Family is the nucleus of society. Family is the bridge to the future, our refuge from the storm, and our link to the past. Working or building a career on the other hand is an essential tool in modern society. Work develops self-esteem, confidence and brings out the best in us. It also provides independence and security to earn a living. Work enhances our mental well-being and builds new friendships - allowing us to laugh, grow, and meet new people in new environments.

Starting my journey as an early years practitioner over a decade ago, with two young children of my own, was certainly not a walk in the park. As I write this, I wonder how I kept my sanity to balance family, work, life, and everything in between. 

Our relationships and responsibilities define us. As a working mum, my priority has always been the duty of care towards my family. No matter what, family always comes first. I was learning how to be a mum as well – doing the school run and running off to catch the bus to work. There were days I had to give up work to put myself in new situations for the betterment of my family. For example, moving to a better area for schools. Making significant choices and understanding priorities is a key factors in striking a balance between family and work. 

Planning is another key factor to make your day run a bit smoother. Giving a bit of thought and thinking ahead about meal planning and lunch box contents enables you to organise the morning routine. I often prep meals for the following day during the previous evening, so that it is out of the way for the next day. Doing this, it gives me time to do other things which I enjoy on the days I don’t have to go to work and provides me with downtime rather than spending all my time in the kitchen.

Starting a family and working can be quite stressful especially if you are away from your extended family trying to build a new life in a new place. People often ask me how I have managed it. The answer would be to enjoy the situation, which I know is easier said than done. Tomorrow is another day, and it won’t be the same as it will pass. Children will grow and you will wonder where time has gone. Take time to make it memorable. Whenever there was a half term, I used to run down the corridors of the natural history museum with my young children in awe of the dinosaur skeleton or trying to figure out how many days it took to go to the moon. As an early years practitioner, I also revisit those moments at work, trying to be silly, dance and by making those little minds tick. Take time for yourself and enjoy what you do. For me, I lose myself baking, going for a walk, or simply just sitting on the sofa and playing a game of candy crush to refuel and reflect on myself. 

 As I mentioned previously, some days will be hard as it’s not easy juggling everything and some things will not go to plan. There are numerous days I question myself about whether I need to do this. Whenever I have a bad day, I take deep breaths, go for a walk and pick up the pieces, in other words just carry on. Indeed, there is light at the end of the tunnel and as the Quran quotes “verily there is ease after every hardship” (94:5-6). My faith as a believer gives me strength and hope. It elevates me to think I can overcome whatever situation I’m in and things will be better tomorrow. One of my inner strengths is my Dua. I have trained myself to pour my worries and anxieties into the one above me. Dua is like oxygen - no matter how insignificant the situation is, just raise your hands and ask. Even something as trivial as asking for parking space at work, as Allah is in control. Talk to your Maker in everything as

“He is closer to you than your jugular vein” (50:16).

May Allah make us of those who strive for the best in ourselves and in our families.