Own your story

Becoming a parent is life-changing. You enter a whole new chapter that differentiates immensely from past episodes. Mothers especially not only need to redefine their priorities but also have to get accustomed to a new body feeling. This results in rethinking or even overwriting your identity and perception of yourself as well as questioning personal and professional aspirations. 

The baby grows, the plot progresses. Your career story knocks on the door and yells for attention. If the bonding between you and the company you worked for is strong, your job is meaningful and a reintegration is planned ahead of parental leave, you may decide to return to your workplace to start the next professional chapter.

When you make the decision people find a million reasons why you should not go back. I, for instance, heard phrases like: “Are you sure you want to give your baby to someone you barely know?”, “Don’t you risk losing the connection to her when you only see her in the mornings and evenings“? “I would never work more than 20 hours, because I don’t want my child to have lunch without me”, “Don’t you underestimate your responsibilities? I’m afraid you will burn out!”

Of course, most of these comments are made without bad intentions. But they can increase insecurities and provoke feelings of guilt about the decision to be a working mom. They can even make you rewrite your story to an extent you never wanted.

What I can tell you as a confident returnee is that you can listen to these words if you wish, but you should strongly limit their impact on you and never question your well-thought-out and balanced decision which is - for sure - in the best interest of your family. 

From my point of view, pursuing a career as a mother does not mean having false preferences or priorities. It only implies you own your story and do your best to be financially independent, which is a great example for women of current and future generations.

No matter if you plan to work part or full time, if you want to return to your old responsibilities or take further career steps. It is possible when you manage it well and set your priorities straight. You are the author of your own story, write it on your terms and don’t let anyone discourage you.