Being a 20something mom and young professional puts me in an awkward position at the office.

On one hand, I'd like to be viewed as equal to my colleagues, especially since once we go home, our lives are remarkably similar. Despite the 10-,15-, 20-, 30-year age gap, I still have to put in a full day at work and then go home and take care of my family just like they do.

But on the other hand, I haven't been working all that long, only wrapping up my second full year of full-time employment as 2009 draws to a close. I still don't feel like I have learned enough to be shed my "rookie" status, something that will only take time to achieve.

It is frustrating. I've been a mother longer than I've had a career and at times I feel I can't do either one to the best of my ability. Other women, who waited until their late 20s or early 30s to have kids, often discuss the issues they have taking time off their career to raise kids. I don't doubt that it's hard, but I often wonder how these same women would fare if they had kids in the beginning of their careers, as I did. How would they cope with a crying baby and a term paper that's due at 9 a.m.? How would they compete with the childless women their age who can come in early and stay late without blinking an eye? How would they figure out the best way to build a career while also trying to grow into their role as Mommy?

I'm not saying one way is easier or harder than the other - there are pros and cons to having your kids at whatever age.

I just know that I'm struggling to build the career I've always envisioned, while struggling to give my kids the best of me every single day. It's not a good feeling.