Should You Quit Your Job After Maternity Leave?

Deciding to leave your job after maternity leave—for a new role or a pause—is a big, emotional choice. There’s plenty of debate about making big career moves after having a baby. But those first few months bring fresh perspective and clarity. For me, the decision to change jobs became clear after returning from my first maternity leave to a job where my responsibilities had been quietly sidelined (a story for another article) 🙄 I was left with two choices: stay in a role that no longer challenged me or pursue something more fulfilling. I went with my gut and quit my job after my maternity leave—and haven’t looked back since.

That said, as much as instincts matter, making a decision like this calls for a thoughtful approach too. It’s necessary to weigh the trade-offs and consider what’s best for your career and family in the long run.

If you're wondering how to quit after maternity leave and if this is the right next step for you, you're not alone. To gain some clarity, I reached out to Julia Lynch, career coach and creator behind Smarter in a Sec, for her expert insights on making a smart and informed career choice.

Understanding the decision to quit after maternity leave

Quitting after maternity leave is a big step, so it’s important to weigh both the financial and emotional impact. You might feel stretched thin balancing work and a newborn, or realize your job no longer fits your career goals. This time could feel like the perfect opportunity to make a fresh start in a new field, find a more supportive work space, or dedicate time to your family.

On the other hand, leaving your job could mean giving up a comfortable environment, a steady paycheck, or valuable benefits like health insurance, which can be challenging with a new baby.

There’s also the mental load to think about: finding a new job takes a good amount of time, energy, and focus—all while you’re still adjusting to life with a newborn. Postpartum brings new routines, a changed relationship with your body, and shifting dynamics with your partner. Balancing these factors is tough, but reflecting on them will help you feel more grounded in making the best choice for your family.

Feeling “stuck” in your career

Feeling stuck in your career is common—maybe you’ve been waiting for a promotion that never came, your tasks feel repetitive, or you’re just no longer inspired by the industry you’re in. A major life change like having a baby can really amplify these feelings and make you rethink what you want from work. Consider whether you’re in a temporary rut or if it’s time to pursue a more meaningful change.

Personally, I had a clear career trajectory towards becoming a CMO and never questioned staying on that path before having kids. But once I became a mom, I found myself pulled in two directions. The passion I once felt for my work just wasn’t the same. Instead, I realized I needed a role that was more intellectually stimulating and aligned with my new priorities as a mom. Making a change felt like (and was) the right thing to do for me.

To help you think through your own situation, Julia recommends you ask yourself the following questions in these categories: 

LEARN

• Are you receiving the tools, resources, and mentorship you need to build a long-term career in this industry?
• Does your work challenge you to think critically and approach problems in new ways?

EARN

• Does this position allow you to meet your financial goals and secure your family’s future?
• Are you fairly compensated for the work you do?
• Do you have opportunities to boost your income through bonuses, equity, or stock options?

CONNECT

• Are you building relationships and networks that could support you throughout your career?

FULFILL

• Does your job allow you to pursue your passions?
• Is the work aligned with what you envision for yourself long-term?

FLEXIBLE

• Does this role give you the flexibility you need as a new parent?

Working through these questions can give you a clearer sense of your priorities. Take some time to reflect and, if you can, discuss these questions with your partner or a trusted friend. You may not reach an answer immediately or have a distinct moment of clarity, but asking these questions will guide you toward a decision that feels right.

Emotions and rationality behind leaving your job (and your career)

It's normal to have doubts about returning to work after having a baby. You may feel guilty, unsettled, or anxious (or maybe all of the above) about leaving your child with a new caregiver or in daycare, and you may feel stressed about balancing work and family life. On a recent podcast episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Divya Gugnani, CEO and Co-founder of Wander Beauty, CEO and Founder of 5 SENS, Founding Partner of Concept to Co, and mom of three. She highlighted how powerful intuition and gut instincts can be in decision-making. 

Trusting your intuition in career moves

“There's no right time…You make decisions when they feel right to you and they feel right in your bones. Always remember that your intuition and your gut never guide you the wrong way. And so sometimes we have a hard time tuning into our intuition and our gut, and often what I tell people to do is to just close your eyes. In five years where do you see yourself? Do you see yourself as an entrepreneur? Do you see yourself in a corporate job? Where do you see yourself living? Where do you see yourself working? What are your goals for five and 10 years and then almost work backwards, to take the steps today, to get there to that end process of that five and 10 year outcome?” – Divya Gugnani

What are the legal and financial considerations before resigning?

If you’re considering resigning, especially without another job lined up, there are a few legal and financial essentials to review. Review your employee handbook or contract for rules and policies that might affect your decision. Also, take some time to evaluate your budget, savings, and any financial safety nets you have in place.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Non-compete clauses: Does your employment contract include a non-compete agreement? Fortunately, it's unlawful for an employer to enforce these in California, but if you live in another state without these employee protections, this type of clause could limit your ability to work for competitors. Knowing the terms can help you plan your next steps.
• Post-resignation restrictions: Some companies have rules that prevent former employees from contacting clients or sharing confidential information. It’s important to be aware of these restrictions so you can follow them even after you leave.
• Notice period: How much notice are you required to give? This requirement may impact how much time you have to wrap up projects, secure a new role, or negotiate severance if applicable.
• Repayment of maternity benefits: Some companies require employees to return maternity leave benefits, such as paid leave or health coverage, if they resign within a certain period after returning from leave. Check your company’s policy or your employment contract to see if there’s a required repayment or “clawback” provision tied to your maternity leave benefits. Knowing this in advance can help you factor it into your decision and financial planning.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

When it comes to financial considerations, Julia recommends taking a close look at your finances. She says start by calculating your fixed daily expenses and then dig into your discretionary spending. Ask yourself: What are some easy cuts you can make that won’t affect your day-to-day happiness (like unused subscriptions, or in my case I cut out getting my nails done)? What are the tougher cuts that aren't necessarily essential, but make your life more enjoyable (like hiring a babysitter, or ordering frequently from food delivery apps)? 

Reviewing your finances helps you see what to cut and what’s worth keeping in your budget. Julia explains, “This exercise will lessen the blow of the lifestyle shift that often accompanies a job resignation. As a result of these insights, you may be able to find creative solutions in order to keep the line items that make you happy, like reducing child care spends by partnering with a mom friend and covering each other on date nights.” 

Another brilliant idea is Julia’s suggestion to get an extra freezer. Meal prepping and freezing meals can save you a lot of money compared to dining out or ordering takeout. Plus, it will save you time and stress on busy weeknights when cooking may not be an option.

Alternatives to quitting work after maternity leave

Before quitting, explore alternatives that could give you more balance or fulfillment without leaving your job completely. Sometimes, a little adjustment is all it takes to make things more manageable or to rediscover enjoyment in your role.

Ways to adjust how work shows up for you after having a baby

• Take a leave of absence: If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need more time to adjust to life as a mom, requesting a leave of absence could give you the break you need without fully resigning. This way, you can take a pause and come back refreshed, with a better sense of how to balance your new life and career.
• Adjust your current role: Have a conversation with your employer about potential changes that could make your job work better for you. Sometimes a slight schedule tweak or different responsibilities could make all the difference. This conversation could open doors to a new, customized setup that boosts your job satisfaction.
• Explore new opportunities within your company: If your role isn’t working but you like the company, explore department transfers or projects that better fit your interests. You might discover something that fits your current goals and lifestyle even better.

Transitioning to part-time employment

Thinking of shifting to part-time rather than quitting altogether? To make the case, consider how you can bring value to the team as a part-time contributor. Julia suggests framing your role around key contributions, like owning a specific project or managing a high-priority client. Preparing a clear scope of work can help demonstrate to management that a part-time arrangement will be a win-win.

“Your proposed scope needs to be super clear so that you're not doing full-time work for a part-time salary. The more granular you can get in terms of you, your contributions, and what you'd be doing hour-by-hour, the better” Julia advises.

Exploring a new career path

If you’re considering a complete career pivot, there are some steps you can take to explore the new path without fully committing just yet. Here are Julia’s practical tips to help you decide if a new direction aligns with your skills, lifestyle, and financial needs:

• Take stock of your finances: This is an important step  to understanding what you can afford during the transition. Knowing your financial position will also clarify whether you’re in a position to take on a role that may come with a pay cut.
• Reflect on your strengths: Think beyond job titles or industries and focus on your unique skills and qualities. What do people come to you for help with? What strengths do your friends and family see in you? These insights can point you toward paths that you might not have considered.
• Get a “day in the life” preview: Dive into TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram to watch “day in the life” videos of people working in fields you’re interested in. Seeing what these jobs look like on a daily basis can help you decide if they’re a good match.
• Browse job descriptions: Spend some time scrolling through job postings to get a feel for what roles excite you. Job descriptions can give you a sense of the skills and responsibilities in each field to help you see which paths resonate most.
• Use career exploration tools: Tools like ChatGPT can be surprisingly helpful for career exploration. You can ask it to generate job descriptions for fields you’re interested in or even to compare roles, giving you a snapshot of key differences and helping you hone in on what aligns best with your goals.

Exploring these options helps you feel confident—whether you stay, go part-time, or start a new career path.

Communicating your decision

Once you’ve decided to make a career change, breaking the news to your employer, direct supervisor, and colleagues can feel like the hardest step. Whether you’re having a face-to-face conversation or submitting a resignation letter after maternity leave, it’s important to communicate it well—thoughtfully and professionally—so you leave on a positive note.

“When exiting a corporate role, you want to make the transition as smooth as possible and make sure to leave the door open if you want to return in the future,” says Julia. She stresses that your well-being and financial needs come first. Don’t feel guilty if you knew during maternity leave that you might resign but waited until you returned to make it official. “Companies are structured to support these kinds of employee decisions, and at the end of the day, you need to do what is best for you,” Julia explains.

How to tell your boss

When the times comes to quit, sharing your plans with grace goes a long way. Julia suggests reaching out to each person you’ve worked with closely individually, sharing your decision and expressing what you’ve learned from them. If possible, offer to leverage your network to help find your replacement or assist with onboarding. This personal, thoughtful approach shows appreciation and ensures a smoother transition for everyone involved.

Considering the impact on your career

Here are some practical tips to help you navigate this major transition:

Ask yourself hard questions

After chatting with Samantha Wu, CMO of Eventbrite, and mom to two, I realized just how important it is to ask yourself the tough questions when considering a career pause or career change. Take some time for self-reflection, and ask yourself how this decision may impact your long-term goals and personal values. 

“It will always feel like it’s never a good time to take time off or a pause. I think you just can’t plan life… What I would think about is what do I want out of my career? And what are the things I’m interested in? If you have a proven record, a certain set of experiences before you take your pause, it’s easier to transition back. You need to make the decision: am I okay taking a lateral job, am I okay taking a step down if I’ve been out for a while? You’ve got to do what’s right for you, but you need to be very bright about how much time you’re taking off, and what you want for yourself in your career.” – Samantha Wu

Keeping your network active

LinkedIn is one of the best ways to find a new job because it allows you to network. I use LinkedIn to maintain and expand my network, and in the past, it has been my go-to tool for exploring new career opportunities. “If you're actively looking for new opportunities and not currently employed, an announcement to your network via LinkedIn is incredibly powerful,” Julia explains. She notes that sharing broad updates about yourself, your background, and what you’re looking to do next is a great way to activate your network and reconnect with contacts you may not have talked to in a while. 

Thought leadership on LinkedIn is also a powerful tool. Julia suggests writing a quick post about an interesting industry trend, a recent learning experience, or a resource you think more people should know about. Leverage this tool to showcase your knowledge and start conversations within your network.

Transitioning back to work in the future

If you plan on taking a short pause, or longer time off, reaching out to your network should be your first step when you’re looking to re-enter the workforce after a break. “Be vulnerable with the people closest to you about your professional ambitions and what you're looking to do next,” advises Julia. She also recommends joining a private Slack group called Old Girls Club, which is filled with supportive, ambitious women from various industries who are eager to assist.

Quitting your job after maternity leave: embracing change and new opportunities

Quitting your job after maternity leave can feel scary, but with proper planning and consideration, it can also be an incredibly rewarding decision. Take the time to reflect on your goals and skills, consult with trusted mentors and friends who have taken career pauses or made career changes, and make an informed choice.

You’re allowed to reinvent yourself. You’re allowed to change your mind and show up as the person you want to be. Embracing the unknown can lead to growth, new opportunities, and a life that energizes you.

So, trust yourself—when one door closes, another opens. You’ve got this, mama!

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