The Crossroads: A Pivotal Career Shift
Danielle had always been ambitious. She built a career in sales, navigating competitive, high-pressure environments. But after having her first child, she realized something unsettling:
"I found the 95% male team too hard to connect with as a new mom."
She felt isolated, struggling to relate to colleagues who didn’t understand—or seem to care about—the realities of working motherhood. So, she made her first major career move:
"I sought out a new role that was more sensitive to working mothers, building families, and advocating for working parents."
It felt like the right decision—until she had her second child.
Despite being a high performer, taking maternity leave affected her sales numbers, and suddenly, her abilities were questioned. She felt disconnected, scrutinized, and unwelcome.
"Another employer who showed appreciation made me a compelling offer to leave—and I took it. In hindsight, I regret that decision."
It was a tough lesson: not every move forward is the right one.
The Challenges: Navigating Childcare & Unexpected Needs
- Strong Childcare Didn’t Solve Everything
Danielle was fortunate to have consistent, reliable childcare for both children—a privilege many working parents struggle to secure. But even with that support, challenges arose. - When a Child’s Needs Shift, So Does the Career Path
"When my second was in preschool, he exhibited signs of sensory processing disorder and was not adjusting."
She quickly realized that her ability to fully support her son during this period required more control over her time.
This wasn’t a career move she had initially planned, but it became necessary.
What Worked: Flexibility & Owning Her Time
- Independent Work Gave Her Full Schedule Control
"When I needed to be off for the greater part of the day—when most people are working—I was able to do so without explaining myself to anyone." - What She Would Do Differently: Prepare for the Tradeoffs
While consulting gave her freedom, it also meant sacrificing income security. Clients became the new “boss,” and without clear boundaries and structured work hours, independent work could be just as consuming as a traditional job.
Advice for Parents Considering Independent Work
- Independent Work Can Be Freeing—But Comes with Tradeoffs
"You gain the peace of mind of not having a boss to answer to (except clients, who technically become the boss), but you lose the income security, which comes with its own set of challenges." - Set Boundaries Early
"If you go independent, define your hours and enforce them. Without clear limits, work can easily spill over into the time you wanted to protect." - Career Moves Should Be About More Than Just Escape
Not every job move solves the deeper problem. Danielle learned that just because a new employer appears more supportive, it doesn’t always mean they are.
Danielle’s Both& Moment
Danielle’s story highlights the reality that career shifts aren’t always linear or perfect.
She found a way to be both a dedicated professional and the support system her son needed.
She learned that both corporate roles and independent work come with challenges—it’s about choosing which tradeoffs you’re willing to accept.
She now knows that both freedom and financial stability require strategy and planning.
Her journey is a reminder that career moves should be intentional—not just reactions to toxic work environments, but decisions made with long-term sustainability in mind.
Why This Story Matters for Both&
- Challenges the Idea That Leaving a Bad Job = Finding a Better One Instantly – Not all career shifts fix the deeper issue.
- Highlights the Reality That Even Strong Childcare Doesn’t Make Work-Life Balance Easy – Sometimes, parents need more control over their schedules than traditional jobs allow.
- Provides Realistic Insights into Independent Work – Freedom sounds great, but it comes with financial and emotional challenges.
- Gives Actionable Takeaways for Parents Considering Consulting or Freelancing – Helps parents make an informed decision, rather than an impulsive escape.
