4 Strategies for Downshifting Your Career, From Moms Who’ve Done It

When what you truly want falls somewhere in between a full-time career and a full-time caregiving role.

Source: Kelly Sikkema

Returning to work full-time after maternity leave was never a part of Emily D.’s motherhood plan. But neither was leaving her job as a developmental therapist for infants and toddlers. Instead, Emily yearned for a third option–one that would allow her to continue in her career, while also spending full days at home with her son. 

“I knew I needed both aspects of myself–the mom and the professional–to feel whole and fulfilled,” says Emily. “So I approached my supervisor with a plan before I left for maternity leave. I said, ‘Here’s what I want to do when I come back, and here’s how I see myself doing it.’” As a result, Emily now works part-time, putting in two 10-hour days each week, while spending three days at home with her family. 

So many women in the Mother Untitled community downshift their careers in similar ways–taking on fewer responsibilities or clocking fewer hours to make room for family life. Here’s a look at how four mothers made their downshifts possible. 

4 Tips for Downshifting at Work

1. Start With a List

“I spent a full week writing down all of my tasks–from email topics, to calls, to meetings. From there, I asked myself what I could do remotely, what I do not enjoy doing, and what roles I’m not exceptionally good at. 

Not only did that help me delegate and focus, but this exercise, which I now do constantly, has also been a large factor in growing our business. As I have grown the company from being my husband and me running all aspects to having more than 200 employees, this practice has ensured that I continue to genuinely love what I am doing–and that I am adding value where it is needed.” – Elisa M., restaurateur

2. Add Family Time to the Calendar

“I decided being a full-time mother was the most important thing to me when my son was born, but around four months postpartum, I really was craving getting back to work. [Working for myself,] I changed my work hours to 25-30 per week and I set a schedule with specific times of the week I reserved for work and client calls and for family and life. 

I get so excited to go to work on my work days instead of feeling like I just have to cram in the work whenever I have a free second.

I wish I had made that work schedule for myself when I started my business instead of waiting until the baby came along because it really taught me how to work smarter and with great intention. My productivity is better, the work I produce is stronger, and I respect my time outside of work way more than I ever have. Most importantly I get so excited to go to work on my work days instead of feeling like I just have to cram in the work whenever I have a free second.” – Anelise S., designer

3. Don’t Assume Quitting Is the Only Option

“My first life change happened in September 2014 and my daughter came in October 2014. My work as a math educator took a back seat and I was granted an amazing opportunity to work part-time in my school system as a math specialist. My hours, responsibility, and stress significantly decreased, but my enthusiasm and love for what I do and my students remained–in a manageable fashion–I am very lucky! This change I would repeat over and over.” – Jaclyn M., educator

4. Explore Part-Time Options

“Prior to my first born, I worked full time as a nurse in an ICU. I really loved my job, but I didn’t want to miss out on time at home with my babies. So after maternity leave, I was able to transition from a full work schedule to PRN [pro re nata], which means I work ‘as needed’ by accepting shifts on my own schedule. It has been an ideal situation for me, because it means I can really enjoy the best of both worlds. Additionally, when I’m ready to return full-time, the transition back should be an easy one.” – Beth G., registered nurse