The Emotional Rollercoaster of Leaving a Career for Motherhood

Have you ever felt extreme happiness and sadness at the same time? It’s a strange, conflicting feeling—one that hit me hard recently.

Yesterday, I got a phone call from an ex-coworker. At first, I assumed something was wrong, but it turned out to be just a casual chat. I didn’t think much of it at the time. But today? Today was different. I woke up in a terrible mood, irritated by things that normally wouldn’t bother me. The kids waking up the moment I did. My husband wanting to give his input on our son’s drop-off—I snapped at him without a second thought.

It wasn’t until I tuned into one of my favorite spiritual tarot readers that I finally understood what was happening beneath the surface.

Grieving the Career I Walked Away From

The truth is, I miss my career. I miss the person I was—the professional woman who thrived in a male-dominated industry, who was respected, sought after for advice, and who had solutions. I was passionate about my work, and it showed. I was on my way to breaking barriers, climbing the ladder, and proving that I belonged.

But I walked away.

I left for many reasons, but the biggest one was my children. They are the greatest gift to my husband and me. At the time, I didn’t fully realize the weight of my decision, but now, looking back, I see it clearly. Our kids needed a present parent, and my husband and I had always agreed that we wanted to be there for all the important moments in their lives. His career is now taking off, and we are living the very plan we once dreamed of.

The Identity Shift: From Career Woman to Full-Time Mom

Let’s be real—transitioning from a career-driven woman to a stay-at-home mom is an identity shift like no other. Suddenly, I became a full-time:

• Mom
• Gardener
• House cleaner
• Financial Advisor
• Childcare provider
• Therapist
• Cab driver
• Appointment setter

And that’s just the shortlist.

While I love my children deeply, I also don’t want to lose myself in the process. I am more than just “Mom.” I am someone who loves to craft, be creative, garden, and connect with people. I have dreams outside of motherhood, and I refuse to let them fade away.

Navigating the Growing Pains of Change

If you’re feeling lost in the transition, know that you’re not alone. This season of life is hard. It’s filled with moments where you feel unseen, even though you’re being pulled in every direction. It’s exhausting, emotionally draining, and sometimes isolating.

But I remind myself daily: This is just a season.

Transformation is never easy. You have to walk through the trenches, face the discomfort, and learn the lessons before you emerge on the other side. Letting go of the person you once were is terrifying, but stepping into who you’re becoming is invaluable.

So if you’re in the midst of a transition—whether it’s leaving a career, becoming a stay-at-home parent, or chasing a new dream—know this: It’s okay to grieve your old self. It doesn’t mean you regret your choices. It means you’re human.

And just because your path looks different now doesn’t mean you won’t find fulfillment, purpose, and success again.

The Importance of Challenging Yourself

If I’ve learned anything through this journey, it’s this: If you don’t do things that scare the hell out of you at least once a year, you’ll stay stuck.

And I refuse to be stuck.

I hope this post serves as a small glimmer of hope for anyone else feeling lost right now. You’re not alone, and this season of life won’t last forever. Keep pushing forward. Keep challenging yourself. Keep believing that your next chapter is just as important as the last.

Are you navigating a big life transition? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your story.