The Complicated Truth About Mother’s Day (And Why It’s Okay to Feel Everything)
What if Mother’s Day didn’t feel joyful… and instead brought up a swirl of emotions?
You’re not alone. In this deeply personal episode, I’m unpacking the messy middle of Mother’s Day—why it feels so complicated for so many of us, and why we need to stop pretending it’s one-size-fits-all.
From loving-but-complicated relationships with our own moms, to loss, longing, caregiving, and navigating shifting family roles—Mother’s Day can bring up more pain than pampering. As I reflect on my own experience—from my childhood to my daughter’s last Mother’s Day at home before heading to college—I share the real talk I wish someone had told me years ago: It’s okay to do this day your way.
You’ll also hear how job sharing isn’t just about workplace flexibility—it’s about building a life that allows space for real connection, caregiving, and yes, even grief. Whether you’re a mom, have a mom, lost a mom, or have complicated feelings about the whole thing… this episode is for you.
Here’s What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
- Why Mother’s Day can bring up grief, pressure, and emotional landmines
- My story of mothering, caregiving, and setting boundaries in a blended family
- How Alzheimer’s changed my relationship with my mom—and gave something unexpected back
- What I want my daughter to know before she heads off to college
- Why it’s okay if Mother’s Day sucked this year—and how to make next year better
- A loving permission slip to celebrate your way (or not at all)
Whether you’re in the thick of motherhood, mourning, or making peace with what you’ve been handed, I hope this episode gives you space to breathe, reflect, and feel seen.
Resources & Links Mentioned:
- Join Work Muse Facebook Community: Job Share Live Life + Slay Work ✅
- Grab The Work Muse Guide to Job Sharing ✅
More From Me:
- Sign up for Job Share Academy Waitlist ✅
- Follow me on LinkedIn: Melissa Nicholson LinkedIn
- Follow Work Muse LinkedIn
Share This Episode!
❤️ Share this episode with someone who might need it today. And if it spoke to you, DM me and tell me what’s one thing you’re ready to drop next Mother’s Day.
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Melissa Nicholson job shared for nearly a decade and is the Founder & CEO of Work Muse. Work Muse drives the adoption of job sharing in business as a source of competitive advantage while helping individuals find work-life balance. Join the #JobshareRevolution here.