In 2022, with the support of my husband, I did something I never thought I’d do: I paused my career for motherhood.
At first, it felt liberating to step away from the stress of balancing full-time paid work and being the default parent to two little humans. However, I quickly found myself struggling with the absence of the predefined goals and objectives that are so common in the corporate world. For an ambitious woman motivated by recognition and promotion, doubling down on unpaid work that often goes unnoticed and unappreciated felt far from fulfilling. I missed the sense of accomplishment that my career had provided and wondered how I would find similar fulfillment while on a career pause.
Embracing the Career Pause
Being on a career pause felt daunting, especially when I was used to the fast-paced, goal-oriented nature of professional life. But here’s the thing: just because I took a break from the corporate world doesn’t mean my ambitions and drive have to be put on hold. Instead, I chose to see this as an opportunity to redefine what success means to me in this new phase of life. If you are one of the many women on or considering a career pause, then this framework is for you.
“1 in 3 women are considering a career pause.
1 in 2 women are considering a career downshift.
90% of women on pauses want to return to the workforce.
It’s time to embrace a fluid career journey that supports the pauses, shifts, and sprints.”
Neha Ruch via @MotherUntitled on Instagram
A Two-Part Framework for Finding Fulfillment on a Career Pause
One approach that helped me immensely, courtesy of the very talented Certified Life & Leadership Coach Tanya Jaklis, is a simple two-part framework for setting intentions each month. It begins with a powerful question: “How do I want to feel this month?” This question centers your intentions on emotions, which are often overlooked but incredibly important in finding personal fulfillment.
Part 1: Ask Yourself, “How Do I Want to Feel This Month?”
Start by reflecting on the feelings you miss from your career or life before kids. Do you miss the feeling of accomplishment, the joy of learning something new, or the excitement of bringing a vision to life? Identifying these emotions will help guide your monthly intentions.
Part 2: Identify Three Activities to Achieve That Feeling
Once you know how you want to feel, identify three activities that will help you achieve those feelings. For example, if you’re missing the sense of accomplishment, think about what made you feel accomplished in your career. Was it completing a project? Learning a new skill? Seeing your hard work come to fruition?
Here’s how you can translate those into your current life:
- Complete a Home Project: Choose a manageable home project that you can start and finish within the month. It could be organizing a room, starting a garden, or redecorating a space. Completing this project will give you a tangible sense of achievement.
- Learn Something New: Sign up for an online course or workshop that interests you. Platforms like Coursera or Skillshare offer a variety of classes. Whether it’s cooking, coding, or creative writing, learning something new can reignite your passion for growth and achievement.
- Bring a Vision to Life: If you enjoyed bringing ideas to fruition in your career, find a way to do this in your personal life. It could be planning a family event, starting a blog, or initiating a community project. The process of planning and executing your vision will bring back that familiar excitement.
Finding Balance and Fulfillment on a Career Pause
This framework has done wonders to help me balance my role as a mom and my personal aspirations. It acknowledges that while our professional goals may be on hold, our personal growth and sense of accomplishment don’t have to be. By setting monthly intentions and focusing on activities that bring me joy and fulfillment, I’m able to navigate this career pause with a renewed sense of purpose.
“Women in a chapter of stay-at-home motherhood are still modern, ambitious, and growing, and we won’t be underestimated.”
Neha Ruch via @MotherUntitled on Instagram
Conclusion
Taking a career pause for motherhood is a significant decision, one that comes with its own set of stereotypes, challenges, and rewards. By setting monthly intentions and focusing on activities that make you feel fulfilled, you can maintain your ambitious spirit and find fulfillment on a career pause.
