Navigating an Unexpected Career Shift
I never saw it coming. One day, I was lugging camera equipment through city streets, chasing the next big story. The next, I was cradling my newborn son, realizing my biggest story was right there in my arms.
My transition from news videographer to stay-at-home mom wasn’t meticulously planned. There was no farewell party, no final sign-off in the newsroom. Instead, my water broke, and just like that, my career took an unexpected turn.
At the time, I didn’t fully grasp that my last day in the newsroom would be the end of my career in television news. I had spent nine months pregnant, never once considering how dramatically motherhood would redefine my life’s direction.
Then, I held my son for the first time. That instinctual shift everyone talks about? It hit me like a ton of bricks. Suddenly, the thought of returning to the fast-paced newsroom felt… wrong. I knew, in that moment, my days of chasing breaking news were over.
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| Holding my little boy for the first time! |
The Immersion into Motherhood
Those first few months were a whirlwind of sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility. My life became a series of feeding schedules and nap routines. The structured deadlines of a newsroom were replaced by the unpredictable chaos of parenting.
And I loved it.
I threw myself into every aspect of my children’s development—music classes, playdates, advocating for them in school, and volunteering. I embraced my role wholeheartedly, never stopping to think about what would happen when they no longer needed me in the same capacity.
As my children grew, I became more involved in their education, taking on leadership roles in the PTA, planning events, and advocating for students. I discovered organizational and leadership skills I never knew I had. Yet, despite these newly honed abilities, I wasn’t focused on my professional self. My identity was wrapped up in motherhood. My career, my ambitions—they were all on hold.
But here’s the thing: While I wasn’t in the workforce, I was still gaining invaluable experience. And so are millions of stay-at-home moms worldwide.
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Redefining Self-Worth Beyond « Just a Mom »
For years, my professional identity was my badge of honor—I was a journalist, a storyteller, a news videographer. But when I transitioned to full-time motherhood, that title vanished. Instead, I found myself introducing myself as « just a mom. »
It took me a long time to realize that phrase was selling myself short.
Motherhood didn’t erase my skills—it refined them. The ability to multitask under pressure? That was being put to the ultimate test. Crisis management? Every toddler tantrum was a new lesson. Leadership, problem-solving, adaptability? I was using them daily, whether organizing PTA meetings, running school fundraisers, or managing a household.
Still, as my kids became more independent, I found myself wondering: What comes next?
The realization hit me: I needed to think about me. About my goals, my professional future, and how I could leverage my skills beyond motherhood.
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| Time with my two boys carving pumpkins. |
Keeping Your Professional Life Relevant as a Stay-at-Home Mom
Many stay-at-home parents face the same dilemma—how to keep their professional identity intact while focusing on raising children. Here are a few actionable strategies:
1. Stay Connected to Your Industry
- Follow industry news, blogs, and podcasts.
- Join professional organizations or LinkedIn groups.
- Attend webinars or virtual conferences when possible.
2. Keep Your Skills Sharp
- Take online courses (platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer flexible learning options).
- Volunteer in ways that align with your expertise—whether it’s event planning, fundraising, or community advocacy.
- Write, blog, or create content about your area of expertise.
3. Network, Even if It’s Virtually
- Stay in touch with former colleagues and mentors.
- Use LinkedIn to engage with professionals in your field.
- Attend local meetups or industry events.
4. Create a Portfolio of Your Experience
- Document leadership roles, volunteer work, or freelancing.
- Highlight transferable skills on your resume.
- Consider part-time or contract work to stay engaged.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Evolve
- Your career might not look the same post-motherhood—and that’s okay.
- Be open to new industries or roles that align with your new skills.
- Recognize that personal growth is professional growth.
The Unexpected Adventure Ahead
Looking back, I see how every moment—from breaking news to broken crayons—was preparing me for my next chapter. Motherhood didn’t derail my career; it reshaped it. The skills I developed in the newsroom didn’t disappear—they evolved into something even more valuable.
To every stay-at-home parent wondering if their professional journey is over: It’s not. It’s simply on a different path. And sometimes, the detour leads to a destination even greater than the one you originally planned.
FAQs: Navigating a Career Shift as a Stay-at-Home Mom
Q: Will employers take my career break seriously?
A: Some will some won’t. Many employers recognize the valuable skills developed during parenting, such as time management, leadership, and multitasking. Be confident in showcasing your experiences.
Q: How do I explain my time as a stay-at-home parent on a resume?
A: Instead of a gap, frame it as a period of skill development. Example:
Chief Household Officer | 2015-2023
Managed complex schedules, budgeting, and conflict resolution.
Led community events, fundraising initiatives, and school advocacy programs.
Developed content and social media strategies for volunteer projects.
Q: What if I don’t want to return to my old career?
A: That’s okay! Many stay-at-home moms use this transition to explore new passions, start businesses, or switch industries. Focus on your transferable skills and explore what excites you now.
Q: How do I build confidence in my professional skills after years at home?
A: Start small—take a class, update your LinkedIn, do a small freelance project. Confidence builds with action.
My journey from news videographer to stay-at-home mom and now into a new career wasn’t what I expected. But every challenge, every transition, has led me to something greater.
If you’re a stay-at-home mom wondering what’s next—trust yourself. Your skills, your experience, your resilience—it all matters. And your next adventure? It’s waiting for you.
