What if pressing pause on your career was actually the smartest, most strategic move you could make? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Neha Ruch, author of The Power Pause, to challenge the myths we’ve all been fed about stay-at-home motherhood, caregiving, and career pauses. We dig into why our culture undervalues care work, how identity gets tangled up in motherhood, and what it actually looks like to take a pause. Whether you’re considering stepping back from work to raise kids, support aging parents, or simply regroup, Neha shares smart ways to protect your finances, keep your skills sharp, and eventually re-enter the workforce on your terms.
Neha’s links:Website: https://www.thepowerpause.com/
Visit https://herfirst100k.com/ffpod to stay up to date and find any resources mentioned on our show!
00:00 Intro & Identity and Career Breaks
01:06 Myths & Stereotypes of Stay-at-Home Motherhood
04:13 The Financial Realities of Motherhood
08:21 Identity Shifts & The Power Pause Concept
12:27 Making Career Pauses Temporary, Not Permanent
14:53 Building Skills & Staying Connected During a Pause
21:56 Validation & Measuring Success in Caregiving
28:11 Positioning a Career Pause on Your Resume
31:50 Financial Power Dynamics in Relationships
40:09 Elder Care vs. Child Care Pauses
47:04 Reentering the Workforce: Pitfalls & Strategies
49:54 What Does a Successful Power Pause Look Like?
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