Ep.31: The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids and Come Back Stronger than Ever

Insights from the Couch - Mental Health at Midlife

In today’s episode of Insights from the Couch, we discuss the evolving conversation around work, family, and redefining what it means to take a career pause. Joined by Neha Ruch, founder of the platform Mother Untitled, we explore the insights from her upcoming book, The Power Pause, and how it encourages women to embrace career downshifts or pauses with confidence and purpose. Neha shares her journey of moving from corporate ambition to an intentional family-focused life, challenging outdated beliefs that staying at home and career ambitions are mutually exclusive.

Together, we explore the fluidity in women’s career choices, discuss the economic and social shifts that allow flexibility in work-family balance, and the importance of owning your unique journey without shame or fear.

Episode Highlights:
[0:00] – Introduction to the episode and welcoming Neha Ruch, founder of Mother Untitled.
[1:34] – Neha shares her journey from corporate life to embracing a career pause.
[4:47] – Discussing the cultural expectations and shifting narratives around motherhood and career.
[7:26] – The pandemic’s impact on work-life balance and caregiving in America.[11:16] – The real financial considerations in choosing to stay at home or pause a career.
[13:36] – Maximizing a career pause: Personal growth and keeping the door open for future work.
[18:15] – Why developing an “expansive identity” during family life stages can lead to a stronger career reentry.
[23:10] – Addressing fears about a “resume gap” and reframing it as a “career portfolio.”
[27:02] – What America can learn from other countries about family leave and healthcare.
[29:23] – The role of social media in supporting flexible work and women-owned businesses.
[32:08] – Tips for finding flexible work options that align with your family’s needs.

Resources:

• Neha's platform supporting women in family-focused career choices - https://www.motheruntitled.com/
• This is a game-changing strategic guide for mothers in career shifts Amazon or Bookshop.org
• Follow on Instagram: @motheruntitled

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