A Beautiful Chapter: Navigating the Journey of Motherhood and Career"

"It’s been a while since I last shared my thoughts on LinkedIn; motherhood has certainly kept me busy.

It’s been four months since I returned from maternity leave, and the emotional rollercoaster has been nothing short of dramatic. Motherhood is a core part of my identity that I cherish deeply, but so is my career—something I’ve worked hard to build over the years. Balancing these roles as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, leader, and colleague has been both fulfilling and challenging.

Reflecting on these past months, coming back to work post-baby has been a unique journey, especially when you strive for perfection in every aspect. According to a study by the Centre for Talent Innovation (CTI), around 48% of Indian women take a career break due to maternity or childcare responsibilities. Only 27% of those women are able to successfully return to work. As a perfectionist, I likely feel this tension more acutely, aiming to achieve excellence in both domains, which adds to the internal pressure. This is a shared experience for many women who strive to maintain high standards in all areas of life.

Often, I find myself pondering a question that many women face: Why is there such pressure on mothers to reconsider their careers after having a baby, while fathers rarely face the same scrutiny? It’s rare to hear fathers publicly discussing how having a baby impacts their careers, even though it is undoubtedly a life-changing event for them as well. This silence contributes to the assumption that men’s professional lives remain largely unaffected by parenthood. According to research, only about 2% of fathers in India take paternity leave, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural expectations that caregiving is primarily a woman’s role.

The data speaks volumes—over 50% of women leave the workforce after maternity leave, and nearly half of those who return drop out within four months. A study conducted by McKinsey & Company in 2020 revealed that 43% of women in India cite a lack of supportive infrastructure, including child care and flexible work arrangements, as a major reason for leaving their jobs post-maternity. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a reality that many of us navigate.

Here are some strategies that have worked for me:

1. Robust Support System: Before my leave, I started planning who would care for my baby. Knowing my little one is well taken care of allows me to focus on work. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my husband and mother for their unwavering support, which empowers me to dream big. A 2021 survey by LinkedIn found that 72% of working mothers in India believe a strong support system at home is crucial for successfully returning to work.
2. Right Mentorship: The imposter syndrome is real. It’s easy to feel like we’ve lost time in our careers. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who guide me, reminding me to ‘go slow to go fast.’ This advice has been invaluable in helping me maintain consistency while rebuilding my strengths. In a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), women with mentors are 30% more likely to resume and sustain their careers post-maternity.
3. Being Present: One of the toughest but most crucial lessons I’ve learned is to be present in each moment. When I’m working, I focus on delivering my best. When I’m with my little one, I try to fully engage with him. This quality time has become even more precious since my return to work.
4. Mental & Emotional Health: The transition back to work can be overwhelming. It’s essential to be gentle with ourselves during this adjustment. A study by Harvard Business Review in 2019 found that 32% of working mothers experience burnout during their transition back to work, emphasizing the need for mental health support. I believe that in 10 years, I won’t see my maternity leave as a break but as a pivotal life event that made me a better leader. Motherhood brings a unique perspective to working with people and customers.

As I continue this journey, I’m reminded of a few key principles:

• Build your personal brand.
• Stay connected to your purpose—do what you love.
• Ask for help; I’m grateful for the support of my organization and leaders.

To all the mothers returning to work: know that you’re not alone. Your journey is valid, and every step you take is part of a beautiful, complex narrative. ????"

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