Balancing the Chaos: The 3 Biggest Challenges I Face as a Full-Time Nurse, Mom, and Business Owner

Life can feel like a juggling act on the best of days, but being a full-time nurse, mom, and business owner has introduced me to an entirely new level of balancing priorities. While I’m passionate about each of these roles, the reality is that navigating them simultaneously can be incredibly challenging. Here are the three biggest challenges I face on this journey and how I’m working to overcome them:

1. Time Management: Wearing Multiple Hats

Time management is, without a doubt, the most significant challenge. As a labor and delivery nurse, my shifts are long, unpredictable, and physically demanding. Add to that the responsibilities of being a mom and running Vibe & Glo Candle Studio, and suddenly there are more tasks than hours in the day.

There’s always a need to prioritize, but in doing so, I’m forced to accept that some things won’t get done—at least not right away. I’ve learned to lean on systems and support. Whether it’s relying on family, setting stricter boundaries for work, or making the most of my time by planning ahead, every bit of organization helps. I also give myself grace when the unexpected happens (which it often does). Some days, I’m going to be a better nurse, other days I’ll be more focused on motherhood or my business, and that’s okay.

2. Mental and Physical Exhaustion: The Burnout Battle

Between long night shifts, toddler tantrums, and the endless demands of running a small business, there are days when I feel completely burnt out. Being a nurse is an emotionally and physically taxing job, especially in the labor and delivery department. Combine that with the responsibilities of motherhood and entrepreneurship, and the toll on my mental health can be overwhelming.

To combat exhaustion, I’ve prioritized self-care in ways that are both practical and effective. That’s why I started Vibe & Glo Candle Studio in the first place—to create a space for others (and myself) to find calm and peace amidst the chaos. Lighting one of my candles at the end of a hectic day has become a ritual, reminding me to take a moment for myself. Incorporating small self-care routines like journaling, meditation, and short walks helps me recharge and prevents complete burnout.

3. Maintaining Boundaries: Juggling Work, Family, and Passion

When you’re passionate about your career, your family, and your business, it can be easy to let the lines blur between them. There’s always another email to answer, another diaper to change, or a patient to care for. The biggest challenge has been maintaining healthy boundaries to ensure that each role gets the attention it deserves, without sacrificing my own well-being in the process.

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of setting boundaries and sticking to them. Whether it’s turning off my phone during family dinners, saying no to an extra shift, or scheduling “off” hours from my business, I’m learning that it’s okay to step away. Vibe & Glo Candle Studio is my passion, but my family and my health come first. Establishing these boundaries has been crucial in finding a sense of balance, even if it’s imperfect at times.

Navigating these challenges is never easy, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Each role brings its own set of rewards and joys, from welcoming new life into the world as a nurse, to sharing my journey of wellness through Vibe & Glo, and watching my child grow. It’s a constant balancing act, but it’s one that fills my heart and fuels my passion. My hope is that through the candles I create, I can share a little bit of that balance and self-care with you.

Much Love,

Mikayla