The Crossroads: A Pivotal Career Shift
For nearly a decade, Olivia had been dedicated to her company, building her career and proving herself as a valuable professional. She expected that having a baby wouldn’t change her ambition—but what she didn’t expect was how much her workplace would change in response to her motherhood.
Sexual harassment. Pregnancy discrimination. A toxic work environment that made it clear she was no longer seen as an asset, but as a burden.
"I left my role and company of ~10 years after experiencing sexual harassment and pregnancy discrimination."
The moment that made her decision crystal clear?
"Four months after returning from maternity leave, the CEO walked in on me pumping, saw me exposed—and somehow, the company blamed me for the incident."
The company. Blamed. Her.
After everything she had given to them, after juggling new motherhood while trying to remain the same high-performing employee, this was the response she got.
"So I moved on."
It wasn’t an easy move. It wasn’t a move she wanted to make. But it was one she had to make—for her dignity, her mental health, and her future.
What followed was eight months of unemployment—a season of uncertainty, identity shifts, and healing. But now, Olivia is in a new role, with a more flexible schedule, hybrid work conditions, and a great team.
She didn’t just leave behind a toxic environment. She rebuilt a career on her own terms.
The Challenges: Identity, Self-Blame & Career Pivots
- An Identity Crisis as a New Mom & Unemployed Professional
"It was the first time I had slowed down since starting work after college, and I wasn’t used to not working."
For years, her career had been a defining part of her identity. Now, she wasn’t just adjusting to being a new mother—she was also grappling with who she was outside of her job.
- Blaming Herself for What Happened
"It took a lot of time for me to not blame myself and realize this was not my fault."
Sexual harassment and discrimination make victims question themselves. Olivia had to unlearn the idea that she had done something wrong, and instead, recognize the systemic failures that allowed her company to mistreat her.
- Navigating a Career Pivot While Job Searching
"I was also trying to pivot careers, which added even more stress to the job search."
Changing industries is hard enough. Doing it while balancing new motherhood, workplace trauma, and self-doubt? That was another level of difficulty.
What Worked: Finding Community & Rebuilding Confidence
- Finding Supportive Communities
"I had no close friends that were moms or understood what I had been through. Finding people who had been through similar experiences helped me feel less alone."
Workplace discrimination against mothers is rampant but rarely talked about openly. Finding women who had walked this path and come out stronger was life-changing.
- The Power of the Society of Working Moms
One of the most valuable resources Olivia found was the Society of Working Moms—a supportive community that provides resources, advocacy, and connection for working mothers navigating career challenges.
This community reminded her that:
✔ She wasn’t alone.
✔ She wasn’t imagining things.
✔ She deserved better—and could build a career where she was valued.
- What She Would Have Done Differently
"I wish I had found this community sooner. I wish I had reached out earlier instead of feeling like I had to navigate this alone."
Advice for Other Parents Facing Workplace Discrimination or Career Pivots
- Know Your Rights
"Definitely know your rights and what you are entitled to while you are pregnant and postpartum."
Many women don’t realize the protections they have under the law—until they’re already being mistreated. Understanding your rights before an issue arises can give you power and options.
- Find Your People
"Nobody should have to go through this alone."
Whether it’s a professional community, legal resources, or just a group of moms who get it, having support is critical. Seek out networks like the Society of Working Moms to find solidarity and guidance.
- Invest in Yourself—Because You Are Worth It
"You are worth it."
Whether it’s career coaching, therapy, networking, or just taking the time to heal, investing in yourself is not selfish—it’s survival.
Olivia’s Both& Moment
Olivia’s story is about both surviving workplace discrimination and reclaiming her power.
She experienced both trauma and growth.
She faced both career uncertainty and the chance to pivot on her own terms.
She walked away from both a toxic workplace and a version of herself that felt small, undervalued, and unprotected.
She now works in a company that respects her, in a role that aligns with her needs, with the flexibility and support she always deserved.
She is proof that there is life and career success after workplace discrimination.
Why This Story Matters for Both&
- Exposes the Reality of Workplace Discrimination Against Mothers – Many women experience it but are afraid to speak up. Olivia’s story helps break that silence.
- Provides a Roadmap for Rebuilding After Trauma – Highlights the emotional journey, career transition, and healing process after leaving a toxic workplace.
- Highlights the Importance of Community Support – Emphasizes how organizations like the Society of Working Moms can make all the difference.
- Ends with a Strong, Hopeful Takeaway – Reminds women that they are not alone, and they deserve better.
