The Crossroads: A Pivotal Career Moment
Emily’s career didn’t pause when she became a mom—it accelerated.
She had two babies in just 14 months while working in a fast-paced startup, taking just 6- and 8-week maternity leaves before jumping back in. When she returned, her role had completely evolved, as is common in startup culture. Rather than stepping back, she took it as an opportunity to dive into new projects every few months, excelling in each one.
"Being a mom, my priorities have shifted—big time. But I’ve been incredibly grateful for the flexibility my employer has provided. Sick kids, sick parents, endless doctor and hospital visits—I've been able to manage it all while still growing in my role."
Staying didn’t mean staying stagnant. Emily adapted, evolved, and made her value known.
The Challenges: Returning to Work Without Support
Emily didn’t expect hand-holding when she returned from maternity leave, but she also didn’t expect silence.
- A Cold Return to Work
"Coming back to work was strange. I wanted space and time to ease back in. But on my first day back, my manager didn’t even reach out. I didn’t need a task list, but a ‘welcome back’ message would have been nice."
It was a stark reminder that the corporate world doesn’t always acknowledge major life transitions.
- Navigating a Role That Kept Changing
Her return wasn’t just about catching up—it was about figuring out what her role even was now. The startup environment meant she was constantly shifting projects, which kept things interesting but also added a layer of uncertainty.
"We didn’t set goals until three weeks in, so I felt like I was in no man’s land for a bit."
- Balancing Career Ambition & Personal Priorities
Her priorities had changed, and while she loved excelling at work, she also needed space for her growing family. The challenge was figuring out how to show up fully in both places without burning out.
What Worked: Visibility, Documentation & Finding Support
- Making Her Accomplishments Visible
"I’ve started intentionally pointing out things that have gone well in my role and in the programs I run. Others have cheered me on, and they wouldn’t have seen the wins otherwise."
In a fast-moving company, if you don’t highlight your successes, no one will. Emily made sure her contributions weren’t overlooked.
- Documentation & Clearer Communication
"Things were a bit fuzzy when I unexpectedly went into labor early and when I came back. I would have benefited from better documentation and communication."
She realized that having a structured re-entry plan and clear expectations could have made the transition smoother—something she’ll prioritize in the future.
- Finding Community in Unexpected Places
Emily leaned on online parenting support groups—not just for baby advice, but for career navigation, emotional support, and shared experiences.
"I met my best friend through one of those groups, and she helped me navigate this transition more than I ever expected."
Advice for Other Parents Considering Staying in Their Roles
- Advocate for Yourself—No One Else Will
"Speak up about your accomplishments, your needs, and what will make your return to work smoother." - Don’t Make Drastic Moves Right Away
"Don’t make any drastic moves when you’re freshly postpartum. Give yourself time to settle back in before making big career decisions." - Build a Support System—Even if It’s Online
"Sometimes, your best professional and personal allies won’t be in your workplace, but in online communities or friendships you never saw coming."
Emily’s Both& Moment
Emily’s story is proof that staying at your company after becoming a parent doesn’t have to mean settling.
She found a way to be both committed to her career and present for her family.
She experienced both uncertainty in her shifting role and confidence in her ability to adapt.
She realized that success is both about excelling in work and advocating for yourself in environments that may not naturally support working parents.
She didn’t walk away—she stayed, she adapted, and she thrived.
Why This Story Matters for Both&
- Normalizes the Reality That Return to Work Isn’t Always Smooth – Many companies fail to properly welcome back working parents.
- Encourages Self-Advocacy in Fast-Paced Environments – Visibility is key in high-growth, constantly evolving workplaces.
- Challenges the Idea That Staying = Stagnation – Staying can mean growing in new and unexpected ways.
- Offers Actionable Lessons for Other Parents – Provides concrete takeaways on returning to work, adapting to shifting roles, and finding external support.
