The Crossroads: A Pivotal Career Shift
Lauren always assumed she’d follow a traditional career path—advancing steadily, climbing the ranks, and balancing work and family like so many professionals before her. But when she had her first daughter, she realized something:
"I thought I’d take maternity leave, then go back to work like nothing had changed. But everything had changed."
At first, she tried to make it work. But the demands of early motherhood, sleepless nights, and the emotional toll of leaving her baby every day made her rethink everything.
So, she made the decision to step away.
"I left the workforce for about 18 months after my first daughter was born."
Reentering was tough, but she found a way back—only to step away again after her second child was born.
Rather than continuing to force herself into full-time, permanent roles, she found a different path: project-based and contract work.
"Now, instead of being in a permanent full-time role, I’ve been working project-based or contract roles."
It wasn’t the traditional trajectory, but it was a career that worked for her life.
The Challenges: Reentering, Self-Doubt & Keeping Up with a Changing Workforce
Even though she had worked part-time for most of her time off, stepping back into the workforce still felt daunting.
- Feeling Behind Despite Staying Connected
"Even though I’ve maintained a part-time job while caregiving, I still feel behind and that I’m lacking skills."
Technology, industry trends, and workplace expectations evolve fast—and even though she had never fully stepped away, she worried she wasn’t keeping up.
- The Resume Gap Stigma
Employers still question career gaps, and even though she had been working in some capacity, she felt like she had to prove herself all over again. - The Uncertainty of Project-Based Work
Unlike a traditional full-time job, contract work can feel unpredictable.
"Some months, I feel in control—taking on projects that interest me, making my own schedule. Other times, I wonder if I should be trying to get back into a permanent role."
It’s a balancing act between flexibility and stability.
What Worked: Finding Community & Building a Portfolio of Skills
- Leaning on Mentors & Support Groups
"I’ve relied on mentors and professional support groups to help me stay connected."
Having conversations with other professionals who had left and returned helped her see that she wasn’t alone—and that there were many ways to build a meaningful career.
- Staying in the Game Through Part-Time Work
Even during career breaks, she found ways to keep one foot in the workforce—whether through consulting, part-time roles, or volunteer work. - Reframing Success
Instead of feeling like she was "behind," she started seeing herself as someone who had gained unique skills through flexibility, adaptability, and self-direction. - What She Would Have Done Differently: More Intention Around Skill Growth
"I wish I had been more proactive about learning new skills while I was away. Even just taking an online course or staying engaged in industry conversations could have made reentry feel less intimidating."
Advice for Other Parents Considering a Non-Traditional Career Path
- Try to Stay Connected in Some Way
"Even if you’re stepping away, stay engaged—whether it’s through networking, part-time work, or professional communities." - Don’t Let Self-Doubt Hold You Back
"Reentering the workforce will always feel intimidating, but you haven’t lost your skills—you just need to reposition them." - Explore Alternative Career Paths
"Full-time work isn’t the only way forward. Project-based roles, contract work, and consulting can offer a career that fits your life instead of the other way around."
Lauren’s Both& Moment
Lauren’s story proves that careers don’t have to be linear to be successful.
She chose both stepping back for her family and staying engaged in the workforce.
She felt both moments of doubt and moments of confidence in her evolving career.
She built a life where she could both work in a way that made sense for her family and find long-term professional growth.
Her story is a reminder that reentering the workforce doesn’t mean starting over—it means continuing forward in a new way.
Why This Story Matters for Both&
- Challenges the Idea That Career Breaks Mean the End of Growth – Shows that stepping away can lead to a different kind of success.
- Normalizes the Reality That Even Part-Time Work Can Feel Like “Falling Behind” – Many parents relate to the feeling of being disconnected, even when they’re technically working.
- Encourages People to Reframe Career Gaps as Strategic Choices – Reminds parents that they are not “less than” for taking an unconventional path.
- Gives Actionable Takeaways for Staying Connected & Confident – Practical advice for reentering and reshaping a career.
