It’s official — I’ve entered the “working mum” club!

This week, after 12 months away on maternity leave, I returned to work, and it feels SO SURREAL being back.

It almost feels like I’ve stepped straight into an episode of the Netflix series, ‘Workin’ Moms’ — crazy mornings, endless to-do lists, and a whole new juggling act … minus the going into the office part (I work from home!).

The last 12 months have absolutely FLOWN!

How has an entire year gone by already?

It feels like only yesterday that I was signing out for the last time before maternity leave and suddenly, here I am, back in the world of meetings and deadlines.

It’s so bizarre. On the one hand maternity has felt like, “BLINK and you’ll miss it!”, yet on the other hand the last year has felt like about 4 years rolled into 1! L:ike: “Was that really THIS year? Huh!”

Anyhoo!

After a full year off, I was really nervous going back to work.

I wasn’t sure how I’d be able to handle being away from Little Miss A … although working from home, I’m in a really awesome position, for which I’m super grateful, where I don’t actually have to be physically AWAY from her as such … and I wasn’t sure how I’d be able to handle the juggling act, trying to balance working while also, well, being a mumma.

But so far, it’s been great! I’ve actually enjoyed being back at work.

Say, WHAAAAT NOW?! … I know, right!

I’ve gone back 2 days a week to start, into a slightly adjusted role — I have a REALLY great boss who is super supportive of mumma’s returning to work — and I’m actually really ENJOYING being back.

It’s been great reconnecting with the team — AND having adult conversations again! *Ha! Plus, it’s helped that J and I have things really well coordinated on the days I’m working in terms of looking after Miss A and keeping her occupied.

But all of this has got me thinking: How has becoming a mumma changed my definition of success — because obviously success is now going to look a little different — and how have my career goals changed?

Basically, it’s got me asking:

How am I going to succeed as a workin’ mumma?

It’s no secret that motherhood changes everything — your sleep patterns (hello, 3AM feeds, and middle of the night ‘find-the-missing-dummy’ escapades!), your daily priorities and routines, and yes, even your career goals.

It’s not that your ambitions disappear when you become a mumma; they simply evolve, shaped by the new world you’re navigating.

But how do you align your career dreams with your life as a mumma?

Spoiler: It’s not about giving up — it’s about slightly adjusting!

Here’s how to redefine success and set career goals that work for YOU, now that you’re juggling motherhood and career progression.

pause and reflect on your priorities

Before the baby days, your career might have been your main focus — I know it was for me!

Now?

Life’s a bit more … layered shall we say.

Start by asking yourself: What do I value most in this chapter?

Is it flexibility? Financial stability? Or maybe it’s a role that feels fulfilling on a deeper level?

Write it all down.

Your new priorities will help shape your next steps.

bye, bye guilt!

It needs to be said: Adjusting your career goals — or your position — isn’t “settling” or “taking a step back”.

Think of it more as, EVOLVING!

Pre-baby I had been promoted into a managing editor role and was well on track to hitting all of my previous career goals and ambitions.

I’m a lot more certain about what I want to be doing as far as my career goes and if I’m going to spend precious time away from Miss A during the week, I want to make sure I’m doing things that make me happy — that help me thrive both professionally and personally — that bring me a feeling of success and accomplishment.

So, I see this as slightly adjusting — adjusting towards a way of working that allows you to show up fully for your family and for yourself!

And there’s no shame in that.

redefine success

Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept, especially when you’re a mumma.

Maybe it’s leaving work at 3PM to pick up the kids or finding a side hustle that fuels your creativity while fitting around nap schedules.

Whatever your vision, own it.

Success now is about balance, not burnout.

set clear and achievable goals

Now that you’ve honed in on your priorities, it’s time to set some actionable goals.

Keep them specific and realistic.

For example: Instead of “I want to work fewer hours,” try “I want to work X number of days per week in a slightly adjusted position that still allows me to do X, while giving me plenty of time to show up for my family.”

Having clear goals will keep you focused and moving forward.

it’s about the baby steps

Thinking of shifting careers or leveling up in your current field or position?

Take baby steps — literally.

Sign up for an online course, join a professional group, or connect with a mentor.

You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight.

Progress, even in small increments, adds up.

For a recap on how I did this during my maternity leave, click here!

it takes a village

Motherhood is a team sport, and so is redefining your career.

Lean on your partner, family, and friends, and tap into mum communities online or locally.

They’re often filled with advice, encouragement, and solidarity that makes all the difference.

celebrate every win

Whether it’s updating your resume, landing an interview, or figuring out what you don’t want to do, every step forward is worth celebrating.

Treat yourself to something that makes you feel good — because balancing motherhood and career takes serious effort, and you deserve recognition.

So, despite what some people might think, becoming a mumma doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your career aspirations or your professional ambitions.

Instead, think of it as an opportunity to refocus and slightly adjust!

Sure, your dreams and goals might look a little different now, but they’re no less valid or achievable.

By prioritising what matters, setting CLEAR goals and intentions, and giving yourself grace along the way, you can create a fulfilling career path that complements your role as a mumma.

Motherhood shifts your perspective, sure, but it doesn’t have to change your who you are and where you want to be.

Realigning your career is just another way of stepping into the incredible, multi-faceted person you now are.

So, will I succeed as a workin’ mumma? Heck yes, I will!

x G.

Margaret Mielczarek

editor, journalist, digital content creator with a background in nutrition & dietetics.