Podcast: Episode 1

In the very first episode of 'Working Mom Unplugged,' we explore the common criticism faced by working moms: the notion that placing children in childcare means that you aren't "raising" them. Hi, I'm your host, Jennifer. I’m a VP in corporate America with four kids 8yo and under. You can find me on Instagram @8thdayformomonly [https://www.instagram.com/8thdayformomonly/] We send our kids to daycare, elementary school and aftercare and camps when school is out in order to support two full time working parents. I don’t have grandparents who are able to watch the kids. My “village” is a paid village, and it works for us. I share real, unfiltered, life here and talk about the challenges of being a working mom of little kids. I hope to provide you with a little solidarity in this crazy chaotic life. If your life looks like mine, please subscribe to this wherever you get your podcasts, and let me know what topics we should cover next. In today's episode, We explore the societal and economic factors contributing to the necessity of a 'paid village' and debunk the idea that using childcare means you aren't "raising" your kids. I also discusses the evolving concept of the village and the modern challenges working mothers face. This show aims to create a supportive space for working moms to discuss nuanced topics. 00:00 Introduction: The Working Mom Dilemma 00:51 Meet Jennifer: Host Introduction 01:47 Debunking the Myth: Who's Raising Your Kids? 02:59 The Modern Village: Paid vs. Family Care 06:32 Economic Realities: The Need for Dual Incomes 09:06 The Value of Paid Caregivers 11:53 Conclusion: Confidence in Your Choices Find me Instagram @8thdayformomonly Substack @workingmomunplugged This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit workingmomunplugged.substack.com [https://workingmomunplugged.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]