Meet Victoria: Cutting Maternity Leave Short for a Better Career Move

The Crossroads: A Big Career Leap During Maternity Leave

For many, maternity leave is a time to step back, rest, and focus entirely on family.

For Victoria, it became a pivotal career moment.

She didn’t love her old job before going on leave, and when a new opportunity came her way, she had a decision to make:

✔ Stay at a job she wasn’t excited about and finish maternity leave
✔ Or cut leave short, take a risk, and start fresh at a new company

She chose the latter.

"I didn’t want to go back to my old job, so when a great opportunity came along, I took it. I cut my maternity leave short and joined a new company."

It wasn’t an easy decision—but it was the right one.

The Challenges: Leaving Too Soon & Mom Guilt

• Cutting Maternity Leave Short
  "It was tough walking away from the time I had planned to be home with my baby, but I knew this role was a better long-term fit."
• Starting a New Job While Adjusting to Motherhood
  Jumping into a new role is always a challenge—but doing it while still navigating life as a new mom added another layer of stress.‍
• Mom Guilt vs. Career Fulfillment
  "I felt guilty about leaving, but ultimately, I found so much fulfillment in my new role that I knew I made the right choice."

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What Worked (and What She’d Do Differently)

✔ Taking the Leap Despite the Fear
"It was scary to leave, but I knew staying at a job I didn’t love wasn’t an option."

✔ Recognizing That Career Fulfillment Matters
"I loved my new job, and that made me a better, happier mom."

What she’d do differently? Negotiate maternity leave with the new company.

"If I could do it over, I would have tried to negotiate some leave with my new employer so I didn’t have to cut mine short completely."

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The Missing Resources

Victoria didn’t use specific tools or communities during her transition, but she sees huge value in online communities led by knowledge experts for parents navigating career decisions.

"Having a space to connect and learn from others in similar situations would have been so helpful."

Victoria’s Advice: Plan Ahead & Build Up Career Capital

✔ If you're thinking about switching jobs, do it early.
"Get the job you want as early as possible so you can build up career capital before maternity leave."

✔ A fulfilling job is worth the risk.
"Mom guilt is real, but so is job satisfaction. You deserve to love your work."

✔ If possible, negotiate maternity leave with a new company.
"It’s worth asking—sometimes, companies will work with you."

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Victoria’s Both& Moment: Choosing a Career Move That Was Worth the Tradeoff

Victoria’s story is a reminder that maternity leave doesn’t have to mean pressing pause on your career.

✔ She felt both guilt for leaving early and excitement for a new opportunity.
✔ She made both a challenging decision and a fulfilling one.
✔ She realized she could be both a present mother and a career-driven professional.

This wasn’t about sacrificing one for the other—it was about making the best choice for her long-term happiness.

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Why This Story Matters for Both&

• Challenges the Idea That Maternity Leave & Career Moves Can’t Coexist – You don’t have to choose between staying put or stepping away entirely.
• Encourages Parents to Be Proactive About Career Growth – If you know you’re unhappy, start looking early.
• Normalizes the Complexity of Mom Guilt in Career Decisions – It’s possible to feel torn and still make the right choice.
• Provides a Smart Strategy for Job Switching Before Parental Leave – Planning ahead gives you more leverage and options.