Returning to the workforce after a career break can feel like a rollercoaster, especially after maternity leave.
As a mother who’s recently made that transition, I know just how overwhelming it can be. You’re balancing the excitement (and maybe some nerves) of going back to work with the reality of having a tiny human who needs your attention at home. And if you’re working in tech like me, where everything moves so fast, it can feel even more intimidating. But trust me—it’s doable, and you can absolutely thrive. Here’s what worked for me and some tips that might help you, too.
Setting Expectations Early
Before I even went on maternity leave, I knew things were going to change—both at work and at home. I was working in XR (extended reality), which is a fast-paced industry driven by innovation. I loved the work and often put in extra hours because I enjoyed what I was doing. But as my pregnancy progressed, I realized that balancing a new baby and my career would require some adjustments:
- Mentally Prepare for Change: Your priorities will shift once your baby arrives, and that’s perfectly okay. Let yourself adapt and embrace the changes that come with being a new parent.
Staying Connected During Leave: Keeping Up with Industry Trends
Once maternity leave started, I realized that staying connected to the tech industry would be key to a smooth return. Tech evolves so quickly that even a few months away can feel like missing out on a lot. During my leave, I made an effort to stay engaged, even in small ways:
- Stay Informed with Industry News: I subscribed to newsletters and blogs that helped me stay on top of the latest developments in XR and tech in general. It was easy to catch up on industry updates during nap times or while feeding my baby.
- Attend Virtual Events: Webinars or online conferences are a fantastic way to keep your skills sharp and stay connected with industry leaders without leaving home.
Using Your Maternity Leave as an Opportunity for Growth
I didn’t just see maternity leave as a break from work—I also saw it as a chance to reflect on my career and invest in my own growth. While I was definitely busy being a new mom, I found pockets of time to focus on upskilling:
- Take Advantage of Flexible Learning: I took an online course and earned a certification during my leave, which was something I’d been meaning to do for a while. It felt good to accomplish something career-related during this time.
- Reflect on Your Career Goals: Maternity leave is a great time to reassess your career path. Are you happy with your current role? Is there a skill or area you’d like to improve? This is a good time to think about where you want to go next.
- Don’t Stress About Learning: Of course, if you’re just trying to get through the day with a newborn, that’s perfectly fine too! Everyone’s maternity leave experience is different, and it’s okay if professional development isn’t your focus during this time.
Transitioning Back to Work
When it was finally time to return to work, I realized that jumping in full steam like I used to wasn’t going to work. I needed to ease back into the workforce, especially now that I had a family to care for. This is how I approached the transition:
- Start Small if You Can: I began by freelancing and consulting, which gave me the flexibility I needed to adjust to my new life as a mom. As I got more comfortable, I started taking on bigger projects and responsibilities.
Being Honest with Employers: Communicating Your Situation
When I started job hunting after my leave, I had to decide how much to disclose about my situation. I ultimately chose to be upfront with potential employers, letting them know that I had just had a baby and was looking to re-enter the workforce:
- Honesty Builds Trust: By being open about my situation, I showed potential employers that I valued transparency, and it also allowed me to gauge whether they were supportive of working mothers.
- Find the Right Fit: This helped me filter out companies that weren’t a good fit for my new reality as a mother. I ended up finding roles with companies that respected my need for balance.
If you’re in a similar situation, being honest can help you find a company that truly values work-life balance and supports your transition back to work.
Confidence is Key!
One of the hardest parts about returning to work after a break is the doubt that creeps in. Will I be able to handle everything? Will my skills still be relevant? But here’s the thing: you’re more capable than you think:
- Remind Yourself of Your Worth: Even though you took time off, you haven’t lost your skills or experience. Motherhood has probably given you new strengths—like multitasking, problem-solving, and handling stress.
- Embrace the Challenges: Every challenge you face as a working mom will help you grow, both personally and professionally. Trust in your abilities to handle whatever comes your way.
Ultimately, having confidence in myself made all the difference in my return to work. I knew I could manage both my career and motherhood, and that belief helped me navigate the challenges.
Returning to work after maternity leave is no small feat, but with the right mindset, planning, and a little patience, you can do it—and thrive. Take it one step at a time, stay connected to your industry, and trust in your abilities!
