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Stretched Too Thin: How Working Moms Can Lose the Guilt, Work Smarter, and Thrive
Working mothers constantly battle the pull to do all the things well. From managing work and home responsibilities to being impacted by a lack of self-care and time for deep friendships, the struggle is real. At the end of each day, many working moms are exhausted and stretched too thin. But this does not have to be the norm.
In her latest practical and inspiring book, Jessica Turner shows the working mom how to
- work and parent guilt-free
- establish clear work boundaries
- set achievable goals
- discover more flexibility
- develop home management solutions
- prioritize self-care
- invest in her marriage
- cultivate deeper friendships
- feel like a good mom, even while working
Full of compassion and encouragement, Stretched Too Thin will empower women with useful insights and tools to thrive as working moms.
In her latest practical and inspiring book, Jessica Turner shows the working mom how to
- work and parent guilt-free
- establish clear work boundaries
- set achievable goals
- discover more flexibility
- develop home management solutions
- prioritize self-care
- invest in her marriage
- cultivate deeper friendships
- feel like a good mom, even while working
Full of compassion and encouragement, Stretched Too Thin will empower women with useful insights and tools to thrive as working moms.
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2018
427 people are currently reading
4712 people want to read
About the author
Jessica N. Turner
7 books920 followersJessica N. Turner is the creative force and blogging veteran behind The Mom Creative. The 2021 Iris Award Winner for Best Mom Blog, Jessica is a respected tastemaker for beloved brands and services that help make life easier for busy women. She is also the author of the Wall Street Journal bestselling book The Fringe Hours and Stretched Too Thin: How Working Moms Can Lose the Guilt, Work Smarter, and Thrive.
Additionally, Jessica is an award-winning marketing professional, with 15 years of content creation experience. She also speaks at events nationwide on work-life balance and blogging best practices.
She has been featured in numerous media outlets including The Today Show, Hallmark's Home & Family, O Magazine, People Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, Time.com and Inc.com.
She lives with her three young children in Nashville, Tennessee.
Additionally, Jessica is an award-winning marketing professional, with 15 years of content creation experience. She also speaks at events nationwide on work-life balance and blogging best practices.
She has been featured in numerous media outlets including The Today Show, Hallmark's Home & Family, O Magazine, People Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, Time.com and Inc.com.
She lives with her three young children in Nashville, Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews
December 6, 2018
I was so excited to read this book (actually listen to it as I received an audio book as an Advance Reader Copy), but my enthusiasm quickly diminished as I got into it. Some of my issues were nit picky, personal irritations—like the phrase “stretched too thin” being used far too often (I know, I know, book title and all), also “all the things” and other overused, cutesy phrases—but most of it was from lack of audience awareness, or perhaps it wasn’t lacking. Perhaps the intended audience put forth in the book should have been narrowed from the very broad “every working mother” category to the “middle/upper middle class (and ideally married) working mother” group instead. That would have made a difference in my reading experience, as my expectations would have been more in line with what I found.
Don’t get me wrong—there is a good deal of valuable information for working mothers of all economic and marital statuses in this book. Some of the tips for balancing time and prioritizing are helpful, as are the reminders that we are good mothers and loving our children well is the main standard there. I loved those parts of the book.
So here’s my issue: far too many of the suggestions and examples are only accessible to women with money (and a spouse in many cases). For instance, she mentions hiring a cleaning service to take that chore off her plate while suggesting working mothers figure out what can be similarly outsourced in their own lives. I know very few families who can afford such things, and far fewer single mothers who can. (I was a single mom for 10+ years and for many years could barely afford cleaning supplies much less a cleaning service!) Several times throughout the book she mentions taking girls trips, and not just a weekend at a local hotel but full fledged, fancy destination vacations with friends. While that sounds absolutely divine, it’s completely impractical for so many women. These are just two examples, but similar things are sprinkled throughout the book. Another issue for me was the assumption that all working mothers have offices or careers that allow for privacy, space, closed door work. I do have that kind of work environment, but I have countless friends who don’t. So many of them are working the line at fast food restaurants or registers at Target or cleaning buildings or some other job that doesn’t allow for such luxuries.
Please know that I am not bashing her or her family’s ability to afford such luxuries. I think it’s great they can! My problem with it all is this: despite all their promises to make life better and easier, so many books geared toward moms present ideas and lives that are hard to obtain/maintain, and that often leads to readers of those books being frustrated, dissatisfied, and hard on themselves for not being able to be, have, or do those things for their families. From my own experience this can be especially true for single moms with very limited resources. It can be devastating. All of this caused me to be very frustrated as I listened to the book because, for me, it fell into this trap.
Turner did mention once or twice that not everyone can afford such things and for readers to find their own shortcuts and self care strategies within their means, but it was very brief, almost an afterthought. Additionally, only once did she explicitly address single mothers, and that was when talking about a working mother’s relationship with her husband and how that chapter wasn’t for single moms. That wasn’t enough. I realize she has not been a single mother and cannot fully understand what that life entails, and I’m thankful she has not/cannot. Because of that, though, a great deal of her tips and suggestions are not practical for many single
mothers (at least the ones I know). This is yet another reason I feel the intended audience should have been more narrowly defined.
I realize my opinion of the book may very well be more clouded by my experiences and biases than I’m aware. Maybe other single moms or moms of lesser means don’t feel the same way, which is totally fine. All I know for sure is so much of the book put me right back in that place of sadness and desperation I used to find myself in as an impoverished single mother who was trying to do all these great things but failing miserably at most of them (because they weren’t realistic to begin with).
Overall, I believe this book has value. It is a good encouragement and resource for the audience it fits (and likely for those who it might not fit but go in knowing what to expect). Am I glad I read it? Sure. Will I read it again? No.
Don’t get me wrong—there is a good deal of valuable information for working mothers of all economic and marital statuses in this book. Some of the tips for balancing time and prioritizing are helpful, as are the reminders that we are good mothers and loving our children well is the main standard there. I loved those parts of the book.
So here’s my issue: far too many of the suggestions and examples are only accessible to women with money (and a spouse in many cases). For instance, she mentions hiring a cleaning service to take that chore off her plate while suggesting working mothers figure out what can be similarly outsourced in their own lives. I know very few families who can afford such things, and far fewer single mothers who can. (I was a single mom for 10+ years and for many years could barely afford cleaning supplies much less a cleaning service!) Several times throughout the book she mentions taking girls trips, and not just a weekend at a local hotel but full fledged, fancy destination vacations with friends. While that sounds absolutely divine, it’s completely impractical for so many women. These are just two examples, but similar things are sprinkled throughout the book. Another issue for me was the assumption that all working mothers have offices or careers that allow for privacy, space, closed door work. I do have that kind of work environment, but I have countless friends who don’t. So many of them are working the line at fast food restaurants or registers at Target or cleaning buildings or some other job that doesn’t allow for such luxuries.
Please know that I am not bashing her or her family’s ability to afford such luxuries. I think it’s great they can! My problem with it all is this: despite all their promises to make life better and easier, so many books geared toward moms present ideas and lives that are hard to obtain/maintain, and that often leads to readers of those books being frustrated, dissatisfied, and hard on themselves for not being able to be, have, or do those things for their families. From my own experience this can be especially true for single moms with very limited resources. It can be devastating. All of this caused me to be very frustrated as I listened to the book because, for me, it fell into this trap.
Turner did mention once or twice that not everyone can afford such things and for readers to find their own shortcuts and self care strategies within their means, but it was very brief, almost an afterthought. Additionally, only once did she explicitly address single mothers, and that was when talking about a working mother’s relationship with her husband and how that chapter wasn’t for single moms. That wasn’t enough. I realize she has not been a single mother and cannot fully understand what that life entails, and I’m thankful she has not/cannot. Because of that, though, a great deal of her tips and suggestions are not practical for many single
mothers (at least the ones I know). This is yet another reason I feel the intended audience should have been more narrowly defined.
I realize my opinion of the book may very well be more clouded by my experiences and biases than I’m aware. Maybe other single moms or moms of lesser means don’t feel the same way, which is totally fine. All I know for sure is so much of the book put me right back in that place of sadness and desperation I used to find myself in as an impoverished single mother who was trying to do all these great things but failing miserably at most of them (because they weren’t realistic to begin with).
Overall, I believe this book has value. It is a good encouragement and resource for the audience it fits (and likely for those who it might not fit but go in knowing what to expect). Am I glad I read it? Sure. Will I read it again? No.
August 3, 2018
If you a working mom, read this book. If you are a mom, read this book. If you are a woman, READ THIS BOOK!
I feel like we are still living in a society that makes women think they need to do it all and do it all perfectly. Call it Pinterest perfect. We often feel the need to stretch ourselves into doing more than we are able to and not in a good growth way, but in a detriment to our health and well being way. Jessica N. Turner talks through her life and what she has done to give up or hand off the things that are not essential for her to do. This is her story but through a survey she conducted she brings the lives of so many together to offer great advice and companionship of living.
I enjoyed the tangible advice and the addition of questions to help me work through my unique situation to find what works best for me and my family.
I feel like we are still living in a society that makes women think they need to do it all and do it all perfectly. Call it Pinterest perfect. We often feel the need to stretch ourselves into doing more than we are able to and not in a good growth way, but in a detriment to our health and well being way. Jessica N. Turner talks through her life and what she has done to give up or hand off the things that are not essential for her to do. This is her story but through a survey she conducted she brings the lives of so many together to offer great advice and companionship of living.
I enjoyed the tangible advice and the addition of questions to help me work through my unique situation to find what works best for me and my family.
January 4, 2019
I'm surprised this book is so highly rated. The demographic for this book is married, upper-middle class working moms with very supportive husbands, and flexible office jobs, which I mostly fall into (minus the flexible office job). If you are also Christian, have a strong community of support, extroverted, highly energetic, and have a desire to be busy and "have it all", then this book is really for you (I don't fall into any of these categories).
I have read a lot of books on this topic, so that might contribute to my disappointment in this book, as this book just regurgitated info from all of the other books on this topic. I also don't feel particularly "stretched too thin" or experience much "mom guilt", so maybe this wasn't the right book for me. This book is based on the author's experiences and opinions, not on any sort of science or research, which is more of my preference.
If you truly are feeling stretched too thin and overwhelmed, then this book might make you feel even more so, with the author's multitude of suggestions on how to "do everything." She does suggest that you just take what works for you and apply it to your life, but it has a bit of a feeling of "this is what works for me and you should do everything just like me". There are a few good nuggets in this book, so I wouldn't completely discount it, but just be aware what you're getting into before reading. If you have limited time, I'd skip this and just read anything (or everything) by Laura Vanderkam.
I have read a lot of books on this topic, so that might contribute to my disappointment in this book, as this book just regurgitated info from all of the other books on this topic. I also don't feel particularly "stretched too thin" or experience much "mom guilt", so maybe this wasn't the right book for me. This book is based on the author's experiences and opinions, not on any sort of science or research, which is more of my preference.
If you truly are feeling stretched too thin and overwhelmed, then this book might make you feel even more so, with the author's multitude of suggestions on how to "do everything." She does suggest that you just take what works for you and apply it to your life, but it has a bit of a feeling of "this is what works for me and you should do everything just like me". There are a few good nuggets in this book, so I wouldn't completely discount it, but just be aware what you're getting into before reading. If you have limited time, I'd skip this and just read anything (or everything) by Laura Vanderkam.
September 29, 2019
I enjoyed this book. Not much to say except that it was relatable for me and Jessica Turner did a great job with the audiobook.
October 16, 2018
I really really wanted to love this book. As a working mom, I'm always looking for ideas that will help me feel less guilty and accomplish all the things. This book, however, was full of regurgitated tips, hyperbole, and platitudes. It read like a big dos and don'ts list from someone who has figured it out and can't understand why you can't do the same. I'm glad she has figured out something that works for her family, but she seems to have the ideal family (married, helpful and supportive husband, flexible job, etc), which is not reality for many. Perhaps it would have served my younger self who hadn't already read all of this on the web.
August 5, 2018
If you are tired of spending your life putting out fires, instead of kindling the flame of a life lived well - read this book. Turner speaks from a place of understanding how mom guilt, finding balance and learning contentment in life are possible. Aimed toward working moms in particular, this book also speaks well to SAHM and WAHM who feel like they have too much to do and aren't doing any of their things well.
With actionable next steps and motivation to find the courage to make a change - this book shows that finding a place of free of self-doubt and second guessing our abilities and convincing ourselves that we SHOULD be able to do it all is within each of our reach!
With actionable next steps and motivation to find the courage to make a change - this book shows that finding a place of free of self-doubt and second guessing our abilities and convincing ourselves that we SHOULD be able to do it all is within each of our reach!
August 6, 2018
This book hit all the spots that are generally missed in books today. Living life as a working mom, as a busy mom, as an overwhelmed mom- it’s all hard! Jessica writes seemingly personalized chapters touching on connecting with family, organizing life, intimacy with your spouse and even cultivating friendships. Her words reach out and remind you that regardless of if you’re working 9-5 in an office, part time out of your house or your boss is a screaming toddler, you are not alone. This book is one I will absolutely read over and over again!
I received this book from the publisher.
I received this book from the publisher.
August 10, 2018
Jessica does it again. Her books are relatable, important, and impeccably researched. I'll be pushing this one into the hands of every working mom I know!
Full disclosure: I'm on the launch team for this one so I got to listed to the audiobook early, but I also bought my own copy!
Full disclosure: I'm on the launch team for this one so I got to listed to the audiobook early, but I also bought my own copy!
October 17, 2018
Reads like a compilation of mommy blog how to’s and how not to’s. Don’t waste your valuable time. Instead of tips and tricks I was hoping for encouragement similar to that found in Katelyn Beaty’s A Woman’s Place.
August 26, 2024
I liked how there was a journaling portion of the book! Very relevant topics. Touching a lot of things that I have been feeling even though I’m not actively working now. I really enjoyed this book. My goals: be more intentional in my motherhood, more present with my kids and spouse. And make my marriage a priority. I want to make a family mission statement and invest in more time with my spouse. I also want to create a Habit chart for our morning and bedtime routines with my kids. Maybe with stickers and a reward so that they feel like they are involved and it’s not a constant fight to do some of our routines.
August 6, 2018
I don't think it's a coincidence that I finished listening to Jessica Turner's new book Stretched Too Thin (coming out in Sept 18) while shopping at Target. (If you follow Jessica, she loves Target and it runs deep)! 🎯♥️
I look forward listening again and to reading the physical copy of the book so I can underline and take notes! #somuchgoodness
Like Jess' first book, one read is never enough!! If you are a working Mom, or if you are a mom who does #allthethings but don't feel like you're doing any of them well, you need to pre-order (*) this book! Go to www.stretchedtoothinbook.com
*I got the book from the publisher to be a part of the launch team so I got to read in advance. :)
I look forward listening again and to reading the physical copy of the book so I can underline and take notes! #somuchgoodness
Like Jess' first book, one read is never enough!! If you are a working Mom, or if you are a mom who does #allthethings but don't feel like you're doing any of them well, you need to pre-order (*) this book! Go to www.stretchedtoothinbook.com
*I got the book from the publisher to be a part of the launch team so I got to read in advance. :)
March 12, 2023
Audio - included in Audible membership. A rehash of the typical modern tropes and cliches and complaints. I guess having no swearing and sometimes mentioning church as something that might be on your calendar makes it a Christian imprint. I got halfway and cried uncle.
August 5, 2018
This book is wonderful for every mother who has ever struggled with working, mothering, and wondering how to hold it all together. Jessica brings her wisdom from “being in the trenches” herself and shares it with mothers who need it most.
I received this phenomenal book from the publisher.
I received this phenomenal book from the publisher.
September 1, 2018
I'm participating in the launch of this book so I not only got to listen to the book but I also received a hardback advanced copy as well. I loved the audio, narrated by the author herself. This book is wonderful! It not only includes tips and advice, but it shows from the author's personal experience how harmful guilt can be, and how much happier everyone is when guilt is out of the equation. Every working mom needs to read this book. So much encouragement and great advice to thriving as a working mom and avoiding being stretched too thin.
August 13, 2018
What a great book. Stretched Too Thin was written as one working mom's love letter (and challenge!) to another. I found this book to be encouraging yet realistic. Jessica knows what it is like to be a working mom in a "regular" 9-5 office job... the good AND the bad. This book is full of lots of practical tips about topics from self care to home management (laundry, dishes, cooking, etc.), as well as tips for making your work life better (flexibility, boundaries, etc.) But I think the richness is the reminder that Jessica has for all of us about prioritizing faith, marriage, children, and friendship in the midst of "work." I thought the last chapter really summarized her heart behind the book so well! I also found the chapter and emphasis on goal setting to be inspiring.
I listened to the audiobook as part of the launch team (thanks to the publisher for that bonus!). I look forward to reading the physical book in the future so I can more easily journal through Jessica's thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter.
The only issue I had with this book was related to some of the faith-based content. This is not a criticism of Jessica, her faith, or anything like that... more of a PSA. I am a Christian and my faith in Jesus is the most important thing in my life. When I heard about this book being published, as a working mom I was so excited! I did not necessarily think that it would be from a Christian perspective, but then I saw it was published by a Christian publisher (Revell). It is so good for the church (via a faith-based publisher) to support working moms! All that being said, I didn't agree with everything in the "spiritual self care" section. Mindfulness was talked about alot, and reading the Bible was mentioned but only after encouraging readers to read spiritual books like those by Ann Voscamp. It's hard to write a review and discuss this without coming across judgmental of Jessica's faith practices versus my own. There are so many factors to consider, and for all I know, she could have been more general to make her book resonate with more women. But I did want to mention that because it was the only part of the book that I didn't enthusiastically agree with.
I hope you read this book, gift it to your working mom friends, and are so encouraged by it!
Again, I was on the launch team and got to listen to it in advance thanks to a generous publisher but was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise. Thank you to all involved in the launch efforts! :)
I listened to the audiobook as part of the launch team (thanks to the publisher for that bonus!). I look forward to reading the physical book in the future so I can more easily journal through Jessica's thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter.
The only issue I had with this book was related to some of the faith-based content. This is not a criticism of Jessica, her faith, or anything like that... more of a PSA. I am a Christian and my faith in Jesus is the most important thing in my life. When I heard about this book being published, as a working mom I was so excited! I did not necessarily think that it would be from a Christian perspective, but then I saw it was published by a Christian publisher (Revell). It is so good for the church (via a faith-based publisher) to support working moms! All that being said, I didn't agree with everything in the "spiritual self care" section. Mindfulness was talked about alot, and reading the Bible was mentioned but only after encouraging readers to read spiritual books like those by Ann Voscamp. It's hard to write a review and discuss this without coming across judgmental of Jessica's faith practices versus my own. There are so many factors to consider, and for all I know, she could have been more general to make her book resonate with more women. But I did want to mention that because it was the only part of the book that I didn't enthusiastically agree with.
I hope you read this book, gift it to your working mom friends, and are so encouraged by it!
Again, I was on the launch team and got to listen to it in advance thanks to a generous publisher but was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise. Thank you to all involved in the launch efforts! :)
August 17, 2018
Inspiring book that touches on so many of the struggles of working moms. Being a work-at-home mom on a part-time basis, so much of this book connected with me. Most specifically the self-care section. We have a tendency to put ourselves last place, waiting until the last possible second to take care of ourselves, and when we don't, we often carry huge loads of mom guilty for putting ourselves first. I learned this important lesson firsthand last year when my body declared that it was time for me to rest, resulting in surgery. And I often wonder if that could have been prevented if I'd taken the time to rest along the way and care for myself on a regular basis.
Jessica Turner gives wonderful and practical suggestions on ways to implement self-care, not just physically but spiritually and mentally as well.
I found the chapters on family time and spouse time also great reminders.
While some sections didn't apply to me as much since I work-at-home, I know the pages hold great wisdom for other moms. However, the one negative I felt was that her view on flexible work hours for moms was short-sided. For example, she makes a huge point to find a work environment that offers flexible hours. However, so many working moms are teachers or nurses that don't have much control over their hours and certainly would not be able to request flexibility in those hours. Not everyone has a office job. I wouldn't even mention it if it wasn't such a large section. Thankfully I have complete flexibility in my own job, but most of my friends who work do not.
That being said, I highly recommend this book to all moms. Even stay-at-home would find value in the pages of this book!
I was apart of the launch team for this book, and was giving the audiobook from the publisher. The audiobook is great. The author reads it herself and even adlibs periodically! Her personality really comes through in the audio, and I'm also looking forward the hard copy so that I can go through and journal all the reflective questions and highlight galore!
Jessica Turner gives wonderful and practical suggestions on ways to implement self-care, not just physically but spiritually and mentally as well.
I found the chapters on family time and spouse time also great reminders.
While some sections didn't apply to me as much since I work-at-home, I know the pages hold great wisdom for other moms. However, the one negative I felt was that her view on flexible work hours for moms was short-sided. For example, she makes a huge point to find a work environment that offers flexible hours. However, so many working moms are teachers or nurses that don't have much control over their hours and certainly would not be able to request flexibility in those hours. Not everyone has a office job. I wouldn't even mention it if it wasn't such a large section. Thankfully I have complete flexibility in my own job, but most of my friends who work do not.
That being said, I highly recommend this book to all moms. Even stay-at-home would find value in the pages of this book!
I was apart of the launch team for this book, and was giving the audiobook from the publisher. The audiobook is great. The author reads it herself and even adlibs periodically! Her personality really comes through in the audio, and I'm also looking forward the hard copy so that I can go through and journal all the reflective questions and highlight galore!
August 11, 2018
Although I'm not a "working" mom like Jessica I did get a part-time job the day I received the book. This book is geared for "working" moms, and it has lots of good insight and tips. I think stay-at-home and part-time working moms would find value in it too. We can ALL get stretched too thin even without outside employment being one of the stretchers!
I've been a follower of Jessica's blog and online channels for several years, probably since my first daughter was born more than six years ago. I like The Mom Creative, her blog, and think Jessica is an inspiration in the mommy blogging world as she's transitioned as the Internet has changed and her children have grown. She's still got a full-time, regular day job and three kids, so she's definitely the right person to write this book!
Stretched Too Thin is not overly religious, although there are some comments about prayer and faith plus the social aspects and benefits of attending church. I share Jessica's faith, but I don't think someone of another faith would be put off by it. The book is written from a place of privilege and wealth, so some might not relate to that.
I liked the organization of the book and the helpful information and empowering phrases. As a nosy person who loves the voyeurism of blogs/online personas I especially liked the memoir-ish parts of the book and learning how Jessica and her husband met. It's not heavily memoir at all, but she does include anecdotes from her own life plus those from other women who responded to her survey. (I can't remember if I responded to the survey since I'm not "working," but I probably did back when she asked people to.)
I listened to this audio book via an ARC. I rarely listen to books because I don't have much occasion to be on my own in the car and headphones while around my kids don't work especially well either. But I liked making the time to listen and hearing Jessica's voice, which I know from her videos. I don't know if I'll do the journaling exercises, but I will go download the resources once available.
I've been a follower of Jessica's blog and online channels for several years, probably since my first daughter was born more than six years ago. I like The Mom Creative, her blog, and think Jessica is an inspiration in the mommy blogging world as she's transitioned as the Internet has changed and her children have grown. She's still got a full-time, regular day job and three kids, so she's definitely the right person to write this book!
Stretched Too Thin is not overly religious, although there are some comments about prayer and faith plus the social aspects and benefits of attending church. I share Jessica's faith, but I don't think someone of another faith would be put off by it. The book is written from a place of privilege and wealth, so some might not relate to that.
I liked the organization of the book and the helpful information and empowering phrases. As a nosy person who loves the voyeurism of blogs/online personas I especially liked the memoir-ish parts of the book and learning how Jessica and her husband met. It's not heavily memoir at all, but she does include anecdotes from her own life plus those from other women who responded to her survey. (I can't remember if I responded to the survey since I'm not "working," but I probably did back when she asked people to.)
I listened to this audio book via an ARC. I rarely listen to books because I don't have much occasion to be on my own in the car and headphones while around my kids don't work especially well either. But I liked making the time to listen and hearing Jessica's voice, which I know from her videos. I don't know if I'll do the journaling exercises, but I will go download the resources once available.
August 12, 2018
As a working mom of a son getting ready to start high school a lot of the lessons and tips Jessica shares in this book are things I had to learn the hard way. When my son was younger it seemed all the Christian resources were for moms who stayed at home. I had to struggle through many of the difficulties of trying to be all to everyone. Jessica reminded me that it’s not possible to do everything and do it well. Instead she gives tips of picking and chooses what is best for whatever season you may find your life right now. I love how her questions guide you to find what works for you individually instead of giving blanket statements about how it “should” be done. I loved her insight and will definitely be sharing this book with my mom friends who have just embarked on the journey of working motherhood.
August 18, 2018
About a year ago I participated in the Stretched Too Thin eCourse, and when I heard about the book coming out, I immediately pre-ordered it. So I was excited when I got the chance to be part of the Launch Team, and received an advance copy of the audio book. As I listened to the book, I couldn't wait to get the hard copy book to take notes and underline - there were so many good parts!
What I like best about the book is that the author works a regular 9-5 job, on top of her writing/blogging, and is able to offer tips from real-life. And it's not an unrealistic "you can do it all" message - she acknowledges that sometimes we will miss things, and we don't have to do it all. I also really appreciated the self-care chapter - that's one of things working moms sometimes let go of first, but can lead to burn-out, or our inability to take care of others.
What I like best about the book is that the author works a regular 9-5 job, on top of her writing/blogging, and is able to offer tips from real-life. And it's not an unrealistic "you can do it all" message - she acknowledges that sometimes we will miss things, and we don't have to do it all. I also really appreciated the self-care chapter - that's one of things working moms sometimes let go of first, but can lead to burn-out, or our inability to take care of others.
September 7, 2018
This book is not for people who just like to complain about how busy they are. From page one, Turner gives practical advice about the best way to manage your crazy busy life as a working mom. She has plans, practices, scheduling advice and so much more packed into this book. This is for the working mom who is sick of feeling like she can never just enjoy her life. We are presented with step by step instructions for digging yourself out of the pit of despair and a frantic pace of life and into the abundance and joy that can be motherhood and a successful career. We can't do it all, but we can have the things that are most important if we plan for them. This is THE model of success for all of us who have been looking for it.
August 11, 2018
Heading back to work next week and this book served as the perfect dose of encouragement. Not only does the author give you tactical tips in all areas of life as a working mom, but she includes relatable stories and experiences of her own. Validating my concerns and fears made me feel heard. I’m so excited to reread the hard copy of this book and complete the reflections at the end of each chapter over time.
August 7, 2018
Jessica Turner is a wonder woman. Really.
So when I saw she was launching a new book about working motherhood, I was all in. I finished in just a few days and have so many good ideas on how to use my time more wisely and just really embrace the life and career I've been given.
Jessica covers a LOT of topics that are important to working moms, and although I have at least 3 new things I want to try this week, I know that I will keep coming back to this book for ideas and inspiration for years to come.
Work doesn't have to be drudgery, and you CAN be a working mom and wife and THRIVE.
*I did receive a copy of the book from the publisher, but, as always, the words and opinions above are all mine.
So when I saw she was launching a new book about working motherhood, I was all in. I finished in just a few days and have so many good ideas on how to use my time more wisely and just really embrace the life and career I've been given.
Jessica covers a LOT of topics that are important to working moms, and although I have at least 3 new things I want to try this week, I know that I will keep coming back to this book for ideas and inspiration for years to come.
Work doesn't have to be drudgery, and you CAN be a working mom and wife and THRIVE.
*I did receive a copy of the book from the publisher, but, as always, the words and opinions above are all mine.
January 10, 2019
I am home educator (my full time job) with a one day a week PT job on the side. Even though I spend most of my days with my kids, I knew I would still gain some wisdom with this book. And I was right! Jessica Turner speaks straightforward with authenticity and grace, recognizing that women put so many expectations on ourselves. And let's face it, there's a lot to do when you're a mom!
One of my biggest takeaways - what am I really doing with my time? Taking a time inventory is humbling but also super helpful in assessing how I can keep myself sane and my household intact. I love all the ideas to take care of shopping, cleaning, etc as well as permission not to do everything and be everything to everyone.
A great read, especially for women managing "mom life" along with a PT or FT job.
One of my biggest takeaways - what am I really doing with my time? Taking a time inventory is humbling but also super helpful in assessing how I can keep myself sane and my household intact. I love all the ideas to take care of shopping, cleaning, etc as well as permission not to do everything and be everything to everyone.
A great read, especially for women managing "mom life" along with a PT or FT job.
April 28, 2023
Read like a longer podcast with elements the author drew from Brene Brown and women focused business coaches. Nothing was new but it was affirming to know I wasn’t alone in my struggle to balance the two.
February 25, 2019
Last week I was the poster child for a working mom who was 'Stretched Too Thin". It was more stressful and crazy than usual. I was simply treading water. I was coming off a 12-day cross country road trip and was attempting to catch up at both home and at work. To add fuel to the fire, it was the last week before school starts. You know the drill- school supplies, annual "what fits" clothing show, open houses, etc. for 4 kids.
I am so glad that I made the opportunity to listen to this book on audio. I quickly stopped counting the number of times I uttered, "Yes- that's so true!" Or "I couldn't agree more." Listening to it on audio was such a delight. It was like having a conversation with a friend over coffee.
I encourage you to buy both the audio and hardcover version. (If you pre-order the print version, you get the audio for free.) The print version has a reflection activity at the end of each chapter. Turner just doesn’t want you to read about how to thrive as a working mom, she gives you the tools to make it happen.
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This is a must-read for working moms at every stage of life.
I am so glad that I made the opportunity to listen to this book on audio. I quickly stopped counting the number of times I uttered, "Yes- that's so true!" Or "I couldn't agree more." Listening to it on audio was such a delight. It was like having a conversation with a friend over coffee.
I encourage you to buy both the audio and hardcover version. (If you pre-order the print version, you get the audio for free.) The print version has a reflection activity at the end of each chapter. Turner just doesn’t want you to read about how to thrive as a working mom, she gives you the tools to make it happen.
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This is a must-read for working moms at every stage of life.
July 28, 2022
I loved this book! Having been a working mom, stay at home mom and now a small business owner the information provided was relevant. I enjoyed listening to the audio version as Jessica is energetic and so easy to listen too. This book was jam packed with useful stories, suggestions and time saving strategies. This is a book written for working moms but all moms can benefit from the words on these pages.
August 19, 2019
I love how Jessica’s authentic examples and style help us relate and learn new skills and has ideas to help us effectively wear all our hats as wives, mom, women and humans! So refreshing, and she gives practical tips for reflection to help us move toward the life we want.
September 11, 2018
As a working mom trying to balance what feels like everything; I often feel stretched too thin. I was excited to have the opportunity to listen to this audio book and read the physical copy. I could resonate with so much of what Jessica was saying and I found myself encouraged that I wasn't alone in feeling pulled in so many different directions. I often hear my kids say, you're always working. I wanted this to stop but needed help on how to get there. I put to practice some of Jessica's tips on how to break the cycle of feeling stretched and I found something else, FREEDOM. I found the freedom to be fully present with my family when I was away from work. I was also able to be engaged more at work because I wasn't as worried about how it would be perceived by my children. At the end of each chapter Jessica has questions for you to reflect on the chapter and make plans to put into action what you are learning. Grabbing a journal and working through these questions has helped to encourage and give me the ability to stay on a path that better balances work and family. I love the honestly of Jessica as she shares stories from the heart and gives practical advice that we can all put into action. While I do love the feeling of a book in my hands the audio version was what I needed during a busy time when I couldn't sit down and read. I was able to listen to the book in the car on my way to work or while we were sitting at the pool. Having the audio book read by Jessica was icing on the cake. Many times I felt like she was in the car with me having a conversation. I would recommend this book to not only busy moms but to anyone that feels the work/life relationship they currently have is NOT working and they want to make a change.
September 11, 2018
This is a book of encouragement and love for all of the working mothers who strive so hard and never seem to have enough time for themselves. Jessica Turner encourages moms to take time out, to renew their strength and their spirits. She does so with practical tips that can be adapted to whatever job and lifestyle you are living. This book is for single moms, married moms, moms with one child and moms with six or more children. Jessica Turner touches the heart of being a mother and encourages mothers everywhere to use that heart to make sure that they take care of themselves so that they can take care of others. Each chapter ends with reflective questions so that the book is more than a book to be read and then forgotten. It is a book that is to be used as a tool to improve the lives of working mothers everywhere.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. The opinions that are expressed are my own. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. The opinions that are expressed are my own. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 18, 2018
If you are a working mom, you need this book. Work from home moms, working out of the home moms, even stay at home moms can benefit from this book. I listened to the audio book, and have the hard copy in my possession. There are some exercises Jessica goes through at the end of a few chapters, and I think the physical copy (or even a digital copy) makes that easier. Seeing how I am a working out of the home mom, the audio book saved me time and a little bit of sanity. I had an hour a day of uninterrupted time to listen (and listen again because so much of the book resonates with me.)
This book talks about how to deal with the guilt we feel when we're being pulled in all directions. There are parenting tips, but also tips on dealing with other relationships - such as with your spouse, your kids and your friends. I immediately started scheduling time with friends I hadn't seen in years when I came upon a chapter about friendships.
I can't get enough of this book and I'm definitely giving copies to friends who I think could benefit (all of my mom friends!)
This book talks about how to deal with the guilt we feel when we're being pulled in all directions. There are parenting tips, but also tips on dealing with other relationships - such as with your spouse, your kids and your friends. I immediately started scheduling time with friends I hadn't seen in years when I came upon a chapter about friendships.
I can't get enough of this book and I'm definitely giving copies to friends who I think could benefit (all of my mom friends!)
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