During my performance review a few weeks ago, my boss said something casually that has had a deep impact in how I approach my work now. 

My boss has four kids, the youngest is in undergrad, so she's had her share of working mother moments and can relate to all the parents on staff. She tells me all the time about juggling four kids' schedules and making it from one school to the next after working all day. She's been there. 

We started talking about how hard it is to leave in the morning, because you see the kids' cute little faces and if they're old enough they're screaming for you not to go and it just tears a hole in your heart. 

"I decided," my boss said, "that if, financially, I had to work, then I would be the best at whatever position I had at the time. If I had to be away from my kids for eight hours a day, then I was going to have to make it worth it." 

She probably didn't think much of that statement, as she kept talking and moved on to another subject, but it stuck with me. If I was going to be a working mom, and I was going to miss much of my children's day, then I better be the best at what I do. 110% every day. Go hard or stay home.