Motherhood is a remarkable journey that brings immense joy and fulfillment to women. However, the decision to transition from a successful career to focus on raising children is a complex and deeply personal choice that many women face. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why some women choose to leave their careers and prioritize motherhood, the challenges they may encounter, and the strategies they can employ to find a balance between their roles as mothers and professionals.
Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, announced her retirement from professional tennis in August 2022 to focus on her family. Williams, who is 41 years old, has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and 14 Grand Slam doubles titles during her career. In her announcement, Williams stated that she wants to spend more time with her daughter and focus on growing her family. She also mentioned that she plans to continue working on her business ventures, including her fashion line and venture capital firm, Serena Ventures. Williams' decision to retire from tennis and focus on family is a personal one, and she has received support from many in the tennis community, including her fellow players and fans
“Life is about balance. The good and the bad. The highs and the lows. The pina and the colada.” – Ellen DeGeneres
There are many female athletes who have had to choose between their careers and families.
1) Allyson Felix: Allyson Felix, an American track and field athlete, took a break from her career to have a child in 2018. She faced challenges when negotiating her contract with Nike after her return to the sport, but ultimately signed a new contract that provided protections for female athletes during and after pregnancy.
2) Kerri Walsh Jennings: Kerri Walsh Jennings, an American beach volleyball player, took time off from her career to have children. She has spoken publicly about the challenges of balancing her career and family responsibilities.
3) Jessica Ennis-Hill: Jessica Ennis-Hill, a British track and field athlete, took a break from her career to have a child in 2014. She returned to the sport and won a silver medal in the heptathlon at the 2016 Olympics.
4) Candace Parker: Candace Parker, an American basketball player, took time off from her career to have a child in 2009. She has spoken about the challenges of balancing motherhood and a professional basketball career
We all know about Indian female athletes as well who had to take this hard decision.
One such athlete is Koneru Humpy, a chess Grandmaster who took a two-year break from the sport after becoming a mother. Humpy returned to chess after her break and went on to win the Rapid Chess World Championship in 2019, becoming only the second woman to exceed the 2600 Elo rating mark after Judit Polgar.
Another Indian athlete who has successfully returned to sports after motherhood is Mary Kom, a boxer who won a bronze medal in the 51kg freestyle category at the 2012 Olympics after becoming a mother. Kom is known for her passion, fight, and dedication and is regarded as "Magnificent Mary" in India.
The Choice to Prioritize Motherhood:
B. Personal Fulfillment: For some women, the fulfillment of being a mother surpasses any achievements in their professional careers. They may find immense joy in witnessing their child's growth, development, and milestones firsthand.
C. Cultural Expectations: Societal norms and cultural expectations can influence a woman's decision to prioritize motherhood. Traditional gender roles and the belief that a woman's primary role is to be a caregiver can impact career decisions.
Related: Stress management at work for a pregnant or postpartum mom.
Challenges Faced by Women Choosing Motherhood:
A. Financial Considerations: Leaving a successful career to focus on motherhood often comes with financial implications. Loss of income, reduced savings, and a potential career setback can pose challenges for women who wish to return to the workforce in the future.
B. Career Progression: Pausing or leaving a career can make it challenging for women to re-enter the workforce at the same level they were before. Gaps in employment and changing industry dynamics may require additional effort to rebuild professional networks and update skills.
C. Identity and Fulfillment: Some women may experience a sense of loss or a temporary shift in their identity when they leave their careers. The transition to full-time motherhood can lead to feelings of isolation and a loss of connection with the professional world.
Serena William's decision to choose motherhood over tennis career.
Serena Williams' decision to retire from tennis was largely driven by her desire to prioritize her family and motherhood. In her announcement, Williams stated that she wants to spend more time with her daughter and focus on growing her family.
Williams has been very open about the importance of family and motherhood in her life. She has spoken about the challenges of balancing her tennis career with her family responsibilities, and has often credited her family for her success on the court.
Williams has also been an advocate for working mothers and has spoken out about the need for more support for women who choose to have both a career and a family.
In a 2018 interview, Serena Williams stated, "I think it's really important for women to know that you can have a family, you can have a career, you can have both. And you should never feel like you have to choose"
Williams' decision to retire from tennis is a reflection of her priorities and her commitment to her family. She has achieved incredible success in her tennis career, but she has also made it clear that her family comes first.
Her decision is an important reminder that women should be supported in their choices, whether they choose to pursue a career, start a family, or both.
Finding Balance and Fulfillment after motherhood
A. Flexible Work Arrangements: Women can explore flexible work options such as part-time roles, freelancing, or remote work. These arrangements allow them to maintain a connection with their careers while having more time and flexibility to dedicate to their children.
B. Continuing Education and Skill Development: Staying informed and up-to-date with industry trends and advancements is crucial for women who plan to re-enter the workforce. Online courses, workshops, and networking events can help bridge the gap and enhance professional skills during the hiatus.
C. Building Support Networks: Connecting with other mothers, joining parenting groups, and seeking support from family and friends can help alleviate the feelings of isolation and provide a sense of community. Sharing experiences and learning from other women who have made a similar choice can be empowering.
D. Redefining Success: It's important for women to redefine success in their own terms. Rather than comparing themselves to societal expectations, focusing on personal growth, happiness, and the well-being of their family can help create a more fulfilling experience.
The decision for women to leave their careers and choose motherhood is a deeply personal one, influenced by various factors and circumstances.
It is essential to recognize and respect the choices women make, providing support and understanding as they navigate the challenges and joys of motherhood.
Ultimately, the ability to make choices that align with personal values and goals is empowering for women as they embark on this remarkable journey of motherhood.
References: https://www.forbes.com/sites/josephcoughlin/2022/08/14/serena-williams-serves-up-a-new-vision-of-life--retirement/
https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/14/tennis/serena-williams-career-motherhood-interview-spt-intl/index.html
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/2022/08/a-look-at-serena-williams-legacy-as-she-nears-retirement/