Finding Strength in Struggle: My Story as a Young Working Mom

When I entered the workforce in 2017, I had my one-year-old daughter beside me. Graduating from college as a single mom, I watched my friends save for trips to Vail and Greece, while I scraped by just to afford groceries—and kept it all hidden in plain sight.

In college, I let unexcused absences for prenatal appointments pile up, rushed to finish assignments, and endured my professors’ comments about my lack of participation. The truth was, I was exhausted. Pregnant and working until 11 PM after class, I returned to school just a month after my daughter was born, determined to graduate on time. Her colic kept me awake, and my determination was breaking me—but I couldn’t admit it.

At twenty-one, I graduated, hiding my motherhood at my first internship out of fear: I didn’t want to seem irresponsible or draw judgment. Looking back eight years later, I realize how misguided that was. I pushed myself, commuting 55 miles daily, living off minimum wage with the hope that I’d be hired full-time. When I was, with a starting salary of $35,000, I thought things would improve, but financial struggles persisted. Rent and daycare swallowed my paycheck, groceries were a constant worry, and my savings dwindled fast. I kept up appearances as if things were fine, sometimes even fooling myself.

Surprisingly, the turning point came with COVID. I’d just moved into a house, expecting to marry my fiancé that April and have him share the rent increase. Lockdowns delayed our wedding until October, but he helped cover costs, daycare closed (saving us hundreds), and stimulus checks brought some relief. For the first time, I could keep food in the fridge. That alone was life-changing.

Reflecting on this period, here are some lessons I’ve learned:

1. Never hide who you are. Embracing my role as a working mom would have given me confidence instead of trying to fit a mold I thought was expected. Showing up authentically would have let me bring my full self to my work.

2. Your story builds character. My struggles pushed me to work harder, not just for a paycheck, but to provide for my child. Sharing your story is a source of strength—not a burden to carry alone.

3. Personal finances and budgets are essential. Even when money was tight, I saved what I could, even if it was just $7 one month and $48 another. These small acts of saving built discipline and helped me start my financial journey.

4. Accept and ask for help. There’s no need to carry the world alone. I let others’ perceptions weigh too heavily on me, but I now know that reaching out can be the difference between struggle and relief. It’s not weakness—it’s smart and necessary.

I’m grateful for those who helped me through. If you see yourself in this story, know that resilience is built from the choices you make, and your journey—however hard—has value and power.