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It’s tough to be a career mom, and at some point in time, you may need to make a career shift to achieve a more optimal work-life balance.

Let’s be honest, being a mom is a demanding job all on its own, but a career only adds to the complexity and challenge. 

Not all careers and workplaces are family-friendly. It can be a tough realization, especially if you’re in a career you once loved, but if you find yourself feeling burned out and exhausted, then it may be time to make a career change.

Some workplaces are family-friendly. From providing flexibility to on-site childcare, paid maternity leave, and other great family benefits, some organizations know exactly what moms need and want, and they’re willing to provide you with support that can add substantial value.

I decided to make a career shift after becoming a mom myself, and while it was challenging to make the change, it was 100% the right decision for me and my family.

If you’re wondering how a career shift can benefit you, then read on because I’m going to share 4 ways a career shift can improve your work-life balance, 7 key benefits of making a career change, and 8 tips to help you on your journey to find a fulfilling new career. 

4 Ways a Career Shift Can Improve Your Work-Life Balance

Motherhood is a demanding job all on its own, but it can be just as hard to find a career that provides the right balance of work and family time. If you’re feeling burned out or frustrated with your current career, a career shift may be the answer.

There are many different career paths that can offer better work-life balance for moms. Some options include the following:

1. Flexible work arrangements. 

Many companies now offer flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting, flextime, or compressed workweeks. 

These arrangements can allow you to work from home, adjust your hours, or take longer breaks during the day, which can make it easier to balance your work and family commitments.

2. Part-time work. 

If you’re not ready to give up your career completely, you may want to consider working part-time. This can give you more time to spend with your family and still allow you to pursue your professional goals.

3. Self-employment. 

If you’re looking for more control over your work schedule, you may want to consider starting your own business. This can give you the flexibility to work when you want and how you want, which can be a great option for moms.

4. Careers in the service sector. 

Many service sector jobs offer flexible hours and the ability to work from home, which can be another great option for moms. Some examples of service sector jobs that offer good work-life balance include teaching, social work, and healthcare.

7 Ways a Career Shift Benefits Moms

Not sure whether or not a career shift is right for you? You may want to consider the following benefits:

1. Better work-life balance. 

Many moms aspire to make a career shift in order to improve their work-life balance. If this describes you, then this benefit is probably a no-brainer.

While not all jobs and workplaces have flexibility, some do, so if you’re seeking a better work-life balance then you can undoubtedly find a career that’s a better fit for your lifestyle.

2. Increased earning potential. 

Data has shown that people that change jobs are more likely to gain employment in higher-earning careers.

While it may be a different story if you’re seeking part-time work, it stands to reason that you can probably earn a better salary or hourly wage if you change jobs.

Not only that, but many companies offer higher salaries for shift work or non-traditional hours. This is because fewer employees want these hours, so employers are willing to pay more to attract qualified candidates.

3. New challenges and opportunities. 

A career shift can give you a chance to learn new skills and take on new challenges. This can be a great way to stay motivated and engaged in your work and provide you with something new to look forward to doing.

4. Personal growth. 

It’s easy to get in a rut when you’ve worked at the same place for a long time.

A career shift can be a great way for you to grow personally and professionally. It can give you a chance to explore your interests and find a career that fulfills you.

5. Sense of accomplishment. 

Successfully completing a career change can provide you with a sense of accomplishment and pride. It can show you that you are capable of achieving your goals, even when faced with challenges.

6. Financial security. 

Your new career may provide greater financial security than you had in your last job. By earning a higher salary or finding a more stable job, you can better provide for your family.

7. Improved mental and emotional health. 

Your mental and emotional health may also benefit from making a career change. You may rediscover your passion, reduce your stress, and find you’ve improved your overall well-being as a result of making a necessary and beneficial change.

3 Tips to Help Moms Make a Career Pivot

If you’re thinking about making a career change, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

1. Do research about your potential career shift

Before you make any decisions, take some time to research different career paths. Take the time you need to find a career that’s a good fit for you and your family.

2. Talk to other moms who have made a career shift.

Talk to other moms who have made career changes, and get their tips and support. You may find it helpful to get their advice and insights. 

3. Don’t be afraid to take risks. 

It can be intimidating to make a career shift, but you should look at it as an opportunity. Making a change might help you find a career that provides a better work-life balance, and your new career may be something that you even look forward to doing. 

Don’t be afraid to take risks when they’re warranted!

5 Additional Tips to Prepare Moms for a Career Shift

Here are some additional tips to help you get ready for your career change:

1. Start by assessing your skills and interests. 

What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Once you have a good understanding of your skills and interests, you can start to narrow down your options.

Psst… if you need help understanding your innate strengths, I recommend reading Strengths Finder, which comes with a free personality quiz when you buy the book new!

2. Get organized

A career shift will likely take your time, effort, and energy. Stay on track and motivated by tracking your goals and the progress you’re making toward them.

You’ll likely need to update your resume, and you may need to learn new skills. Consider a path forward, get organized, take action, and stay on track with a good planner.

If you need a tool to help you stay on track, I recommend using ClickUp.

3. Network with people in your desired field. 

Talk to people who are already working in the field you’re interested in. They can give you valuable insights and advice.

Before I made my career shift, I reached out to my extended network and had a few coffee chats with people that were in roles I was interested in. I was glad that I did because I quickly eliminated a few jobs that were on my list!

I wouldn’t have known that those jobs weren’t well suited to me without those conversations, so it was well worth the time.

4. Get certified or trained in your new field. 

If you don’t have the necessary skills or experience, you may need to get certified or trained in your new field. This will make you more marketable to employers.

5. Be patient and persistent. 

It may take some time to find the right career change for you. Don’t give up if you don’t find it right away. Keep searching and eventually, you’ll find the perfect fit.

Also, it’s important to note that what’s right for you now may not be right for you down the road. That’s ok too! If you find you need to make another shift, then don’t hesitate to do what is right for you and your family.

Making a career change can be a daunting task, but it’s also an exciting opportunity. With careful planning and execution, you can find a career that gives you the work-life balance you’re seeking, while allowing you to pursue your professional goals.

Think making a career shift will FIRE Your Career? Check out the posts page for more ways you can FIRE Your Career and achieve financial freedom.

FIRE Your Career: Achieve Financial Freedom Through Your Career & Spend MORE Time Doing What You Love.

Recommended Reading:

5 Signs It’s Time to Make a Career Transition + 5 Easy Ways to Get Started

Products I recommend in this article:

Strengths Finder (a book to help you uncover your innate strengths- includes a free personality quiz!)

ClickUp (my recommended goal-tracking and project management tool)