Balancing a Career Pivot and Motherhood
If you’ve ever made a major career change while juggling motherhood, then you already know, it’s not for the faint of heart. Throw in a little self-doubt, a calendar packed with basketball practice and client calls, and the occasional existential crisis at 11 PM, and you’ve got a pretty accurate snapshot of my past year.
I recently pivoted careers. Again. This time from a structured finance role to a more flexible—but riskier—path in real estate. Why? Because I needed more alignment. More purpose. More room to breathe. And yes, I needed a schedule that actually allowed me to pick my kid up from school and be present without checking Slack every 12 seconds.
But let me be real with you, it hasn’t been a seamless transition. The emotional labor of motherhood doesn’t pause while you chase new goals. Kids still need you to show up, emotionally and physically. The house still needs cleaning. Groceries still need to appear (magically, if possible). And let’s not forget that inner voice whispering, “Are you sure you can pull this off?”
What No One Tells You About Starting Over
A career pivot feels a lot like starting over, except you’re not 22 with endless energy and zero responsibilities. You’re grown, probably paying a mortgage, and someone’s entire world calls you mom. That’s a heavy but beautiful thing.
And yet, the pivot is necessary. Especially for women like me who spent years building resumes that looked great on paper but felt empty in practice. Sometimes it’s not about chasing more—it’s about chasing different. Different energy. Different priorities. A career that works with your life, not against it.
My Hard Truths (and Wins)
I’ve had to face some hard truths during this pivot:
I can’t do it all at once. Some days, the career gets more of me. Other days, motherhood wins. I’ve learned to make peace with the imbalance rather than chase perfection.
Support is non-negotiable. I had to stop pretending I didn’t need help. Asking for support—whether it’s childcare, business advice, or just someone to hype you up—is a game changer.
I had to redefine success. Before, it was about titles and salaries. Now? It’s freedom, alignment, and showing my daughter what it looks like to bet on yourself.
But I’ve also seen real wins. I’ve built something of my own. I’ve met incredible people who are also navigating pivots and parenting. I’ve learned new skills, felt empowered again, and most importantly, I’ve started to trust my own timing.
If You’re Pivoting Too…
If you’re a mom thinking about pivoting careers, or you're in the messy middle of it, here’s what I want to say to you:
Give yourself grace. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Progress over perfection.
Build your circle. Find other working moms, entrepreneurs, or career changers who get it. Community matters.
Don’t wait for the “right” time. It won’t come. There will always be laundry and late nights. Start where you are, with what you have.
At the end of the day, motherhood and career ambition aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, I think moms make some of the best businesswomen because we’re resilient, resourceful, and deeply rooted in why we do what we do.
So here I am—pivoting, parenting, and still showing up. Not always gracefully, but always intentionally. And if you’re doing the same, know that you’re not alone.
We’re not just balancing both. We’re building something powerful because of both.