Bossed Up The Power Pause: Rebranding the Stay-at-Home Mom
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Aug 5, 2025 Neha Ruch, founder of The Power Pause and author, dives into the complexities of ambition, motherhood, and identity. She challenges the outdated label of 'stay-at-home mom,' emphasizing that caregiving is a valuable identity that doesn't diminish professional aspirations. The conversation covers the unrealistic binary of working versus at-home moms, the significance of a supportive community, and strategies for women re-entering the workforce after a career break. Neha’s insights aim to empower women to embrace their choices and redefine success.
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Stepping Back After A Big Career Push
- Neha Ruch describes downshifting after her son was born and moving to part-time work after a decade in brand marketing.
- She framed the move as peace and curiosity rather than giving up ambition.
Why 'Stay-At-Home Mom' Needs Reframing
- The phrase "stay-at-home mom" implies stagnation and carries stigma rooted in 1970s media tropes.
- Language and archetypes shaped public perception and created a false binary between caregivers and workers.
Modern Parenting Is Fluid, Not Binary
- Neha's American Mothers on Pause survey found modern parenting is fluid: many women downshift or pause temporarily and 90% aim to return.
- The binary June Cleaver vs. Sheryl Sandberg narrative doesn't match today's realities.
