4 Moms on How Motherhood Changed Their Careers for the Better

Research shows that moms often face a ‘motherhood penalty’ in the workplace, losing pay and status as their families grow. But these women are living proof that—despite what we’re led to believe—motherhood can be an asset to your career.

If you were ever told that motherhood would be a career-ender, these ambitious women are here to set the record straight. Whether these moms have downshifted their careers or launched new job trajectories entirely, they’re living proof that motherhood—and the workplace changes it often brings—can be a professional asset. Below, four women from the Mother Untitled community share how motherhood granted them the focus, drive, and clarity they needed to find the best version of their careers to date.

Motherhood Taught Me to Say “No”

While becoming a mom has definitely made me more vulnerable and anxious, I’ve actually noticed one amazing and unexpected positive change. Before becoming a mom, I was always a “yes person.” I felt a strong need to please everyone and oftentimes at my own expense. Now, my values have become a lot more clear, so I find it easier to concentrate on the people and things that matter most to me. I’ve eliminated a lot of the extra noise that was lingering around me pre-motherhood, so now if something’s not working for me—whether it’s a friendship, an aspect of my career, an old habit, etc., I’m much more inclined to say “no” or make a change.

Part of it is that my time has become much more precious, so I have no choice but to trust my instincts more and make quicker, informed decisions without the time to constantly analyze everything. It’s refreshing! It’s a bit like childhood—when inhibitions and fear of failure didn’t hold me back. 

It’s a bit like childhood—when inhibitions and fear of failure didn’t hold me back. 

I left my job to start my own business. Contrary to what I thought, being a mom has actually given me the push I needed to take risks in life professionally. It’s made me more eager to build something that I am not  only proud of, but that can also afford me a little more flexibility in my schedule to spend more time with my son. — Karina Rousou, jeweler and mom of one

Motherhood Informs My Teaching Style

I have learned more about myself and my yoga practice through being a mother. There is a deeply rooted connection between my work as a yoga teacher and my role as a mother. The lessons I learn about being present from my son are transformative for me as a teacher. 

By learning to be present for him, I am learning to be present for myself and my students.

So, when I doubt myself, I come back to him for reassurance. Because by learning to be present for him, I am learning to be present for myself and my students. — Neeti Narula, investment banker turned yoga teacher, and mom of one

Motherhood Taught Me How to Value My Time

Before I became a mom, I struggled mightily with procrastination. I’d log in to complete some work and end up scrolling social media or following some unrelated trail that led me far away from the task at hand. When I think about the manner in which I used to approach my creative work pre-parenthood, I can see that I turned to procrastination when I was especially nervous about completing a project to my satisfaction. I'd drag my feet all day and wrestle with perfectionism. 

Now, when it's time to work (when my kids are at nursery school for 3.5 hours), I literally don't have time to do anything but the project in front of me. When I return from dropping the boys off, I make my coffee and hit the ground running. This whole phase has taught me how to prioritize my time and really put a value on those hours when my boys are at school. When they're away and I have deadlines, I caffeinate and draw—that's it. I can get so much done in a few hours and it's seriously satisfying! — Ananda Smith, designer and mom of two

Motherhood Empowered Me to Take a Leap of Faith

Motherhood transformed me and my career goals, and empowered me to take a leap of faith and diverge from my linear career path… Once I became a mom, so much changed. Simply put, being more present with my young kids became a big part of my dream, too. That is why in the fall of 2019, I transitioned from my attorney career to a work-from-home career in the communications field within the same anti-violence nonprofit organization. Much of my career shift could be attributed to my blog and creative content work. If it weren’t for my blog and brand, Moments of Musing, I don’t think I would have had the idea to even ask for the communications position I currently hold—nor the confidence in my ability to do it well… Now, my work week is mainly structured around the kids' schedules and our activities together. — Jackie Hernandez, attorney turned writer, and mom of three

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