Caitlyn Kumi’s Post

This idea has been a game-changer for me, and it’s something I’ve only recently started to figure out as I’ve reflected on my own career journey. These days, especially with social media and platforms like LinkedIn, it’s so easy to let our lives become completely centered around our careers. We’re constantly encouraged to chase the next promotion, hit the next salary milestone, post our latest achievements, and more. Personally, I began tying my sense of worth to what I did professionally. But honestly, I’ve realized that’s just not sustainable long-term. I’ve started to think differently about this—what if, instead of centering my life around my career, I made my career center around my life? That shift feels more realistic and freeing. As I think about starting a family one day and what that might mean for me professionally, I’ve come to see how important it is to design a career that works with my life, not against it. It doesn’t mean giving up on ambition or success, but it’s about finding balance and creating something sustainable for the life I want to live—not just now, but in the future. This shift in perspective has been a relief, honestly, and it’s made me feel more in control of both my career and my personal life.

A helpful post to help realign your career goals.

Women who aspire to build great careers are constantly conflicted between their 2 equally important ambitions - career ambition and mom ambition. Just wanted to share my own learnings as an aspiring ‘CAREER-MOM’: 1. Career Mom # Working Mom The mental model of a career mom is radically different than continuing to work post kids. Also career moms are not moms who achieve fastest careers and reach the top only. It is essentially an impact-oriented view for our professional life. The quality of impact is the individual's choice. Also it is very critical to kill the guilt of not being around our kid as much as we think we should be. Just kill it. It's an archaic concept which just messes with our heads on a daily basis. We are doing everything that matters for our kids and they are incredibly fortunate to have us as moms. 2. Be driven by Impact-ambition We must push ourselves to define the kind of impact-professional we want to grow into. And define it in as specific terms as possible. For example - Instead of 'I want to do brand-marketing', we can define our impact goal as 'I want to learn how to create and grow a strong consumer brand’. And then learn what do we need to do to reach there in as much detail as possible. 3. Take ownership of your career This essentially means accepting the importance of a meaningful career in one's life and then going after it with focus and resilience. I am a firm believer that organisations should not take responsibility of careers for people who are not ambitious themselves. (Obviously, inclusivity, respect, fairness and other important values must be there). This is the biggest hurdle - women don't own their careers. We need to understand that no one (companies or husbands or families) will give importance to our career if it is not important to us. Why should they? If our career is important to us, then we must research more, hustle more, know more and do more. 4. Develop appetite for personal risk Many women start chasing predictable stability once they have kids. It starts with working days & hours and then creeps into us resisting anything that may disturb the 'perfect routine.' Careers are not built on 'perfect routines.' Period. We need to build a healthy appetite for imperfect routines from the beginning. It takes time to gain personal confidence to manage unexpected travel, long working days etc. So sooner we start, stronger we become:). 5. Invest generously to achieve best possible scenarios for career-kid combo phase Good careers are built over long term. It is perfectly fine to not save anything for 7-8 years and instead invest in the best of child-care, extra house-help, technology (e.g. Wi-Fi cameras), transportation, full time nursing for elders at home, even secretarial support to be in control and not compromise on career choices. Would love to know more from other ‘Career-moms’ :)

Title: The Modern Career Woman's Journey: Balancing Ambitions and Responsibilities In today's fast-paced world, the journey of the modern career woman is a narrative of ambition, perseverance, and the art of balancing multiple responsibilities. Gone are the days when women were confined to traditional roles; today, they are breaking barriers, shattering glass ceilings, and carving out their paths in various fields. However, this journey is not without its challenges, especially when it comes to striking a balance between career aspirations and family responsibilities. The modern career woman's journey is a testament to her resilience and determination to thrive in both her professional and personal life. With ambitions as high as the sky, she embarks on a path filled with obstacles, sacrifices, and triumphs. From climbing the corporate ladder to starting her own business, she refuses to let anything hold her back. However, amidst her career pursuits, the modern career woman is also a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. She juggles multiple roles with grace, navigating through the complexities of modern life with finesse. Balancing long work hours, business meetings, and deadlines with quality time spent with loved ones is no easy feat, yet she manages to do so with unwavering dedication. One of the biggest challenges faced by the modern career woman is the constant struggle to find a work-life balance. In a world where the lines between work and personal life are becoming increasingly blurred, she often finds herself torn between advancing her career and being present for her family. The pressure to excel in both domains can sometimes feel overwhelming, leading to feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Moreover, societal expectations and stereotypes often place additional burdens on the shoulders of women, making it even more challenging for them to navigate their professional and personal lives. The notion that women must choose between career and family is outdated and unrealistic; the modern career woman refuses to conform to such limitations. Despite these challenges, the modern career woman continues to persevere, fueled by her passion for success and her unwavering commitment to her loved ones. She seeks out support networks, mentors, and allies who understand and appreciate the unique challenges she faces. She embraces flexibility, innovation, and adaptability, finding creative solutions to navigate the ever-changing landscape of modern work culture. The journey of the modern career woman is one of resilience, determination, and empowerment. She refuses to be defined by societal norms or limitations, blazing trails and paving the way for future generations of women. As we celebrate the achievements of women in the workforce, let us continue to support, empower, and uplift each other on this remarkable journey towards equality and success. I celebrate you all. #women #family #gender #inclusion #IWD #equity #empowerment

💼 Career Gaps for Married Women: A Chapter of Growth, Not a Detour 🌱 For many married women, stepping away from the workforce is often a choice made with love and dedication—whether for raising children, caring for family, or pursuing personal goals. But let’s be clear: a career gap is not a career end. 🌟 Why It’s a Strength: Life Skills: Managing a household, nurturing a family, and balancing multiple responsibilities hone critical skills like leadership, organization, and emotional intelligence. Personal Growth: These years often bring valuable experiences—whether through volunteer work, learning new skills, or simply gaining a broader perspective on life. Re-entry: The professional world is increasingly recognizing the value of these experiences, with more companies offering returnship programs and flexible working arrangements. Let’s redefine the narrative around career gaps for married women. These are not lost years but rather a time of growth, learning, and preparation for new challenges ahead. 🌟 #CareerGaps #WomenInWorkforce #Empowerment #GrowthJourney

Hey ladies! 👋🏽 Is it just me, or is Fall in the air!? 🤔 I used to dread the end of summer, as temps drop and leaves go from green to brown. But then I realized, what I really dreaded was change. With age, I've gained a new perspective, and now see change as an opportunity to start fresh in a new season. Perhaps you've been thinking about a change… in your life or your career… but you're not sure what you want or how to get it. Or maybe, you think you're too old. On this 🌱Wellness Wednesday🌱, I encourage you to remember, you're NEVER too old to make positive changes in your life! You CAN walk into your next season with confidence and power. Not sure how? Check out this 👇🏽 BRAND NEW article 👇🏽 by my friend and career-coach colleague Kaila K. for InHerSight. In "These 5 Women Changed Careers After 30," Andrea Hesler, Rachel Zorn Kindermann, Kate Ertmann, Erin McClary and I share how we did it. And you can too. Key take-aways: 🍂 Embrace change at any age: Career transitions are achievable. Don't let age hold you back. 🍂 Learn from others' journeys: Seek inspiration from women who've successfully changed careers. Their experiences offer valuable insights. 🍂 Plan, prepare, and persist: Reflect on your goals, create an action plan, and stay committed. Remember, growth often happens outside your comfort zone. Put these tips into practice and you'll start to see results. Let's get growing! 🌺

Return to work with confidence, and a plan! If you would love to return to work after a long career break, then the Women Returners Back to Your Future Conference is just what you need. This virtual conference on 1-2 May, is aimed at returning women professionals, the Conference is packed full of advice, inspiration, tools and connections to get you back to a rewarding role! “I now feel inspired and encouraged to start on my return to work journey!” - 2023 Attendee Here’s what to expect from the Conference: ✅Advice and information from a wide range of Return-to-Work Expert Workshops ✅Connect with other like-minded women returners through 1:1 video conversations and in sector-based small group video chat rooms ✅ Be encouraged by the stories of a Returner panel of women who have successfully returned to work in a variety of different fields, hosted by Jane Garvey ✅Hear from Maria Caulfield MP, Minister for Women ✅Learn more about return to work opportunities and organisations ✅Ask your questions live to our Career Returners (previously Women Returners) coaches Who is the Conference aimed at? 👉Women with a professional/managerial background who have taken a long career break (over a year) and who want to return to work using their professional skills and experience. 👉Your career break could be for 18 months or 18 years, for childcare, eldercare, health, relocation or other reasons. 👉You may be looking to return to a similar role, to pivot or to change completely 👉You may have not done any paid work for a number of years, or have been running your own business or doing lower-level work around other commitments 👉You could be any age Ticket holders can recap and catch up on speaker, panel and main stage workshop sessions for 30 days after the event. Buy your ticket here >>> https://lnkd.in/e-KzPpNq

Why Every Woman Should Have Her Own Career In today's world, every woman deserves the chance to build her own career. It’s not just about having a job—it’s about claiming a space where her talents, dreams, and ambitions can flourish. A career is more than a paycheck; it’s an avenue for self-expression, personal growth, and achievement. Having a career allows a woman to pursue her passions and interests, giving her a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It’s an opportunity to challenge herself, set and achieve goals, and contribute meaningfully to her field. This sense of accomplishment can significantly boost self-esteem and personal confidence. A career also provides financial independence, which is crucial for personal freedom and security. Financial independence means making choices based on what’s best for oneself rather than being constrained by economic dependence. It empowers women to make decisions about their lives, families, and futures without compromising their values or goals. Moreover, pursuing a career helps to break down traditional gender roles and stereotypes. It sends a powerful message that women are equally capable of excelling in any profession. When women succeed in diverse fields, they inspire future generations and contribute to a more equitable society. In addition, having a career can provide a sense of community and belonging. Workplaces often become networks of support and collaboration, where women can share experiences, mentor each other, and grow together. This network can be invaluable, both professionally and personally. Ultimately, every woman should have the opportunity to build a career that aligns with her passions and strengths. It’s about more than just professional success—it’s about creating a life where she can fully realize her potential, make meaningful contributions, and lead a fulfilling life. In championing each woman’s right to pursue her own career, we embrace a future where everyone’s talents and aspirations are valued and celebrated. #sharingiscaring #womenempowerment #career

Careers are playgrounds especially for women. Here's why: Our journeys are filled with unique challenges and opportunities that shape our professional lives in ways that often diverge from traditional career trajectories. 🌱 Career Breaks - Many women take time off for family responsibilities. These aren't setbacks—they're pivotal moments that bring fresh perspectives and skills. 🚀 Adaptability -Women, particularly mothers, are queens of adaptability. We juggle multiple roles daily, making us uniquely equipped for the modern workplace. 💡 Creativity in Crisis - Like anyone facing redundancy, women often turn these moments into opportunities for growth, learning new skills, or pursuing passions. Despite our resilience and adaptability, women face unique challenges: 💰 Pay Gap - Women are often unfairly compensated compared to male counterparts, even when accounting for career breaks. At current rates it will take until 2044 to close the gap. 🏆 Recognition: Our non-linear career paths are sometimes undervalued, despite the rich experiences and skills they bring. 🔄 Re-entry Struggles: Returning to work after a break can be challenging, with many facing reduced opportunities or pay. As Sheryl Sandberg said, "Your career is a jungle gym, not a ladder." For women, this jungle gym might have a few extra twists and turns, but it also offers unique vantage points: 🌍 Diverse Experiences: Career breaks can lead to travel, volunteering, or personal growth—all valuable in shaping well-rounded professionals. 🔗 Networking: Time away from traditional roles can lead to unexpected connections and opportunities. 🎨 Entrepreneurship: Many women leverage their unique experiences to start businesses aligned with their values and life experiences. It's time to recognise and celebrate the unique value that women, especially mothers, bring to the workforce. How have you turned challenges into opportunities? #WomenInBusiness #CareerGrowth #WorkLifeBalance #GenderEquality --- ♻ Repost to help your network Follow me: Stephanie White 💸 for more insights on financial wellbeing and education 📰Get my free newsletter: www.goodmmoneytribe.com

Which industries are most welcoming to women following a career break? According to new LinkedIn data, the most common industry for women to enter after taking a step back from work is hospitals and healthcare — 12.2% of women who listed a career break on their LinkedIn profile started a position in the field after their time away. That’s followed by professional services, which includes accounting and consulting firms, and education. Nearly 43% more women have a career break listed on their LinkedIn profile than men in the U.S.. The most common reason women take a step back from work is to parent full-time, and hose breaks last a median of just over three years. About one-third of women who take a career break return to the same industry afterward. When women come back to the same industry, 4.3% re-enter at a higher level of seniority. That figure is higher for women who change industries — 13.9% of women who make a career pivot upon returning to the workforce re-enter at a higher level of seniority. If you work in one of these industries, how have you seen employers support women returning from a career break such as parental leave? Weigh in below. And read more about this story here: https://lnkd.in/eVM49nv9 ✍️: Taylor Borden 📊: LinkedIn's Economic Graph