Meet Shannon R.: The Power of the Gray Space

The Crossroads

“It took my husband and I nearly three years to have my daughter.”

Shannon had always imagined she’d take a complete break from work once she became a mom - especially after the long road to get there.

“I was convinced I would be a full-time stay-at-home mom and take a career break until we were done having kids.”

But when her maternity leave ended, a new possibility emerged—one she hadn’t anticipated.

“I was given the amazing opportunity to work part-time, flexible hours in my current role.”

It changed everything.

“I've been blessed to be able to work from home and around my daughter's schedule. I've been doing it ever since she was four months, and she's rounding the corner on two.”

Suddenly, the old binary—“work” or “stay at home”—didn’t apply anymore.

“It made me realize that the choices are not always work or stay at home. There is a HUGE gray area. I'm happy to be there.”

The Challenges

Of course, flexibility doesn’t mean easy.

“Logistically, it can be really difficult.”

For Shannon, part-time work often means early mornings and late nights.

“There are long days where I have to wake up before my daughter and work after she goes to bed.”

But it’s also pushed her to sharpen an often-overlooked skill: self-discipline.

“It's taught me to hone in on my discipline.”

What I Wish I’d Known

Now, Shannon shares this advice with others walking the same tightrope:

“Don't put yourself in a box. There are plenty of opportunities out there with the flexibility you need.”

The key?

“Think creatively and use your network.”

Tools, Resources, and Community

One resource stood out above all:

“Neha Ruch and her new book The Power Pause really changed my perspective on stepping down from full time.”

And while inspiration helped, policy mattered too.

“A flexible work policy enabled me to continue to use my talents outside of the home.”

Advice for Other Parents

Shannon is clear-eyed about what this life looks like.

“Try your best to plan, but don't be disappointed if things have to shift day-to-day.”

Parenthood rarely follows a straight line—and neither does career evolution.

Why This Story Matters

Shannon’s story is a powerful reminder that there’s space between the extremes—and power in claiming it.

“Will I stay part time forever? Who knows. The whole thing taught me that my capacity is far greater than I ever could have imagined.”

She’s living proof that flexibility, creativity, and a willingness to let go of “either/or” thinking can open up an entirely different—and fulfilling—path.

“Parents are powerful—whether your talents are going toward the home or to a workplace, know that you're doing an incredible job!”

We couldn’t agree more.

‍