More Than a Mom: Redefining Career Gaps

One evening, as I scrolled through job postings, I wondered how to frame six years of being a stay-at-home mom. With my girls now in school—not a full day, mind you—I can finally shift some focus to my personal goals. However, this often collides with the guilt many moms feel about not contributing financially despite their valuable roles as stay-at-home parents. What could I say? That I’d organized countless events, managed daily crises, and juggled a million priorities - all without a paycheck? These were no small feats, yet they seemed invisible in the context of traditional resumes. I felt a deep pang of insecurity. There was a lot of uncertainty, which came with countless questions. Would anyone see my worth beyond the gap in my resume? I realized I wasn’t alone in this. Many moms grapple with the same question: How do we reclaim our professional identity while embracing the incredible journey of motherhood?

The Current Narrative

This is where the narrative often falls short of recognizing the true value of these experiences. Society usually undervalues the contributions of mothers who pause their careers to raise children. This disconnect often places undue focus on what we lack—recent work experience—rather than the invaluable skills we’ve gained. Studies show that mothers with career gaps often face bias in hiring, with their resumes seen as less competitive. For instance, research published in the American Journal of Sociology found that mothers were perceived as less competent and committed, resulting in their resumes being 47% less likely to receive callbacks compared to equally qualified non-mothers. This narrative diminishes the immense value of parenting, which hones skills like time management, conflict resolution, adaptability, and emotional intelligence—skills highly relevant in today’s job market.

A New Perspective

Being a mom and a professional isn’t an either-or decision. It’s a “yes, and” opportunity. The multitasking abilities you develop while raising kids are akin to project management. Resolving sibling disputes? That’s conflict mediation. Managing a household budget? Financial planning. Overseeing family schedules? That’s logistical expertise. Overseeing family management? That’s being a CEO or an entrepreneur—navigating strategy, resource allocation, and long-term planning. Research supports this parallel: a 2014 study in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that individuals managing high-pressure environments, like households, tend to excel in entrepreneurial roles. Additionally, Salary.com's 2021 Annual Mom Salary Survey estimated that the median annual salary for stay-at-home moms would be $184,820 if compensated for the diverse roles they undertake. This highlights the substantial economic and organizational value mothers bring to their families and communities. Motherhood equips us with unique strengths that can redefine what it means to be a valuable professional. We don’t just deserve a seat at the table - we bring perspective and skills that are game-changing.

The Bigger Picture

As I navigate my own journey of returning to work, I realized how little we, as a society, talk about the unique challenges and opportunities moms face after a career gap. These are not isolated experiences—they’re a collective reality for countless women who’ve taken time off to raise their families. Yet, so often, the professional value of motherhood remains overlooked.

This isn’t just about career gaps; it’s about reframing them as periods of growth and transformation. It’s about recognizing that every phase of motherhood equips us with strengths that extend far beyond the home. It’s about seeing the multitasking, problem-solving, and leadership skills developed during motherhood as assets, not setbacks. And most importantly, it’s about creating a space where moms can have open, honest conversations about their experiences and aspirations. It’s time to start asking: How can we, as a society, do better to support moms on their journeys back into the workforce?

Call to Conversation

This is why I believe we need to spark conversations about redefining career gaps and embracing the professional value of motherhood. It’s not just about changing how we see ourselves, but also about challenging societal perceptions and creating spaces where moms feel empowered to re-enter the workforce on their terms. It’s about acknowledging the skills we’ve gained, the growth we’ve experienced, and the value we bring to the table.

Have you ever felt like your professional identity was overshadowed by motherhood? What strengths do you think you’ve gained during your time as a parent that the world might overlook? How can we, as a society, actively support and value mothers as they transition into professional opportunities?

Take a moment to reflect on these questions, and let’s spark an honest conversation about how motherhood shapes professional potential. Together, we can challenge assumptions, celebrate skills, and empower moms to step confidently into their next chapter.