There was a season of my life when everything felt like a race I never signed up for. I was a corporate mom trying to juggle deadlines, daycare pickups, and the endless mental load that comes with motherhood. Every morning felt like a sprint out the door, and every night I collapsed into bed feeling like I’d given everyone everything—except myself.
For a while, I convinced myself this was just what motherhood looked like. Exhaustion. Hustle. Survival mode.
But life has a way of nudging us toward what we truly need, even when we don’t recognize it right away. My nudge came in the form of burnout—quiet at first, then loud enough that I couldn’t ignore it anymore.
Stepping Back to Breathe
Leaving corporate to become a stay-at-home mom wasn’t something I planned. It felt like stepping off a moving train and not knowing where my feet would land. For the first time in a long time, the noise faded. But in the quiet, I had to face parts of myself I hadn’t checked in with for years.
I learned quickly that staying home with little ones is still work—just a different kind of demanding. I no longer had back-to-back meetings, but I had meltdowns and messes and a little tribe depending on me every second. And without the structure of my old life, I had to rebuild myself from the inside out.
That’s when self-care stopped being a buzzword and started becoming a lifeline (This was when MommyWithAGoal was born).
Finding Myself in the Small Moments
I didn’t have a roadmap. What I had were tiny opportunities—five minutes of quiet, a walk around the block, a cup of tea I actually finished. These little pockets of peace reminded me that I was still a person outside of motherhood.
I started asking questions I hadn’t asked in years:
What do I love? What fills my cup? What kind of life do I want to model for my kids?
Slowly, I discovered a different side of me—one that craved intention, slow moments, connection, and alignment. I realized survival mode had been running the show for too long, and I deserved to live with more purpose than just getting through the day.
Grit I Didn’t Know I Had
People talk about grit like it’s something you build through big milestones, but motherhood taught me it’s formed in the unseen moments—when you’re tired but still show up, when you reinvent yourself because life demands it, when you choose growth even in the mess.
There were days I questioned myself. Days I felt behind. Days I compared my journey to everyone else’s. But every struggle softened me and strengthened me at the same time. I didn’t realize how resilient I truly was until life required me to be.
Returning to Corporate—On My Terms
Eventually, the time came for me to step back into the working world—but this time, I did it differently. Working from home allows me to blend the parts of me I used to keep separate: the professional, the mother, the creative, the woman with dreams beyond her to-do list.
The difference now is intention.
I don’t move through my days trying to prove anything. I don’t chase validation or perfection. I build a life that feels aligned with my values—presence, connection, flexibility, and purpose.
The Heart of My Journey
Looking back, I see a mom who was doing her best with what she knew. But I also see a woman who grew through every pivot—corporate life, stay-at-home life, and now this new chapter of working from home.
Each season taught me something:
- Corporate taught me discipline and drive.
- Staying home taught me emotional strength and self-awareness.
- Intentional living taught me that my well-being matters.
- Working from home taught me that I can create a life that honors all sides of me.
I’m stronger, softer, and more grounded than I ever imagined. And the most beautiful part? I’m still evolving.
If you’re reading this in your own season of survival mode, I hope you know this:
You’re not failing. You’re growing. And life has a way of guiding you toward the version of yourself you’re meant to meet.
One intentional step at a time.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
Even though I’m not a mom myself, I could feel the weight and joy behind every word as you talked about your journey.
I’m not married, but I see my mom, who probably hasn’t had a day to herself. You did good by keeping your peace and finding moments for yourself. It may not be easy, but being yourself is also needed.
What a heartfelt journey you’ve shared, your openness about the highs, lows and everything in between really strikes a chord. Thank you for letting us into your world and reminding us that motherhood is messy, beautiful and profoundly meaningful.
Such a warm and genuine post — I really admire how you talk about the ups, downs, and everything in between of motherhood. Thanks for sharing your journey!
You didn’t just survive motherhood; you rebuilt yourself with grace, grit, and purpose. I’m proud of the woman you chose to become.
What a lovely deep post. I wish I was this self-aware in my younger days. I always feel with every passing generation, the young are so much more evolved.
One sentence from my side – I am glad that you returned back to work mode. You made a move to return back but many cannot – You are blessed. I being a mom and that too a late one i never can imagine my existence without my work. I left working for just a single month where I thought to check let me see what is stay at home person…. I hated myself the most that time… I found myself so meaningless. Many mom leave their career to return back later after managing the kids….. but the industry hardly wait for their return much as more advanced and better trained candidates are available to take the place. Few can do it as they feel banking on spouse income is ok …. But aha not for me… I believe and I am at par with my spouse then why to depend. If i wish to manage being mom, being wife and being a professional I can do it and I am doing it. Yes my spouse helps me in every aspect of life. I am blessed too.
I’m sure you spoke for a lot of moms through this post. It was so real and so relatable. The grind is never-ending but we have to decide where to draw a line to maintain the right balance.
I’m happy that you’ve returned to work again. Whatever you have done, if you were willfully and happily doing it, that’s all it matters.
Motherhood when balancing a corporate job can be harsh on you. it was for me , drove me to despair and anxiety many times but looking back, I gain strength from your words, showing up , being there is important. You keep evolving. I have learnt that making mistakes is Ok. I am going to read more of your posts about Intentional living.
Your journey resonated so deeply — from the overwhelming race of corporate life to finding peace, purpose, and your authentic self in motherhood. Your courage to rebuild, reflect, and lead with intention is truly inspiring. Keep evolving beautifully.
Glad you shared about your journey, in all honesty. It is sure to help Mom’s and make them feel they are not alone.
Being a mom this is what I could most resonate with. I truly feel every line of what you have written here
Becoming a mother is the happiest moment in one’s life, but life after that can be qite challenging. Depending upon the help and support from those around you, you can navigate it in various ways. I’m glad you could step back into the corporate world, but that again comes with a lot of challenges. Best wishes.
Love the way you have written this blog with all heart. You explained motherhood so beautifully!