Life After Telework: Balancing Federal Work, Motherhood, and a Depressed Kitten

Hi there, mama tribe and fellow working warriors. I’m Tina – a full-time federal employee, SEO consultant on the side, proud SoCal native, wife, mom of two amazing little ones, and fur-mama to the most dramatic kitten you’ve ever met. This week marks my official return to the office after nearly three years of telework, and let me tell you – life at home has been shaken up like a snow globe.

And I know I’m not alone.

From Cozy Chaos to Cold Commutes

Before this shift, mornings used to start slow. Coffee while cuddling the kids. A quick sweep of emails as the kitten purred on my lap. The biggest stressor was whether breakfast would be waffles or oatmeal. But now, it’s alarm clocks screaming at 5:00 AM, packing lunches in a fog, and saying goodbye to my family while it’s still dark outside.

My husband has stepped in like a champ to take over morning drop-offs, but our kids have definitely noticed the change. There’s been a little more clinginess at night, more questions like “Why can’t you work from home anymore, Mama?” And honestly, I’ve asked myself that same thing more than once.

My Furry Baby is Not Okay

And then there’s Garfield, our 8-month-old kitten. He used to follow me from room to room during the workday, curl up behind my laptop, or bat at my pencil while I brainstormed content for clients. He was my tiny orange shadow, my unofficial MSTeams coworker, my emotional support fluff.

Since I returned to the office, Garfield has stopped eating as much. He paces near the front door, waiting. He meows when the kids leave for school, then hides under the couch for most of the day. At first, I thought it was coincidence – maybe He was just moody. But the signs are all there: He’s depressed.

And honestly? Same, my handsome boy.

Evenings Are Sacred Now

By the time I get home, I’m wiped. The commute eats up nearly an hour of my day. But I made a promise to myself and my family: I won’t let this new schedule steal what matters most. So, every evening, I put my phone down. I sit with my kids while they do homework. I listen – really listen – as they talk about school, friends, weird dreams they had. We do puzzles, watch cartoons, have dance parties in the kitchen.

And Garfield? He gets snuggles. I brush him, play with his favorite string toy, whisper apologies and affirmations like he understands every word (which I’m convinced he does).

It’s a New Kind of Hard

I miss the freedom of telework – the comfort of being present. I miss the flexibility, the midday cuddles, the spontaneous lunch dates with my husband. But I’m also learning that we’re more adaptable than we think. My kids are adjusting. My husband is thriving in his new morning role. Garfield is still struggling, but he’s starting to come around.

This isn’t the life we had a few months ago, but it’s the one we’ve got – and we’re making it work.

To My Fellow Mamas and Pet Parents

If you’re navigating a big shift right now – whether it’s returning to the office, starting a new job, or just trying to balance life’s chaos – know that you’re not alone. We’re in this together, finding new rhythms, building resilience, and redefining what “having it all” really means.

And if you need a little joy, a tiny spark of cute in your day – I’d love for you to check out my small business: www.tinastinythings.com. It’s a collection of hand-picked accessories, gifts, and goodies inspired by motherhood, cozy homes, and the little things that keep us smiling when life gets messy. Supporting my shop helps this mama keep going, and every purchase brings a bit of happy into someone’s world.

Thanks for being here. Thanks for reading. And give your cat an extra treat tonight – they probably miss you more than you know.

With love and solidarity,
Tina – Federal Worker by Day, Mama Always, Small Biz Dreamer