The birth of a child marks a significant transformation in the life of a woman. While the joy of welcoming a new life is certain, with this journey of motherhood comes a greater responsibility that particularly affects the career of the new mother.
The Physical and Emotional Shift:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in four women experience symptoms of postpartum, further impacting their mental and emotional state. Recovering from childbirth, hormonal fluctuations, and mainly sleep deprivation can take a significant toll on overall well-being.
Balancing Childcare and Work:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2022, women spent an average of 14.2 hours per week on childcare, compared to just 6.5 hours for men. It is a fact that after giving birth, a major part of the responsibility falls on the shoulders of mothers, which further leads to career sacrifices, such as:
• Reduced work hours: A 2020 study by the Pew Research Center found that 57% of mothers with children under the age of 18 work part-time, compared to only 24% of fathers.
• Leaving the workforce entirely: The National Women’s Law Center reports that 2.3 million mothers left the workforce in 2020, citing childcare challenges as a primary reason.
• Career stagnation: Even when mothers remain employed, their career progression might be hampered due to reduced work hours, taking on less demanding roles, or missing out on professional development opportunities.
The Motherhood Penalty:
For many women, the period following childbirth marks a critical juncture in their career paths. While some manage to resume their careers and eventually regain momentum, others find themselves facing barriers to advancement. The phenomenon is known as the “motherhood penalty,” i.e., when people see mothers as less dedicated or skilled at work, which can hold them back from getting promotions or advancing in their careers.
Unfortunately, the motherhood penalty remains an issue to date. Mothers, particularly those with young children, are penalized for their family responsibilities. They may face:
• Lower wages: Studies by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) show that mothers earn 78 cents for every dollar earned by men, with the gap widening for women with children under age 5
• Limited career advancement: Mothers are often overlooked for promotions and leadership opportunities due to perceived lack of commitment or long hours.
• Reduced work hours or job changes: Many mothers, especially those without access to affordable childcare, are forced to reduce their work hours or accept less demanding positions to manage childcare responsibilities.
Beyond the Sacrifice Narrative:
While these challenges that a new mother faces are irreplaceable, it would be incorrect to say that a woman sacrifices their career because they feel it’s more of a responsibility that they have been fed since childhood. A woman is asked to take care of a child as if she doesn’t have anything else more important in her life. Men, on the other hand, have now started taking on more responsibility, but when compared to women, it remains lower, and thus women mostly quit their jobs and start giving full-time attention to household chores.
We shouldn’t solely blame society, as women often prioritize their careers when asked about their choices between career and marriage. However, when it comes to choosing between a child and a career, they may struggle to decide. This suggests that factors like guilt or pressure could be preventing them from moving forward from this hiatus in their career.
Deciding to resume working after having a child is a personal choice, but one needs to consider the fact that women may face some challenges irrespective of the option that they pick. However, there can be financial insecurity for those who have chosen not to return for reasons like loss of independence and dependence on partners. Besides, taking time off from work causes a loss of identity beyond motherhood, which is one of the reasons mothers feel isolated, eventually, leading to low self-esteem. Social interactions are another thing that will be lessened if work is the only thing that one deals with every day.
On the other side, women who decide to go back to work encounter many difficulties. Career development might be blocked because of the time out taken, and this may add to their frustration and a sense of being stuck in their career. Mothers who return from maternity leave can experience other biases, such as the “mommy track,” which may be a barrier to their progression and growth. Balancing work and childcare responsibilities can also be stressful, eventually leading to stress and burnout, which may cause strain on relationships.
Even though the women who get back to work but still cannot make it are also affected, the psychological and social implications can be very serious. A relationship may be affected by frustration due to unfulfilled career aspirations and disagreement between partners (who may not fully understand the problems faced), thus leading to anger and tension.
This statistic, which reveals a more significant number of mothers who work on a part-time basis compared to fathers, indicates a widespread trend but should not be considered a general fact. The scope of motherhood and career is changing every day, and more and more women are thus discovering a way to be successful in their profession after having a baby.
Shining examples:
Sheryl Sandberg – The second highest Meta (ex-Facebook) Executive, a mother of two, and also, the well-known author of the autobiography “Lean In”, positioning women to have advancements in their leadership careers.
Indra Nooyi – The ex-CEO of PepsiCo, the mother of two beautiful daughters, and an ardent campaigner for diversity and inclusion within corporate simplicity.
Marissa Mayer– Top gun of Yahoo!, a parent of one, and an industry founder in the technology field.
Michelle Obama– An inspirational woman who served as the First Lady of the United States, a mother of two, a writer, and a promoter of education and family well-being.
These are only some of the women, who have made stunning achievements on the job and achieved many things at work. These tales stand as a firm manifestation of the ability of women to not only enrich their motherhood but also contribute immensely at work.
Seeking support:
A 2020 study found that 57% of mothers with children under the age of 18 work part-time, compared to only 24% of fathers.
Women must accept that their cases are different from men’s in some aspects because motherhood and professional advancement may bring up their issues. A full-time career return will not suit everybody, but there are more ways of meeting the challenges of family, work, etc. than just leaving a full-time job. For certain ones, it could mean finding some more flexible work requests and having a society that encourages and supports them through family and friends, but also having work that has policies that do not worry them.
Additionally, seeking guidance from specialized coaches in Neural excellence can prove particularly advantageous when facing the dual challenges of motherhood and career. These professionals offer more than just practical advice; they delve into the brain’s neuroplasticity, aiding mothers in rediscovering their dormant talents and strengths. This underscores the unique expertise these professionals bring, centered on understanding the brain’s capacity for change. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and evolve throughout life. By highlighting this concept, it becomes apparent that mothers have the potential to learn and cultivate new skills, even after time away from their careers.
Next, some other support can be linked up with groups of working women, creating a great opportunity for self-growth, sharing experiences, gaining companionship, or maybe discussing flexible work options with your employer. This could include part-time schedules, remote work opportunities, or utilizing childcare assistance programs.
The last and most important thing is to nurture your well-being. Make time for activities that bolster your physical and mental health, like exercise, mindfulness practices, or hobbies you enjoy. This helps manage stress and maintain a healthy balance.
In conclusion, accepting the shifting context and allowing people to make their own choices that are most convenient for them represents the essential part. Through recognizing the challenges and embracing the achievements, we can all contribute to forming a more adapted and accepting community for mothers, and they will discover a balance between their individual and professional lives.
