Feeling humbled by motherhood in unexpected ways?

[Parth]

Got an email to finish my exit formalities and I can't stop grieving.

Before I got pregnant, I never imagined I'd have to quit my job. I really thought I had my village. But the harsh reality along the way humbled me and hit my self‑esteem hard.

I thought I could have it all – good grades, a successful career, a happy marriage, a cute baby, financial stability, all before 30. Life taught me otherwise.

I quit the job that gave me freedom and identity.

I'm still learning to make peace with the "village" I thought I had. I also have a long way to go in not tying my self‑worth to the money I earn.

I don't know what I'll do next. I keep thinking of endless ways to earn without leaving my baby. It's tough, you know, to keep showing up as a mom on days you feel like a piece of your soul is missing.

I'm not worried about being provided for. My husband is great. It's just that the little‑girl version of me truly believed she could have it all, and life humbled her. I'm grieving the version of myself I thought I'd become.

And the painful part? My company straight‑up told me to quit when I asked for work‑from‑home. I was shocked.

If you'd asked me about child‑free people a few years ago, I probably would've laughed. But after actually living motherhood, I completely get them.

Don't get me wrong – I deeply love my baby and being a mom. I wouldn't trade my child for the "corporate baddie" title. But life taught me not to judge child‑free folks, because motherhood demands huge sacrifice, especially from women. Not everyone gets the privilege to quit their career.

So yes, I love motherhood but I also acknowledge it cost me big time.

[Anil]

Thank you for being so brutally honest and vulnerable. We rarely hear women talk about grieving the life they leave behind when they become full‑time moms.

I have friends who are stay‑at‑home moms and I always wondered if they think about the 'what‑ifs'. Your post gave me a lot of perspective.

As someone who ties a lot of self‑worth to work, I think this was needed.

I hope you find your peace, bbg. You're an amazing mom and a corporate baddie on break, and we love you.

[Chirag]

I'm child‑free, but it hurts to see mothers forced to sacrifice so much just to 'have it all'. Corporate culture was built by men, for men, leaving barely any space for women once they become moms. They end up constantly compromising.

I'm sorry, OP. I hope you can get back to work when your child is older.

[Pratik]

I'm in the same boat, OP. I'm a second‑time mom.

After my first baby I went back to work, and I know how tough it is. Now my second baby is two months old and I'm confused because the "village" was only there the first time when everything was new. Now it's just us.

[Laksh]

This is just a temporary setback, OP. You seem like a smart go‑getter; you'll come back stronger with an even better career. I've seen many high‑agency women pivot into great jobs or businesses after motherhood. Use this time to explore new hobbies, enjoy motherhood, and think about different career paths.

[Arnav]

This is beautifully written. Is there a chance you could find an organisation that's more supportive during this period and a bit flexible? I know you love your baby, but you can still keep the corporate baddie title. It won't be easy, but I wish you all the best.

[Nikita]

Yes, it humbled me, slapped me on the face.

I also had to quit my successful career to care for my premature child.

[Chiranjit]

Yeah, it taught me I can't have it all, at least not every day.

Like you, OP, I didn't have a village. It was just my husband, me, and some irregular part‑time help.

It was a tough time, but my husband really stepped up at home – cooking, childcare, house admin. Without him it would have been impossible to keep my job.

I have a decent career in mid‑senior technical leadership, a very male‑dominated field. I can't stress enough how much time and resources my male colleagues have – most have non‑working spouses handling the house 100%, so they can work uninterrupted. That's a big advantage.

I've reached the same conclusion as another commenter – corporate isn't built for women. It has nothing to do with individual self‑worth.

[Dayanand]

Men never have to quit their jobs for a child, but many women do. Some men even complain about the privileges women have. We're barely able to hold onto our jobs without guilt‑tripping, yet men often don't see that.

[Dilip]

I'm so sorry this happened to you. In 2026 it's still so unfair. We shouldn't have to sacrifice our careers when we already sacrifice so much mentally and physically. None of this reflects on your skills or competence – you already know that. I'm sure you'll come out of this stronger. Please don't let it bring you down.

I've always lacked confidence even when I did well academically or professionally. Motherhood showed me what I'm truly capable of as a person. It taught me what's important, what to let go, and what to fight for. I feel more at peace now, more confident. I now know my value isn't just in professional success. As a person, I'm intrinsically valuable to my family and loved ones.

Maybe this sounds tone‑deaf, and I'm privileged to live in a country with strong labour laws, but please give yourself time to heal. Know this is a season to rest, recuperate, and care for your little one. Amazing things are waiting for you in the next season of life!

[Vasant]

So accurately written. I faced the same thing two years ago. I was told to re‑join immediately or leave when I asked for a two‑month extension on my maternity leave, which was unpaid.

Now, after two years I don't know how I would go back even if I got a chance. For the past two years I've only been a mom, and I know I'm a good mom, but I've forgotten everything else I once was.

Just thinking about returning gives me chills. I loved my job and was really good at it, I miss it, but now I don't even know who I am without my baby.