Returning to work is tough. There are times when you may feel that you're not doing a good job at either place — as a parent or as an employee. You may feel like your mind is always someplace else: worrying about your baby while at work; worrying about job demands while caring for your baby.

Let's get the guilt out of the way. You are a good mother if you love your child with every fiber of your being and you leave her to go to work every day. While it's true that being a parent is a 24/7 job, that doesn't mean you have to be with your child every moment of every day. The key is to find good child care so you know your baby is safe, happy, and loved.

But will you feel conflicted? Will you worry? Will you sometimes wish you were at home rather than at work? Of course you will. On the other hand, there will be days when you're home with the baby that you'll wish you were with other adults or talking about something other than baby poop or sleep schedules.

Realistically, you'll feel a full range of emotions. Be good to yourself and remember that emotions aren't good or bad, they just are. Some days you'll barely get through the day and wonder how you'll ever pull it all off. Other times, you'll feel like Wonder Woman — able to be a super mom and super-career gal.

Here are some tips to ease the return to work. Finding a work-life balance takes planning and a readiness to give yourself a break. You've got a lot on your plate, so how can you make your life easier and smoother?

• Divide the chores. If both you and your partner work outside the home, the household chores should be evenly shared. Don't get trapped into gender stereotypes. If he's a better cook and you're better at repairing toilets — then do what needs to be done and don't buy into women's versus men's work. Establish a list of responsibilities, then step away. No criticizing how a household chore is done, just as long as it's finished.

• Simplify. Eliminate, at least at first, outside responsibilities like church committees, professional associations, and even family obligations.

• You need the time outside of work for yourself, your partner, and your baby. You'll be able to add back outside responsibilities when you've established a rhythm to work and family.

• Unclutter your home. Donate or toss what you don't use or wear. It will be less to clean.

• Let it go. Ease up on your standards for keeping the house clean. If you can afford to hire someone to clean your home, it may be worth it (even if it's just a couple of times a year for a thorough cleaning). If not, clean what you can and ignore the rest. If you can afford it, buy extra baby clothes in order to reduce how often you have to do laundry.

• Eat healthy, but simply. Buy prepared foods (healthy ones) or cook ahead on the weekends.

• Shop online. Save time and money by using the Internet to compare prices and purchase most items. In many areas, you can even do your grocery shopping online.

• Time versus money. Sometimes it's worth it to spend a little more money at a local store that is convenient to save yourself time that you can spend with your baby.