I enjoyed reading this… I’ll never forget being 8 months postpartum, caught in that in-between space—wondering if I should go back to work, but also knowing deep down that I wasn’t ready.
Looking back, I think what I really craved was adult interaction.
Then one afternoon, I was watching a documentary on Judy Blume—this wildly successful author—and something she said stopped me in my tracks. She talked about how, after becoming a mother, she had to slow down too. That even in the midst of her creative success, motherhood reshaped her pace, her priorities, her everything. She said, “women can have it all, just not at the same time.”
It reminded me that slowing down doesn’t mean giving up. It just means you’re shifting for a season.
Yes! I also think becoming a mom unlocks a new level of creativity in a mom and seeing the world differently (once you're out of the postpartum haze). But I agree that we often lose that second part that you can't have it all at once and just stop with you can have it all, which just leaves women burned out and exhausted!
Thanks for sharing! I really appreciate your balanced take here. I am also in one of those “unicorn” situations where I’m working a remote corporate job and able to be at home with my daughter, and my coworkers are supportive of my choice. It’s truly a blessing, but that opportunity wouldn’t have been available to me had I not gone to college.
Having a family business is definitely the dream and something me and my husband talk about all the time. We’re blessed that he is also 3 days remote so my daughter is getting a ton of time with both of us. So far, we’re making it work!
Yes, as much as some people hate on college for women, I think with the right degree, it actually is beneficial long term. Men can do blue collar jobs without degrees and make a decent living, but for most women, blue collar work isn't a good fit or doesn't offer the pay or flexibility needed once you become a mom.
Daniel and I both worked remote for 3 years and it was the best! He traveled locally 2-3 days a week and then worked from home the rest of the time. It worked well for a season, but the long term growth trajectory just wasn't there for Daniel in corporate - they kept doing re-orgs and promotion freezes and we looked at where we wanted to be and corporate just wasn't going to get us there, so we bought a business but for a season that means Daniel doesn't see the kids as often and that sucks, but it will be worthwhile in the long run once we establish the business more!
I appreciate this message a lot, Yelena!
Wow. Thank you very much.
Thanks for sharing, it was such a great post. I love that you put your marriage and family at the forefront. That in itself is God-glorifying.
I enjoyed reading this… I’ll never forget being 8 months postpartum, caught in that in-between space—wondering if I should go back to work, but also knowing deep down that I wasn’t ready.
Looking back, I think what I really craved was adult interaction.
Then one afternoon, I was watching a documentary on Judy Blume—this wildly successful author—and something she said stopped me in my tracks. She talked about how, after becoming a mother, she had to slow down too. That even in the midst of her creative success, motherhood reshaped her pace, her priorities, her everything. She said, “women can have it all, just not at the same time.”
It reminded me that slowing down doesn’t mean giving up. It just means you’re shifting for a season.
Yes! I also think becoming a mom unlocks a new level of creativity in a mom and seeing the world differently (once you're out of the postpartum haze). But I agree that we often lose that second part that you can't have it all at once and just stop with you can have it all, which just leaves women burned out and exhausted!
Thanks for sharing! I really appreciate your balanced take here. I am also in one of those “unicorn” situations where I’m working a remote corporate job and able to be at home with my daughter, and my coworkers are supportive of my choice. It’s truly a blessing, but that opportunity wouldn’t have been available to me had I not gone to college.
Having a family business is definitely the dream and something me and my husband talk about all the time. We’re blessed that he is also 3 days remote so my daughter is getting a ton of time with both of us. So far, we’re making it work!
Yes, as much as some people hate on college for women, I think with the right degree, it actually is beneficial long term. Men can do blue collar jobs without degrees and make a decent living, but for most women, blue collar work isn't a good fit or doesn't offer the pay or flexibility needed once you become a mom.
Daniel and I both worked remote for 3 years and it was the best! He traveled locally 2-3 days a week and then worked from home the rest of the time. It worked well for a season, but the long term growth trajectory just wasn't there for Daniel in corporate - they kept doing re-orgs and promotion freezes and we looked at where we wanted to be and corporate just wasn't going to get us there, so we bought a business but for a season that means Daniel doesn't see the kids as often and that sucks, but it will be worthwhile in the long run once we establish the business more!