Serena Williams On Being A Working Mother

February 29, 2020

Ariella Jacobs

Juggling between work and family isn’t easy. As a working mother, I am constantly looking for ways to multitask. I want to get ahead at work, but also pick up my girls from school; I want to be at the morning meeting, but also sit down for breakfast with my family. It is a constant struggle that I believe isn’t getting the attention it deserves.

As always, I am late to the party, but last Friday, Serena Williams spoke on this matter. In an emotional Instagram post, the 23 major singles titles winner opened up about being a working mom, stating: “working and being a mom is not easy.”

View this post on Instagram
I am not sure who took this picture but Working and being a mom is not easy. I am often exhausted, stressed, and then I go play a professional tennis match. We keep going. I am so proud and inspired by the women who do it day in and day out. I’m proud to be this baby’s mama @olympiaohanian. #nofilter #nomakeup #nohairbursh lol #justme
A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on Feb 21, 2020 at 5:59am PST

In the image, Williams can be seen without makeup, while holding her baby daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. In the description, Williams went on to say: “I am often exhausted, stressed, and then I go play a professional tennis match. We keep going. I am so proud and inspired by the women who do it day in and day out.”

Williams concluded her post saying: “I’m proud to be this baby’s mama.”

This isn’t the first time Williams has openly discussed the difficulties of being a working mother. The tennis legend often gives her followers on the social platform a rare look into her life as a working mom.

View this post on Instagram
#ThisMama tries to spend as much time with @olympiaohanian as possible. She keeps me going especially during tournaments. Although the popcorn machine has her attention here, I know she’s watching and learning to see how I persevere in challenging and rewarding moments. #ThisMama keeps going, how do you?
A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on Aug 26, 2019 at 3:01pm PDT

Being a working mom is a constant struggle. There is a comfort in knowing that even those who seem to lack nothing, have to go through it. I want to thank Serena Williams for giving us a look into her life, without filters. Thank you for showing that everyone goes through it. Thank you for raising awareness.

Getty Images/ AFP/ MICHAEL BRADLEY