Pregnancy is one of those life-altering moments. You’ve got a little human growing inside you, and with that comes a million thoughts and emotions swirling around. Your body’s changing, your priorities are shifting, and sometimes, even your career path suddenly feels like it’s up for review. It’s a time when you’re thinking about everything: your health, your future, your family, and, of course, your job.
So, how do you assess your career when you’re also preparing to become a parent? It’s no small feat. But here’s the good news: you’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to feel like climbing Everest. Whether you’re considering changing careers, moving up in your current role, or simply wondering how to juggle it all once the baby arrives, there are ways to reassess and realign your professional goals.
1. Pause, Breathe, and Reflect
First things first: take a moment to just breathe. Yep, simple as that. Pregnancy can feel like you’re on a runaway train, especially with all the advice, doctor’s appointments, and a constant stream of unsolicited opinions from everyone you meet.
So, before diving into a career assessment, hit the pause button and check in with yourself. How do you feel about your job? Are you excited to get back to work after maternity leave, or are you dreading it?
Pregnancy is a great time to reflect on your career. Is this the path you want to continue, or are you feeling that little nudge to do something else? Maybe you’ve been in the same role for years, and now, with a baby on the way, you’re realising it might be time for a change.
2. Get Real with Your Current Situation
Some jobs are just not compatible with raising a little one, or they may not be as flexible as you need. This is the time to really evaluate how your current role fits with your new priorities. Is your workplace family-friendly? Does your boss support flexible hours or remote work? What does maternity leave look like?
It’s also worth asking yourself how much energy you have for your current job. Pregnancy can be exhausting, and adding a newborn into the mix is a whole new level of tired. Be real with yourself about whether you can continue working the same hours or handling the same level of responsibility.
3. Dream a Little
Now’s the time to tap into those dreams you might have pushed aside. Ask yourself: what kind of career would make you truly happy? Are there any passions you’ve been ignoring because you’ve been too busy climbing the corporate ladder? Could now be the right moment to pivot toward something more fulfilling, something that aligns with your new chapter in life?
If you’re not sure where to begin, tools like BrainManager’s career test can help you explore different career options based on your skills and interests. Sometimes it takes a little nudge in the right direction to get those wheels turning again.
4. Consider Your Financial Needs
Let’s not sugarcoat it—babies are expensive. Diapers, formula, clothes that they outgrow every other week—it all adds up. So, before making any big career changes, take a good, hard look at your financial situation. Can you afford to take a pay cut if you decide to switch careers or go part-time? What does your family budget look like now that you’re adding a new member?
Creating a realistic financial plan is key. If you and your partner both work, discuss how your incomes will support your growing family. If you’re going it solo, it’s even more important to make sure your job provides the stability you need. Of course, money isn’t everything, but it’s a big piece of the puzzle.
5. Talk to Other Motherss in Your Field
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. There’s a whole community of mothers who’ve been exactly where you are. Reach out to colleagues, friends, or online groups to hear how they managed their careers during pregnancy and after their babies arrived.
These conversations can offer valuable insights. Maybe you’ll discover that some companies offer benefits you hadn’t considered, like extended maternity leave, child care assistance, or flexible work arrangements. Or maybe you’ll get advice on negotiating with your boss for the support you need. Learning from others’ experiences can help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed.
6. Make Flexibility a Priority
The keyword here is flexibility. Your career, much like your body, is going through changes, and that means being open to new possibilities. You might have had a clear career trajectory in mind before pregnancy, but now you might need to adjust. It’s totally okay to pivot and take a more flexible approach to your career.
Maybe that means going part-time, freelancing, or finding a role that allows you to work remotely. Some jobs are more adaptable than others, so if flexibility is important to you, consider how your current role or potential future roles fit into that picture.
7. Communicate with Your Employer
This one’s crucial. Once you’ve reflected on your needs and dreams, it’s time to have an open and honest conversation with your employer. If you’re planning to stay in your current job, discuss your plans for maternity leave and how you envision your return to work. Can you work from home? Are there part-time options?
When talking with your boss, it’s important to be clear about your needs while showing that you’re still committed to doing great work. Employers appreciate employees who come prepared with solutions, so if you’ve already thought about how your job responsibilities can be handled during your absence, that’s a plus. The more you communicate, the better your transition will be—both for you and your employer.
8. Prepare for the Unexpected
Here’s the deal: no matter how much planning you do, pregnancy and parenthood will throw some curveballs. You might have every intention of returning to your job after a few months, but once the baby’s here, your whole perspective could change. Or maybe you planned on switching careers, only to realise your old job is the right fit after all.
Flexibility isn’t just about work schedules; it’s about being open to the unexpected. It’s okay if things don’t go exactly as planned. Trust that you’ll figure it out, even if it means taking a detour or hitting pause on your career for a little while. The key is to keep an open mind and roll with the punches.
9. Explore New Opportunities
Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t look at new career opportunities. In fact, pregnancy might inspire you to explore different paths. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of starting your own business or pursuing a creative hobby that could turn into a side hustle. Or perhaps you’ve been thinking about switching industries entirely.
The good news is that many employers today are more open to flexible and family-friendly work environments than ever before. So if you’re looking for a job that better aligns with your new priorities, now might be the perfect time to start exploring your options.
10. Take Care of Yourself
Last but definitely not least—don’t forget to take care of YOU. It’s easy to get caught up in all the planning and stress, but your health and well-being should be at the top of the list. Take breaks when you need them, eat well, and get enough sleep. You’re growing a human, after all, and that’s no small feat.
And while you’re taking care of yourself, be sure to prepare for an early pregnancy scan to ensure everything’s going smoothly with the baby. Your career is important, but nothing’s more important than your health and your little one’s.
Wrapping Up
Reassessing your career path while pregnant might feel like juggling two heavy balls in the air, but with some reflection, planning, and a little bit of flexibility, you can create a work-life balance that works for you and your family. Take it step by step, lean on your support system, and trust yourself. You’ve got this!
