The Crossroads: When Career Dreams Shift
Maya had always envisioned a stable, long-term career in government work.
✔ She earned degrees in Sociology and Public Administration.
✔ She started her career in the Department of Family and Children Services.
✔ She had a clear plan for the future—until she became pregnant.
As her due date approached, she started seeing things differently.
✔ Her job was demanding, with long hours and high emotional stress.
✔ She didn’t want to spend all day away from her baby.
✔ She realized she wanted more flexibility and control over who was raising her child.
So, after her maternity leave ended, she didn’t go back.
"It was scary to walk away from the career I had worked toward for years, but I knew in my heart that I needed something different."
Instead of going back, she launched an intense job search in a completely different industry—one that would give her the flexibility to be present for her baby.
✔ She spent three months searching for a role that aligned with her new priorities.
✔ She reached out to professionals in her target industry, seeking mentorship and advice.
✔ She took a chance on an entry-level role, knowing that starting over would be worth it.
Eventually, it paid off.
She landed a remote job in her new field, allowing her to:
✔ Work from home.
✔ Afford part-time childcare at home.
✔ Still be present for her children while working.
"It wasn’t what I had imagined for myself growing up, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed."
The Challenges: A Total Leap of Faith
- No Guarantee of Success
"I had no idea if I would land a job in this new industry—or even if I’d like it once I did." - Letting Go of a Career Dream
"I had spent so much time planning for government work that it was hard to accept my path was changing." - Overcoming Fear & Uncertainty
"Starting over in an unfamiliar industry was intimidating, but I knew I had to push through the doubt."
What Worked (and What She’d Do Differently)
✔ Strong Communication & Support From Her Husband
"Having someone in my corner who believed in me made all the difference."
✔ Seeking Out Mentors in the New Industry
"I asked questions, learned as much as I could, and connected with professionals who had been in my shoes before."
✔ Taking the Time to Find the Right Role
"I didn’t rush into just any job—I waited for one that fit my priorities."
Would she do anything differently?
✔ No. It Was the Right Choice.
"I don’t think I would have done anything differently. This path was exactly what I needed."
The Tools & Resources That Helped
📌 LinkedIn – Used heavily to network, learn about the industry, and make connections.
📌 Family & Friends in the Industry – Provided guidance and coaching throughout the transition.
📌 Mentors & Professionals Who Had Successfully Pivoted – Helped her see what was possible.
"I didn’t do this alone—having guidance from people who understood the industry made all the difference."
Maya’s Advice: Define Your Priorities & Go After Them
✔ Get Clear on What Matters Most
"List out your priorities—what’s non-negotiable? What are you willing to be flexible on? That clarity will guide you."
✔ Don’t Let Fear Stop You From Making a Change
"Change is scary, but so is staying in a situation that no longer serves you."
✔ Be Willing to Ask for Help
"Talk to people in the industry you want to enter—most people want to help, but you have to ask."
✔ Trust That You Can Build a Career That Works for You
"I thought I had to follow the path I had originally set for myself, but I was wrong. You can rewrite your story at any time."
Maya’s Both& Moment: A New Career & More Time at Home
Maya’s story shows that choosing to change paths doesn’t mean giving up—it means growing.
✔ She learned she could both start over in a new industry and build on the skills she already had.
✔ She realized she could both work and be actively involved in raising her children.
✔ She proved that she could both leave behind an old dream and create a new one that fit her life better.
This wasn’t about giving up her career—it was about reshaping it to align with the life she wanted.
