**Is workplace unhappiness a common problem for women? **
Yes it is. It's been reported that around 42% of women are unhappy at work (Mental Health Foundation) Women tend to feel more unhappy and this tends to be about work life balance.
How can mothers cope with back-to-work guilt and achieve a work/life balance?
Women are more and more being absent parents, which may increase anxiety and stress. By being realists, you are going to work to make sure your children have the best life possible and part of that means recognising you cannot be there for them 24/7. Also the fact that you feel guilty means you care for your children and that's because you are a good mum.
Be proud of your sacrifices and drop the guilt.
Do you think there is a pressure on mothers to enter the workforce and not abandon their careers?
Feelings of guilt towards 'parenting failure' is high for women who due to economic reasons spend many hours a day away from their children. Undoubtedly pressures have changed and employers are less sympathetic towards women who want children. This can then rub off and affect their choices. A woman may feel forced to leave her career to start a family, which is outrageous in this day and age.
In what ways can mothers achieve a balance between work and home life?
Women should try not to take home work issues as these will interfere with your life and offer you nothing productive in return. We feel happier when we spend time with our families.
It's essential to have some family time.
The government encourages flexible working for parents and it's well worth looking at options that can encourage a sense of balance in your life.
How can I still be there for my kids whilst I’m at the office?
Whilst you cannot physically, it's clear that emotionally the more able you are to empower your kids with a sense of resilience the more likely they will cope when you are absent. It's also ok for your child to recognise their own autonomy by realising they can cope in challenging situations. For the most part as long as you keep positive communication between you then your child will feel reassured you are always there
What can we do when our kids are guilt tripping us about going back to work?
Acknowledge that you miss them and that in an ideal world you would always be around, but in this one to pay for all their wonderful activities and to provide food for them you need to work. Also if you love your job acknowledge this but reassure your kids that they always come first and always will.
Psychologist Emma Kenny is working with Royal Caribbean International to launch its exciting blogger-on-board opportunity putting its ‘happiness at work’ formula to the test.
For more information on this once-in-a-lifetime experience visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/awaywithwords