This is a collaborative post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Having a baby is a big, life-changing decision. Going back to work after you’ve had said baby? Also big and life-changing. Most of you know that I ended up staying home after Ian (my firstborn) arrived. After he was born early and spent his first month of life in the NICU, I just couldn't picture going back to the 40 hour, 9-5 grind (I also did not love my job, so that made it easier to quit). We made a financial plan to ensure it was possible for me to stay home, part of which involved moving to a city with a lower cost of living. For us, what we wanted became clear after Ian was born, and we did everything we could to make that happen. However, I know the internal debate over going back to work after maternity leave ends is a toughhhh one for many new mothers. Some can't afford to stop working, and others really love their careers.

It’s ingrained within us to believe that we should want to be with our children every hour of the day. And we do, to an extent (have you ever set your baby down for the night fiiiinally, only to miss them and look at pictures and videos of them on your phone?). However, before we were mothers, we were women. Smart, intelligent and confident individuals with hopes and dreams and ambitions. None of that changes when you have a child; but what you want to do with your life may well do. Some mothers experience clarity with the birth of their child, and that clarity can mean a new career, or finally having the courage to reach out and ask for the promotion that they’ve always been passed on. As a parent, it’s up to you to ensure that your children see you achieve, and in doing so you'll set an example of determination, confidence, and success. Sometimes, motherhood can be the catalyst to reinvent your career into something even better. Here are four things you might consider.

1. Flexible Work

As a parent, you need time to be with your family. There’s nothing wrong with sitting down with your boss and discussing a more flexible work schedule, with the same job but different work hours. Perhaps you can go part-time for awhile, or work from home for a time. Employers are often open to bending for the top talent, and if yours isn't, you can choose to move onto an employer that appreciates the working parent.

2. Go Back To School

Sometimes, motherhood triggers a need to know more, to learn more, so that you can earn more. Choosing to go back to school could be the best thing you ever do. Nowadays, there are many online programs you can do from home rather than going to a physical classes. Plus, there’s the flexibility to arrange your schedule in a way that works for your family life. Even if you take only one class a quarter, or opt for evening classes, you can still get an online masters of school counseling while learning around your kid(s) and making the most of your valuable time.

3. Side Hustle Your Hobby

You may have always seen yourself heading back to work after your baby arrived. Well, now that baby is here, the idea of being away from him that much may be too much to bear. You’ve got talent in you somewhere, whether that’s writing, programming, cutting hair, or making something crafty. Why not turn that hobby into a hustle that earns you some income on the side? You could slowly turn that part time hobby into a full time job, working around your kids. Most of you know that this is what I've done. Running this blog and doing some freelance writing for other websites has helped our family financially, and it's helped me to feel like I'm still keeping up some relevant skills that could help me jump back in the workforce in the future. I've also seen several friends earn money by watching other people's kids during the day, like a small at-home daycare. It works out well because your baby can interact with the other kids during the day and (eventually) they can play together.

4. Hit Reset

If your current career is not cutting it, but you still need or want to work, it may be time for you to change careers. Take an online course like those provided by wilkes university nursing or get the training you need, then apply for jobs that fuel your passion and bring home the bacon. I've seen friends change careers to real estate agents, photographers, ultrasound techs, and teachers--all after becoming mothers. You have a little life depending on you to set a good example; if that's not motivation, I don't know what is!

I'm curious, have any of you made big career changes as a result of becoming a mom?

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