Being Mum: The Toughest Job of All?

Published on: March 13, 2025

If mums had a CV showcasing their incredible skills and all the responsibilities they carry, how would it look?

From acting as CFO (Chief of Family Operations) to Director of Bedtime Negotiations, or Head of Homework Completion, a mum’s CV would probably be the mother of all resumes!

We imagine it to look something like this…

Super Mum’s Curriculum Vitae

Name: Super Mum (a.k.a. The Ultimate Multitasker)

Objective: To continue managing a dynamic household as the Chief of Family Operations (CFO) while skilfully navigating the beautiful chaos of family life.

Experience:

Chief Nocturnal Operations Manager
Years of Service: Since First Child
Expert in late nights on call, responding swiftly to cries, bad dreams, and the mysterious “monster under the bed” emergency.
Domestic Disaster Recovery Specialist
Years of Service: Since First Spill
Master of solving problems ranging from stubborn stains and stubborn toddlers to school dramas and last-minute costume emergencies.
Nutritional Negotiation Consultant
Years of Service: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Daily
Broker of peace treaties over broccoli consumption and world-renowned in the art of disguising vegetables. Skilled in procurement of last-minute home economics ingredients.
Chief Financial Strategist
Years of Service: Every Sale and Clearance
Adept at stretching budgets, finding the best deals, and rationalising the purchase of yet another “live laugh love” ornament.
Wizard of Time (Management)
Years of Service: Since Discovering There Are Only 24 Hours in a Day
Skilled in synchronising a complex stack of daily schedules, from soccer practice to ballet recitals, preventing lateness and loss of sanity. Somehow capable bending the very laws of physics to fit all responsibilities/plans into a 24 period.

Skills:

Undisputed Hugging Champion
Multitasking Maestro
Supreme Bartering Specialist
Motivational guru, able to turn “If you clean your room…” into proven results
Zen Master in Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution
Swift and agile chauffeuring
Seemingly in multiple places at once, especially when accommodating conflicting plans.
Scheduling Wizard
Award-Winning Storyteller
Renowned for bedtime stories with excellent reading to sleeping conversion rates.

Hobbies:

Sharing old memes
Transforming mismatched socks into avant-garde sock puppets
Crafting culinary surprises (mostly edible)
Engaging in impromptu dance parties in the living room
Refusing to put mobile phone on silent in any scenario

References:

Available upon completion of bath time negotiations

Our Survey Said

Would you recognise the job role of ‘Mum’, if you only saw the specs? More importantly, how do you think mums should be rewarded, if paid a salary for all they do?

We found seven in 10 people couldn’t identify the role of ‘mum’ if it were described like a job – including working antisocial hours and keeping the peace.

Respondents also suggested the job role of ‘mum’ should command an annual salary of more than £83,500!

Like our survey results, Brits polled on-the-go couldn’t identify the mystery CV and agreed hard-working mums should be paid handsomely.

What Makes Mum Super?

Our mums are capable of so much – multitasking under pressure, providing emotional support, and managing impossible schedules – all of which those surveyed said were integral to a mum’s skillset.

Additional key skills of mums, according to those polled, included experience in crisis management, expertise in budget management/coupon clipping, and being an enthusiastic event planner.

That’s many hats per mum!

All of the above led 85% of respondents to say they see the role of a mum as being a ‘real-life superhero’, with 68% believing mums are not given enough credit for all that they do.

Helping Mum feel Special

Could we show our appreciation more? 34% admitted to not telling their mum how much they appreciate them often enough. While 17% confessed to making little-to-no effort on Mother’s Day.

If you believe your mum deserves a medal, why not let her know? Whether acting as an agony aunt, personal banker, chauffer, or stylist, mums really are our overlooked superheroes and deserve some much-needed recognition.

So, if you’re looking to make your appreciation known, check out our Mother’s Day cards and gifts, including personalised card and flower delivery options. Select from a wide range of gifts for even the most discerning matriarch and show her you care.

If you’re unsure what your mum might enjoy, get advice from our helpful Mother’s Day gift guide or pick from these gift ideas for new mums.

Curious about what your parent salary could be? Try our parent salary calculator to discover what mums (and dads) could be earning for all the work raising a family involves.