Maternity leave is supposed to be a time of rest, bonding, and recovery—but for many career women, as its end approaches, unspoken fears arise like: How will things be different when I return to work?
Recently, The Breakfast Club radio show has been making headlines after comedian and co-host Jessica Moore, aka Jess Hilarious, returned from maternity leave to find that her “temporary” replacement, Loren Lorosa, had been given a permanent role on the show after excelling in her new role. This situation raises a tricky question many working mothers face: What if my replacement is better at my job than I am?
This situation got me thinking about the Family Planning vs. Career Advancement Dilemma many women face. Imagine finding your groove in a fulfilling career, while at the same time, you’re ready to have a child, but you know it’ll force you to take a pause and possibly set you back in your career. Not to mention if you’re a woman over 30, and you’re starting to hear your biological clock ticking louder every year that passes.
The Harsh Reality of Maternity Leave
Let’s be honest, no matter how much we prepare, and how much we think we’ll just pop back in from maternity leave the same woman who got hired for the job, motherhood changes us—our priorities shift, our schedules become less flexible, and suddenly, we’re forced to juggle responsibilities in a way we never had to before.
And stepping away from a position for a few months can risk career setbacks. Many women return to find:
- Their role has changed or been downsized.
- Their temporary replacement is excelling—sometimes even more than they did.
- They’re struggling to reintegrate into their professional space while adjusting to motherhood.
In Jess Hilarious’ case, she’s been transparent about feeling resentment toward the situation of having to return and prove her place again in a space she had already earned, something many working moms can relate to.
How Motherhood Changes Career Trajectories
Millennial moms, more than previous generations, are rethinking traditional career paths. Unlike Gen X and Boomer moms, who often felt pressured to prioritize work over family, many of us are embracing flexibility, remote work, and even entrepreneurship to be more present with our children.
We’re seeing more women:
- Opt for hybrid or remote jobs post-maternity leave.
- Start their own businesses to have greater control over their schedules.
- Negotiate better maternity leave policies (or advocate for workplace changes).
I personally understand this dilemma. When I became a mom, I knew I wanted more control over my career and family balance, so I pivoted toward entrepreneurship.
What Can We Learn From This?
Let’s be real—motherhood changes everything. Even if you’re passionate about your career, the emotional shift that happens post-baby is undeniable. And for many Millennial moms who experience our mother’s absence, the thought of missing out on our own children’s milestones makes us question whether the traditional 9-to-5 is something we desire.
If you’re currently pregnant or planning for another baby, here are some ways to prepare for your career post-maternity leave:
- Set clear expectations with your employer before you go on leave. This may change once you return, but get the conversation started and keep the line of communication open.
- Advocate for flexibility—consider hybrid work or reduced hours at first.
- Explore alternative income streams (side hustles, freelance work, passive income).
- Invest in a strong professional network—so if you need to pivot, you have support.
Related Episodes and Blogs:
Maternity Leave Podcast Episode 33 features Anna Darlington, a certified Life & Business Coach, and an accredited HR professional turned mompreneur. Anna shares practical tips for re-entering the workforce with confidence and clarity, as well as strategies for career pivots that align with your evolving priorities as a parent.
Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear from you! Have you faced career challenges after maternity leave? Did you return to work, or did motherhood push you to start something new? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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More About the Maternity Leave Podcast:
The Maternity Leave podcast is dedicated to busy mamas, the OG CEOs who juggle the challenges and joys that come with that title.
Tune in weekly to discover practical tips, inspiring stories, and expert insights from fellow parent entrepreneurs and industry professionals. Whether you’re a busy m
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