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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265. How to Make a Career Pause Work for You — Not Against You (with Neha Ruch)