Comments on: Did Your Career Goals Change With Motherhood?

By: PsychMamma

PsychMamma — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:37:18 +0000

Yep. Big time. We didn’t think we could have kids, and had discussed adoption. After much thought and consideration, we decided we weren’t going to adopt – would stay just the two of us, and that we’d focus on our careers/businesses and travel a lot. I had almost completed my PhD in Clinical Psych when I found out I was pregnant. Three months of bedrest led to a leave of absence, and ongoing medical issues with our little girl led to withdrawl from the program. I decided to stay at home and have never regretted it. Being a mom is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it’s also the most rewarding. Maybe someday when she’s in school/older, I’ll go back. Maybe I’ll do something completely different……

http://psychmamma.wordpress.com

By: oh amanda

oh amanda — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:59:10 +0000

Absolutely. I always say I am pleasantly surprised to love being a sahm. I didn’t know how hard it would be. I love it and realize it’s really the most important job I’ve ever had!

By: Karen

Karen — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:59:51 +0000

I walked away from a booming journalism career after my daughter joined our family, got my master’s degree, started my own home-based business and haven’t looked back since. I can’t imagine ever going back to work for anyone else.

By: JSC

JSC — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:21:10 +0000

I, too, never thought I would want to stay home but the minute I got pregnant my mind changed. I think the internet has really given the women in my generation an outlet to spend more time at home. The internet allows for a more flexible job by telecommuting and you can have companionship with other moms.

By: Sara

Sara — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:47:30 +0000

My goals totally changed after having my son almost 5 years ago. I thought I would always want to work but as soon as I had him, all I wanted to do was stay home with him. My husband had just started a new job a few months earlier so staying home wasn’t really an option at first. I went back to work after 12 weeks but my company was so un-family friendly. Now I know it was a blessing in disguise. I ended up quitting 9 months later to stay home. If they had been more accommodating I might still be working there. Instead I am still at home and loving every minute of it.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:52:59 +0000

My career goals have shifted somewhat, because my focus is on spending time with my daughter and family. My expectations of the company I work for are definitely different. Since having my daughter, I have switched departments so I don’t have to travel. I have stayed with my current company strictly because they have great flex options and wonderful maternity benefits. I would LOVE to stay home, but don’t see this as a viable option…though it is a great motivator when it comes to planning our savings and budgeting strategies. Great topic!

By: The Mrs. M

The Mrs. M — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:28:27 +0000

I don’t have children yet and I’m not pregnant but my only career desire is to be a mommy. I think the universe is telling me to get knocked up as I go from one bad job to another, to a job where I think I’ve arrived, to getting laid off, to now a job that isn’t what it’s cracked up to be but in this less than thriving economy is my only option here in my town.

I’m always looking for a job that will be flexible for mommas in case the staying at home with children doesn’t pan out as hubs and I hope.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:24:38 +0000

I work in state government, but our ability to flex our work schedules drastically diminished when our new governor moved state operations to a strict 8-5 schedule. It makes it so difficult for families. I had to carry the load for 6 months after my husband lost his job at a major clothing company when they were sold off last year. He now also works in state government.

I’ve never had major career aspirations- working in public health is not a place to earn big bucks!

More than anything I want to be a stay at home mom but I currently earn more than my husband, and with one child it doesn’t make financial sense to quit. My daughter is thriving in her daycare, but we do want more kids and I hope to quit employment after our next child comes along.

I have a master’s degree, and I don’t think it is a waste to quit working while caring for my young family.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:18:26 +0000

I think parents still want a successful career,but they don’t want it at the expense of thier kids.

By: Yvie

Yvie — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:05:16 +0000

I wasn’t really a career-woman to start with. But being a mother only reinforces my desire to take a job that I love and at the same time will give me opportunity to spend more time with my son.