Will taking a career pause to care for your child(ren) hurt you in the long run?

Welcome back to another episode of Redefining Motherhood! Today I want to share some key insights from a discussion I had with a fellow working mother, who has been struggling with whether to leave her high-level career to spend more time with her baby girl. As ambitious women, it's easy to get caught up in what others may think of our choices or feel like we must constantly plan our next move. But I encouraged her to give herself permission to make the choice that feels right for her family's needs right now, without worrying so much about the future.

Torn Between Career and Motherhood

So many women feel torn between professional ambitions and the desire to be more present with family. Leaving a steady job or career you have poured your heart and soul into, is not an easy decision. Decisions like these often come with weighing priorities, desires and financial implications. 

Encouraging a Fellow Mom

In my recent heart-to-heart discussion with this fellow mom, I saw her struggling with the same conflict – wanting to be home with her baby but feeling guilty about leaving her job. I encouraged her to prioritize her personal needs and not make decisions based on how her company might react. Nothing is permanent, and it’s essential to make choices that align with our current circumstances and well-being.

Taking Time Off for Mental Health

There may be times, especially after having children that we may need to take some time off to focus on our own mental health as well. Doing so was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It gave me the space to reflect on my next career steps without the constant pressure of daily responsibilities. I also shared with my friend the importance of giving herself the time and space to figure out her path, should she decide to take the leap and take a break from her career.

Exploring New Career Paths

One of the most crucial lessons I’ve learned is the importance of giving ourselves permission to explore new career paths. Taking time off doesn’t mean we are giving up; it means we are recharging and finding our true purpose. I encourage everyone to prioritize their happiness and not feel guilty about stepping back to reassess their career goals.

Embracing Time Off Fully

When we take time off, it’s vital to parameter that time to fully enjoy it. Constantly thinking about work or jumping into something new without proper reflection can lead to burnout. Allowing ourselves the freedom to explore and recharge can lead to incredible personal growth and open doors to new opportunities we might not have considered before.

Balancing career and family is an ongoing journey, and it’s okay to prioritize our personal needs at different stages of life. By giving ourselves time and space to figure out what we truly want, we can make decisions that lead to both personal happiness and professional fulfillment. Remember, it's not about what's next; it's about what's right for you now.