I never planned to take a break from my career. Like many working moms, I had a timeline, a goal, and a clear picture of how I wanted my professional life to unfold. But life especially life as a mother has a way of reshaping those plans.
This pause in my career wasn’t part of the plan, but it happened. And in the beginning, I resisted it. I felt restless, guilty, and worried about losing momentum. I kept asking myself, “Am I falling behind?”
But something surprising happened when I stopped rushing: I started noticing.
Not just what was happening around me—but also within me.
Here’s what I’ve learned so far:
1. My value is not tied to productivity.
For years, I felt validated by how much I could juggle. Tasks completed. Emails answered. Goals met. But being still being “just” a mom, without a job title or deadline reminded me that I am still me. My worth doesn’t disappear when I step out of the workforce temporarily.
2. Slowing down made space for deeper connection.
I’ve bonded with my son in a way I never could have if I were working full-time. I’ve seen him grow in the tiniest ways how he laughs, learns, and trusts me more deeply because I’m present. These are things no paycheck could replace.
3. Rest is also preparation.
This season of pause is not a waste it’s preparation. I’m healing from burnout I didn’t even know I had. I’m reflecting on what I truly want in my next job. I’m realigning my priorities. When I return to work, I know I’ll be clearer and stronger.
4. It's okay not to have all the answers.
One of the hardest things for me is uncertainty. I want to know when the job offer will come, when stability will return. But for now, I’m learning to live in the questions. To trust that things are unfolding even when I can’t see the full picture yet.
I won’t lie this season still comes with fear and doubt. But I’ve also found unexpected peace here. A peace that comes from letting go of who I thought I had to be, and embracing who I’m becoming.
If you’re in a similar place paused, uncertain, wondering what’s next please know you’re not alone. Sometimes the slowdown is not a setback. It’s a sacred space.
Thank you for being here, midweek, in this quiet moment with me.
Have you ever been forced to slow down in life or career? What did it teach you? I’d love to hear your thoughts drop a comment or reply if this resonates.
💌 Coming this Sunday:
I’ll be writing about my parenting worries as my son grows more independent and how motherhood constantly teaches me to let go and grow too.
Warmly,
Aya of Borneo Working Mom
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