The Crossroads: A Pivotal Career Shift
Zara had always known she wanted to be a writer. She went to grad school for journalism, built a strong career in editorial roles, and eventually led content at a brand. But when her kids were born in 2018, everything shifted.
For many, this era was peak “hustle culture”—the rise of the "mom boss" ideal, where ambition meant building an empire alongside motherhood. But for Zara, the choice was easy.
"I left my full-time job to be a stay-at-home mom. Even though we were in a time where women were encouraged to hustle, it felt right for me."
Yet, even with a clear decision, her journalist brain never fully shut off.
"At five months postpartum, I slowly started freelancing. Six years later, I’m still a freelance journalist and have written for outlets like Vogue, Marie Claire, Parents, Glamour, Elle, Shape, and many more."
She didn’t just step away—she built a career on her own terms.
The Challenges: Facing Judgment & Finding Balance
While the career shift felt right, Zara still encountered unexpected hurdles.
- The Pressure of Societal Expectations
"I come from a circle of very traditionally employed women, and I felt like everyone was judging me for not wanting to work out of the home full-time."
Unlike many women who wrestle with the identity shift of leaving a career, Zara was comfortable with her decision—but she still felt the weight of external expectations.
- The Reality of Matrescence
Even as a journalist covering parenting and women’s health, she wasn’t fully prepared for the emotional transformation of motherhood.
"I was completely thrown off by how heavy matrescence felt. We talk a lot about systemic barriers like the lack of paid leave or inaccessible childcare, but we also need to acknowledge the societal ideas that harm mothers."
She saw firsthand how women were expected to prove themselves—either by "having it all" or justifying why they opted out.
What Worked: Creating a Career That Fits Motherhood
- Letting Go of Traditional Career Timelines
"Not giving myself a firm deadline to ‘end’ my maternity leave was one of the best things I did. I eased into freelance work when I was ready, without the pressure of an arbitrary return date." - Embracing a Nonlinear Career Path
Zara’s journey shows that career success doesn’t have to follow a traditional, linear trajectory. By building her freelance work gradually, she found fulfillment without sacrificing family time. - What She’d Do Differently: Accept More Help
"Work-from-home or self-employed moms shouldn’t be expected to do it all. I really internalized some of that pressure."
She fell into the trap many freelancers do—thinking that because she worked from home, she should automatically handle more of the household load. In hindsight, she would have sought more support earlier.
Advice for Parents Considering a Similar Path
- You Don’t Need a Five-Year Plan
"In a turbulent industry like digital media, it’s better to stay flexible rather than planning every step." - Accept Help
"Just because you work for yourself or from home doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone." - Set Boundaries with Your Partner
"If you have a partner, make sure they understand that being self-employed doesn’t mean you should take on a disproportionate amount of childcare or domestic work."
Zara’s Both& Moment
Zara’s story challenges the idea that motherhood and career ambition have to be at odds. She didn’t choose between working or staying home—she did both, in a way that worked for her.
She took a break without it being an end.
She built a career without following a traditional path.
She embraced flexibility while still facing the realities of societal expectations.
Her story is a reminder that career shifts don’t always come from necessity—they can come from choice. And in a world that often tells women to either "lean in" or step back entirely, she found a way to do both.
