The quiet career switch after the first child.
The arrival of a first child changes everything, including professional life. For women, this often means: fewer hours, different roles, or temporarily disappearing from the spotlight. While fathers' work rhythms largely remain unchanged, mothers rearrange their careers. Not always out of conviction, but often out of necessity.
When Choosing is Actually Adjusting
According to the CBS, 47% of women reduce their work hours or even stop working entirely after the birth of their first child. For men, this is only 9%. At the same time, only 10% of fathers utilize the additional parental leave available.
In theory, both parents have freedom of choice. In practice, however, that choice is unevenly distributed. Expectations from the surrounding environment, cumbersome regulations, a lack of flexible childcare, or an employer who finds it "complicated" - all of these lead towards part-time work or temporary absence. Not because women want less, but because it’s difficult to want more.
What You Don’t See Still Counts
Ambition rarely disappears. But in many organizations, it fades from visibility. Mothers are less likely to be considered for challenging projects, leadership roles, or development programs - especially if they start working fewer hours. The result? Talent becomes less visible and thus seems to be less available.
Additionally, 43% of women experience discrimination related to pregnancy or motherhood. Think of guiding comments, doubts about employability, or the feeling of constantly having to prove oneself. It may not be a large scandal, but it's a cumulative effect of small barriers that impact job satisfaction, motivation, and career paths.
Time for Different Conditions
If we want to retain and foster women, the conditions need to be right.
Employers can make a difference by:
- actively promoting leave policies for all parents
- seriously considering flexible hours and hybrid work
- continuing discussions about ambitions even after parenthood
- raising awareness among managers about unconscious assumptions
This creates space to balance care and work without compromising career opportunities.
Our Call to Action
Parenthood is not a pause from ambition. It is a new phase that requires support, not withdrawal. Give women the chance to continue their work in a way that suits them, not according to the system as it was originally designed. Because taking a step back? That should not be assumed as the norm.