One thing I know to be true: people change. Each of us goes through our own paths of discover yourseft, and no journey will ever make you the same person you once were. Everything and I mean everything changed the moment I became a mother. Looking back now, my stepping into motherhood was an important transition for me, as for many mothers. And when it comes to my professional life, how to make a career transition after becoming a mother is my primary concern.
I love the woman before having children. During my 20s and 30s, I defined my career and success for myself, including how much money I made and how much I earned. community I grew up. My motivation is completely outside of myself and completely rooted in what society expects of me. But when I look back on that version of Brandy, I have nothing but love for her because she was doing what she thought was best for herself while trying to make the most of her life. .
Isn’t that what life is all about? Constantly growing and learning to have enough patience with the path you took to get to where you are now?
I remember my first year as a mother like it was yesterday. Every day, I have to fight a battle deep within myself to stay the person I was before I had children. And honestly, I feel like I’ve lost. Deep down, I know that nothing will ever be the same. The time when I used to have to fully focus on my career is over, and so is my energy.
During maternity leave, I am shocked at the lack of resources available to new mothers to manage the changes they are going through with their identities, work-life balanceand changing family dynamics. I knew I wanted to do something because I didn’t want other women to go through the same thing as me.
Feeling inspired, I decided to dive into the world of maternal health coaching. I love This path for myself and find more passion with each client that I have. But I still find myself with the same expectations of success that I had for myself before giving birth. I want to be as busy as possible so I have something to show off.
Find the answer to the question: How to switch careers?
But as success was developing, my world changed again — I became pregnant with Norah just four months after having Liam. After 11 years as a stylist, a year as a trainer, and a new mom, I was exhausted… fast. Around this time, I write about motherhood, coaching, and content creation. In fact, two days after Norah’s birth, I scheduled a full photo shoot. I remember going upstream in agony to clean the house, dress the kids, paint faces, and pretend everything was okay.
When Norah turned 1 year old, I couldn’t keep up the pace anymore. The effects of burnout have occurred, and I no longer feel the same compulsion as before Busy. Any mental space I have left is directed to my client when it really needs my family. Work, while incredibly rewarding, took up a lot of mental space that I didn’t need to give away.
One night in bed, I talked to my husband about our target and what we want from our lives. That conversation completely changed my trajectory. Obviously career-obsessed person I used to be no longer here, and I don’t even bother her anymore. My idea of success changed with my children, and I know that my purpose stems from their desire to be with them and my husband. This was the crucial moment when I knew that I finally needed the answer to the question that was always on my mind: How to switch careers?
So I did something I hadn’t even considered up until that point: I became my own customer. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Write down your Pros
The first thing I do is make a list of all the things I don’t love in my life. It is very sobering to see it all written down on paper. When I give myself a chance to be honest without judgment, my thoughts flow through ink and onto paper with ease.
Of course, then comes the downside
Once I had that, I wrote a contrasting list of all the things I really wanted in my life. This exercise has enlightened me and allowed me to glorify myself in a new and totally authentic way. It’s like I have Mari Kondo in the background, helping me sort out what is and isn’t bringing me joy. And if it doesn’t bring me joy? Then I won’t let it become a part of my life anymore.
Learn to balance my needs
Next, I evaluate my financial to time ratio. How can I still generate income for my family by spending less time? It helps to write down how much money I want to make and work backwards. From there, I started with the things I enjoyed the most and tried to figure out how I could maximize my income by doing those things.
Adhere to flexibility
I know I still want to support moms, but I have to do less client-facing work and look for opportunities that give me more flexibility. I quickly realized that companies had more money to spend than individuals, so I focused my efforts on content writing and creation, making sure the brands I worked with were a good fit. my values and messages.
Embrace the person you are becoming
One truth I’ve learned is that my career doesn’t follow a linear path, and the amount of time and attention I can give to my family changes with the seasons. I know I might want to spend more time on my career, but right now, I’m pursuing and looking for ways to maintain work-life balance (don’t we all?). Sure, I’m still working, but so is my career. I don’t find myself in pain for the woman I once was. Instead, I am fully committed to the woman I am becoming.
I would like to note that learning how to make a career transition after having children is a privilege and luxury that not everyone can afford, and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to do so. Through my time of self-discovery, I was able to balance my career and family, and I’ve formed a strong community since then!
This isn’t always an option for every family, but you can still take the following steps to help you figure out what you want for yourself. Plus, you’ll be able to take those small steps toward your goal until you’re in a position to make that jump.
Remember: Working towards a goal will always pay off, and what you want for yourself and your family will never stop changing. After all, it is the beautiful dance of life. Growth and change.
I have my children to thank for this change in priorities and for helping me come to be more in tune with myself. How have your priorities changed after having children or in the process of getting older?
