Being a working mom sometimes feels like running a never-ending marathon, and the joke is on YOU because “someone” keeps moving the finish line! One minute, you’re crushing a work deadline, and the next, you’re fielding a meltdown over the wrong color sippy cup. The truth? Balance is a myth. And anyone who tells you otherwise is either telling a fib or has a hidden army of helpers (which, spoiler alert, you can build for yourself…more on that later).
I know this because I’ve been there. As a full-time working mom of three, I spent a decade in the high-stress world of corporate technology sales while also supporting an entrepreneurial husband. I tried every planner, productivity hack, and time-management trick in the book. But what actually made a difference? Learning from other women who had walked this road before me. Books became my survival tool, my compass, and my sanity-saver.
So, if you’re a working mom drowning in the mental load, struggling to reclaim your time, energy, and identity, these five books are game-changers.
Our List of the 5 Best Books for Working Moms
Whether you’re navigating a career transition, trying to establish boundaries, or just need someone to remind you that you are, in fact, a whole human outside of motherhood, these books will help you get there.
1. “Doing It All: Stop Over-Functioning and Become the Mom and Person You’re Meant to Be” by Dr. Whitney Casares
If you’ve ever thought, Why am I the only one who sees everything that needs to get done?, this book is for you. Dr. Whitney Casares, a pediatrician and mom of two, takes us through a relatable journey from burnout to balance (the real kind, not the Instagram-filtered version). She helps working moms shift from over-functioning to living a life that actually aligns with their priorities.
What I loved most? The way she makes it okay to admit that we cannot do it all, nor should we. Casares offers a mix of personal stories and practical strategies that helped me redefine my expectations—not just of myself, but of those around me. If you constantly feel like you’re carrying the entire household on your back, this book will be a wake-up call (and a permission slip to drop some of that weight). You can check it out here.
2. “Releasing the Mother Load: How to Carry Less and Enjoy Motherhood More” by Erica Djossa
This book digs deep into the invisible labor that working moms bear, the unspoken expectation that we should be able to manage everything effortlessly. Erica Djossa, a therapist and fellow mom, calls out the cultural beliefs that keep us stuck and then helps us break free from them.
Her insights on making the invisible labor visible to our partners were game-changing for me. She doesn’t just tell us to ask for help (because, let’s be honest, we’ve all done that, and it didn’t go as planned). Instead, she teaches us how to clearly communicate and delegate effectively. One of my favorite takeaways? “Whatever the reason that has prevented you from asking for help, you need to figure that shit out and move past it.” Amen, sister. Check it out here.
3. “Couples That Work: How Dual-Career Couples Can Thrive in Love and Work” by Jennifer Petriglieri
For working moms navigating careers and relationships, this book is essential. Petriglieri dives into the different phases of a dual-career relationship and how couples can evolve together rather than grow apart.
I listened to this one as an audiobook, and it felt like therapy. It helped me recognize what stage my husband and I were in and how we could support each other better. If you feel like you and your partner are constantly playing a game of who’s more exhausted, this book offers tangible ways to create a partnership that actually works. Check it out here.
4. “Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself” by Dr. Morgan Cutlip
If I had a dollar for every time I heard, You just need to find time for self-care, I could retire tomorrow. The problem? Moms don’t need more things to do with the time they don’t have. Dr. Morgan Cutlip gets this.
Her book provides a realistic, relatable approach to preserving our identity beyond motherhood. Rooted in attachment theory, she gives us five key steps to go from “mom-ing so hard” to actually enjoying the journey. What I loved most? She gets that being a good mom doesn’t mean being a perfect mom.
This book helped me shift my perspective and focus on connection over control. And bonus—she’s an amazing Instagram follow for daily relationship and parenting tips! Check it out here.
5. “Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (and More Life to Live)” by Eve Rodsky
If you’ve ever felt like the default parent, this book will be a revelation. Eve Rodsky lays out exactly how we got here (hello, deeply ingrained gender norms) and what we can do about it.
What I love about this book is that it doesn’t just point out the problem, it gives solutions. Rodsky’s Fair Play system is an actual game (yes, with cards) that helps couples divide household tasks fairly. And if you’re thinking, My partner would never do this, don’t worry—she includes scripts for how to bring them on board.
This book isn’t about outsourcing or offloading all the work, it’s about creating an equal partnership where both people take responsibility. And trust me, once you start using this system, you’ll never look back. Check it out here.
Why These Books Matter for Working Moms
Being a working mom isn’t about achieving perfect balance…it’s about designing a life that actually works for you. These books offer wisdom, strategies, and most importantly, validation. They remind us that we don’t have to do this alone and that we shouldn’t be doing it alone.
Maybe one day, I’ll write my own book about the systems that saved my sanity, the strategies I used to outsource tasks, hire the right help, and create a home life that supports my family without draining me. Until then, start with these five books. They just might change your life, too.
You can check out my entire list of book recommendations here.
Happy reading!
Beyond the Books: Taking Action in Your Own Life
Reading about solutions is a great start, but actually implementing them? That’s where the real transformation happens. Here at Sage Haus, we help busy moms lighten their mental load with home systems and outsourcing, because you don’t have to do it all alone.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, let’s talk about building your dream team so you can focus on what truly matters. Motherhood should be fulfilling, not just exhausting. Let’s make that a reality for you. Let’s chat!
If you enjoyed this article, 5 Best Books for Working Moms, you might enjoy:
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- How to Transition Your Nanny to a Household Manager: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Top 5 Reasons Everyone Needs a Household Manager
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