Working mommies of the world, those of you that have found something resembling balance, I could use a little help!

Since I’ve been back to work after the birth of my daughter, I’m stuck in a time conflict. We all feel this, right? I’m sure I will always feel pulled toward my family and pulled toward work. That’s the tricky part of balance. But to help navigate this problem, I want to find out what works for others. What defines flexibility for you?

Right now I work the basic 9 to 5, but you all know the drill. Sometimes that turns into 5:15 or 5:30, commuting time adds up, at daycare I spend a few minutes chatting with other moms & teachers. Before I know it, I’m home after 6 or later and still need to cook dinner, bathe baby, read a story, snuggle!!! and bedtime is right around the corner at 8pm. Just wish I had a little more time at the end of the day to enjoy this time and relax for a while. Everything seems so crammed!

Once I figure out what I want out of my job (that’s the hard part), the next step is approaching my boss about it. And there are guidelines around this at my company. A whole section of our website is devoted to AWA (Alternative Work Arrangements). There are rules for programs such as compressed work weeks, telecommuting, job sharing, virtual work, and part-time work. It is a very formal process to apply. Sounds great, right? This is what I expect from a company on the Working Mother 100. But I need to see some proof that this actually works. How much of this is real? Do employees take advantage of these programs? What types of jobs are these, and if I take one of these jobs, am I de-railing my career?

So many things to consider, but the first step is for me to hit the drawing board and figure out what my perfect situation job looks like. Then find it. Then manage it. Because after all, this cutie deserves as much of my time as I can give, while the rest of the time I’m out working to provide her with the best life I can.

So please share. What works for you? How do you manage those crammed evenings, and stay happy (and guilt-free) in your career at the same time?