Written by Teri Day
From Burnout to Breakthrough: How I Reclaimed My Life as a Mom and Entrepreneur – I remember before having my son, I had everything planned out—the kind of mother I would be, the kind of son I would have. My dream was to have one son and one daughter, with my son as the eldest. Well, it didn’t turn out that way. Do I have any regrets? Zero. Am I the mother I imagined I would be? No. But he’s better than I envisioned. I wouldn’t trade him for the world.
What I’ve learned is that predicting the future is best left to the psychics. Until you’re in the situation—whether it’s parenting, business, or anything in life—you don’t actually know how you will react until you’re living it.
Being a single mom and solo entrepreneur can be tricky if you let it be. In the beginning, I found it incredibly difficult. I approached everything from a place of fear and lack. I was burned out and didn’t even know it. My relationship with my son was strained, and I couldn’t figure out why. Why did we argue all the time? Why wouldn’t he confide in me? Why weren’t we as close as I thought we should be?
I let my desire to be an entrepreneur rule everything. I told myself I was doing it all for my son. I was building a legacy, so the sacrifice was worth it. I believed that grinding as hard as I could, working late into the night, and putting my business first was the right way. Because if I didn’t make it, who would take care of him?
I didn’t realize the problem was me.
I was letting work run my life. Then, a series of circumstances shifted everything. I had a long and successful corporate career while trying to build my business when my world turned upside down.
I resigned from my career. It was my choice, but it didn’t feel like it. I was at a crossroads, and I had to choose for myself.
At first, I was terrified. Now, I really needed my business to work. As a full-time entrepreneur, I had never worked so hard in my life. My executive role had been a breeze compared to building a business alone. So why did I feel lighter?
Without my corporate job, I had more capacity to parent. More patience. More understanding. At first, I didn’t quite understand what was happening.
My priorities shifted. I looked at my son and realized I had it all wrong. I needed to be working with him. I needed to be working for myself. Not for the business.
During this time, I found support in the EM/POWEREDbyWMN community—a space for women entrepreneurs led by a fellow mom who understands the challenges of balancing motherhood and business. Being part of this group reminded me that I wasn’t alone. I had a place to share struggles and receive support from women who understood.
With this support, I realized the business was working me. I wasn’t working the business.
So I made a shift—a big one.
I did a lot of journaling. A ton of work on myself. I shifted my mindset from lack to abundance. I reflected and realized that I’ve always had what I needed. Even in the hardest times, I never went without. I would always have what I needed. And so would my son.
So, I made him my priority. Our relationship shifted. We laughed every day. We joked. He enjoys spending time with me. I love spending time with him.
Being an entrepreneur and a single mom is often seen as a challenge. And yes, there are tough moments. But perspective is everything. It’s critical to focus on what’s working and make adjustments when needed.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned? If mom’s not happy, no one is. My hardest moments as a mother came when I was neglecting myself. I was so focused on everything and everyone else that I forgot my own needs.
I started to fill my cup. I shifted from pouring from an empty cup to pouring from an overflow.
When I finally prioritized myself, everything changed. Taking care of myself meant I wasn’t depleted. I had more patience, understanding, and love to give, which transformed my relationship with my son. Kids need space to grow, make mistakes, and feel safe. Being present—not just reacting—deepened our bond. Now, I have an amazing relationship with my teenage son.
The same applies to business. Entrepreneurs are full of ideas, so focus is key. I used to think working harder was the answer, but I learned that working strategically was what actually mattered. I started planning everything in 12-week segments, with documented plans and action steps aligned with my end goals. This keeps me focused on what’s important and actually gives me more time.
More time to focus on myself. More time to be present for my son. More time to build an incredible relationship.
I was living so deeply in fear that I didn’t even realize the impact it was having on my life. I knew I was unhappy, but I didn’t connect the dots. Don’t be like me. Take some time now to stop and review your relationships—with yourself and your loved ones. If things aren’t where you want them to be, figure out what’s not working. Then, address it.
My business is growing, and I love everything I do because I’m working on my business. My business is not working me. And that is a beautiful thing.
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