Why I’ve chosen to re:write ambition after motherhood
Women in the workforce across the UK is at its highest number ever – with 72.5% aged between 16-64 working.
Equally, the reality is that more women are more likely to be economically inactive compared to men, with 54.1% of women (11% men) being inactive due to caring responsibilities.
ONS show that:
The total earnings loss over five years amounts to an average of £65,618 following the birth of a first child,
£26,317 following the birth of a second child and
£32,456 following the birth of a third child.
Motherhood is not simply an identity shift. It’s an economic event.
Being a mixed methods researcher, the statistics alone don’t capture the full picture & that’s why you need the qual evidence. It’s more than just the numbers:
The decisions behind choices being made include: rising costs of childcare, access to flexible working, senior leadership expectations and amazingly, women choosing to build portfolio careers or businesses on their own terms.
So now, it becomes a story of ambition being re:written.
During my maternity leave, I thought I had my return mapped out.
I would go back to my high-powered career.
Continue climbing the ladder.
Take on more responsibility.
Maintain momentum.
Even during maternity leave, I missed using my skillset & wanted to return to a role I loved and a team I had built.
Having returned to my 4-day per week role, this role no longer worked for me & for various reasons, at the end of 2025, I left my six-figure salary.
In the midst of my doubts, I came across this quote by Simon Sinek which I absolutely love:
“I think a lot of people think that if you only maintain forward momentum, that's the only way to advance…
A willingness to take a step back and reassess your career, without worrying about factors like judgment from others or making less money, is a crucial part of finding fulfilment”
My ambition has by far faded.
At the start of 2026, I began to re:write this chapter of my life:
I joined a supportive community of Mothers in business.
I took on a part-time consulting role that allows flexibility around my twins’ appointments.
I continue advising business owners and hold a board trustee role — while building this research-led platform alongside family life.
This pattern works.
Not because I am less ambitious.
Not because I couldn’t “manage it all.”
But because ambition, when reframed, can coexist with motherhood.
By no means does this mean that I’m no longer ambitious or that I’m less worthy than a mum who’s working full-time – neither or less or more worthy roles.
“This is my version of success in this chapter”
If you’re rethinking success in this season of life, join the shift & re:write newsletter via the link in my bio.