Navigating Performance Review Season & Self Evaluations: A Real Talk for Working Moms

Julie Wenzlick here — your fellow corporate working mom. Let’s talk performance review season.

Ever feel like you’re juggling a million tasks at work, keeping projects moving, hitting deadlines… all while running the show at home? Same. And when performance review season rolls around, it can feel like one more thing on an already full plate. But this season isn’t just about forms and checkboxes. It’s a real chance to pause, reflect, and put words to the work you’ve been quietly doing all year — even the stuff no one sees day to day.

22 \\ Navigating Performance Review Season: Insights & Strategies for Working Moms in Corporate America

Setting the Scene: Performance Review Season

Performance review season is here. And if you’re anything like me, you’re balancing corporate responsibilities, mental load, calendars, and a whole other life outside of work.

This season can feel heavy. Awkward. Easy to rush through. But I want to reframe it.

Performance review season isn’t just about proving you did your job. It’s a pause. A checkpoint. A moment to actually see the impact of the work you’ve been doing all year — especially the work that doesn’t always get loud recognition.

In this conversation (and on the podcast), I’m walking you through how to approach your performance review with clarity, confidence, and intention — without pretending you don’t have a full life outside of your role.

Documenting your Wins for your Self-Assessment

Here’s the truth: no one tracks your work as closely as you do.

Performance reviews shouldn’t rely on memory. Or vibes. Or hoping your manager remembers that one project from March. Start documenting your wins early and often:

• Projects you led or contributed to
• Problems you helped solve
• Clients or teams you supported
• Systems you improved
• Moments you stepped up when it mattered

This isn’t about bragging.
It’s about clarity.

Your performance review is the time to clearly show the value you bring — in a way that’s easy for others to understand and advocate for.

Advocating your Yourself Matters

You don’t get what you don’t communicate. Advocacy isn’t selfish. It’s responsible. Your performance review is the right place to talk about:

• What’s working well
• What you want more of
• Where you want to grow
• What support would actually help you succeed

That might mean flexibility. It might mean clearer boundaries. It might mean new responsibilities or a different path forward. Say it out loud. Write it down. Bring it with you.

Know the Economic Realities of the Company

Companies are not always transparent about how things are going, I get that. But take cues from your industry, or how things are going. As I write this update in 2026, we are in a ‘no hire – no fire’ season. Which means, it’s not easy to find another position. So I recommend going into your review informed:

• What’s happening in your company
• What pressures leadership may be facing
• Where your work directly supports larger goals

When you can connect your contributions to what the business actually needs, your voice carries more weight.

Yes, It’s a Balancing Act Between your Corporate Persona and your Personal Life

This one is easier said then done, especially depending on who your manager is. You are allowed to want a career and a life. Performance reviews don’t require you to shrink your humanity. They’re a chance to talk about how your role fits into the season of life you’re in right now. Try and be honest about what you want:

• Growth without burnout
• Challenge without chaos
• Success that still leaves room for family, rest, and living

You’re not just an employee. You’re a whole person.

Ten Questions to Ask Yourself for your Self-Assessment

Before you walk into your performance review, take time to answer these:

1. How did I exceed expectations in my role this year?
2. What projects am I most proud of — and why?
3. Where did I step outside my job description?
4. What problems did I help solve for my team or company?
5. What skills did I strengthen or develop this year?
6. What feedback did I receive, and how did I apply it?
7. Where did I feel stretched too thin?
8. What support would help me do my job better next year?
9. How do my contributions align with company goals?
10. What do I want my next season at work to look like?

Write your answers down.
Bring them with you.

Performance review season doesn’t have to feel intimidating or performative.
It can be grounded. Strategic. Clear. And you deserve to be seen for the work you’re already doing.

Own your Performance Review Journey

So, fellow corporate moms, as you navigate the performance review season, remember, you’re not just an employee; you’re a friend, mom, and own individual. Document your wins, advocate for yourself, and align your career with your life vision. It’s time to own your performance review journey and continue being the unstoppable force you are!

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