The Crossroads: A Pivotal Career Shift
Nora had spent years in consulting, thriving in an industry known for long hours, demanding clients, and constant travel. She was good at it—great, even. Her career had been a core part of her identity.
But when she became a parent, the very things that once fueled her success—the fast pace, the intensity, the constant availability—became the things that made it impossible to be the kind of mom she wanted to be.
"The hours, lifestyle, and expectations—not to mention the culture and management style of that specific company—were not conducive to being the parent I wanted to be."
So, she made a bold decision: she left.
At first, she freelanced—testing the waters, figuring out what balance could look like. Then, she did something that was much harder to do at the time than it is today:
"I specifically searched for a remote job—this was in 2017, when they were much harder to come by—so I could achieve the balance I was looking for."
She found one, but it came with a pay cut—a difficult reality, but one she accepted in exchange for the flexibility she desperately needed.
In the end, the risk paid off. The opportunity not only allowed her the balance she craved, but also turned into something more stable, fulfilling, and full of long-term potential.
"I was very lucky."
The Challenges: Identity, Uncertainty & Letting Go of a Traditional Path
- Losing Her Sense of Self
"My identity was deeply rooted in professional achievement and success. When I left consulting, I had to re-evaluate who I was—not just as a professional, but as a person."
For so long, Nora had measured her worth in promotions, client wins, and career milestones. Walking away from that—even for something better for her family—felt destabilizing.
- Navigating the Unknown Without a Clear Plan
She knew she needed a change, but she hadn’t mapped out exactly what came next.
"I wish I would have had more of a plan—first, to focus on adjusting to new parenthood, and then to have a roadmap for what came next."
Instead, she spent months in a state of angst, unsure if she had made the right decision.
- Financial Adjustments & Career Tradeoffs
Taking a pay cut wasn’t easy. The mental hurdle of stepping down in salary and perceived status was real. But she reminded herself that this was a long-term play for a better life—one that wouldn’t burn her out.
What Worked: A Leap of Faith That Paid Off
- Finding Remote Work Before It Was the Norm
"I searched for a remote role before they were widely available, and it ended up being a game-changer."
She took control of her job search, knowing exactly what she needed from an employer and being intentional about finding it.
- Taking the Long View on Career Growth
Even though the remote role came with an initial pay cut, it offered long-term growth—a strategic move that eventually led her to more stability and career potential. - What She Would Have Done Differently: Build a Support System & a Clearer Plan
"I wish I had used more resources—I felt very alone during that time."
Looking back, she knows she could have saved herself a lot of stress if she had:
✔ Given herself dedicated time to adjust to parenthood before diving into the next phase of her career.
✔ Built a support system of other working moms who understood the transition.
✔ Created a loose plan for what she wanted next, instead of figuring it all out as she went.
Advice for Other Parents Considering a Similar Path
- Find a Support System Before You Need One
"Surround yourself with other moms who understand what you’re going through—you don’t have to navigate this alone." - If You’re a Planner, Give Yourself a Loose Framework
"Even if you don’t know exactly what’s next, have a general plan. It can save you months of stress and second-guessing." - Be Strategic About Career Tradeoffs
Taking a pay cut or stepping back doesn’t mean you’re moving backward. If it gives you more balance and future opportunities, it can be the best career move you make.
Nora’s Both& Moment
Nora’s story proves that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of balance.
She chose both stepping away from a high-pressure job and staying ambitious about her future.
She experienced both uncertainty in the short term and long-term stability in a better role.
She made both career tradeoffs and gained a life that aligned with her values.
Her journey wasn’t perfectly planned, but it worked out because she knew what she needed and wasn’t afraid to go after it.
Why This Story Matters for Both&
- Challenges the Narrative That Leaving a Demanding Job = Career Failure – Proves that stepping away can lead to greater success and balance in the long run.
- Normalizes the Identity Crisis Many Parents Experience – Who are you if not your career? This is a question so many parents face when stepping back.
- Encourages Intentional Career Choices – Nora’s journey highlights the importance of being strategic about job searches and long-term growth.
- Gives Actionable Takeaways for Other Parents in Similar Situations – Practical advice on planning, finding community, and making smart career shifts.
