On International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, it feels particularly apt to share a story about challenging assumptions and redefining success. While many might take this day off, I choose to work, not just because my amazing clients are inspiring women themselves, but because my work embodies the very spirit of choice and empowerment this day represents. It’s a celebration in its own right, a testament to the journey I’ve embraced as both an entrepreneur and soon-to-be mother.

My recent pregnancy announcement (yes, I’m expecting!) brought immense joy and well wishes from friends and family. However, amidst the excitement, a recurring sentiment emerged that, if I’m being completely honest, has left me feeling a little unsettled. Initially, I brushed it off as well-intentioned comments, but after discussing it with close friends, I realized my feelings were valid and worth exploring further. This isn’t just about my personal experience; it touches upon broader societal narratives that often limit how we perceive women’s professional ambitions once motherhood enters the picture.

This post aims to clarify the distinction between two significant, yet entirely separate, chapters in my life: launching a thriving business and starting a family. It’s crucial for me to set the record straight and share the depth of dedication that has gone into building my career.

Redefining Success: My Journey in Entrepreneurship and Motherhood

The Unintended Stereotype: Pregnancy and Career Assumptions

As my husband and I shared our joyous news, a surprisingly large number of conversations included a response along the lines of, “I knew you were pregnant when you announced you were working from home!” Each time, I felt a mix of shock and offense. While I understood the intention was likely good, implying a certain insight or connection, it inadvertently diminished the monumental effort behind my career transition. During those initial celebratory moments, I bit my tongue, not wanting to overshadow such a special announcement with a defensive explanation.

But now that the initial waves of congratulations have settled, it’s time to address this pervasive assumption. The notion that my decision to leave my corporate job and embark on an entrepreneurial path was primarily driven by, or even a precursor to, my pregnancy is a narrative that fundamentally misrepresents my journey. It suggests a causal link where none exists, stripping away years of meticulous planning, relentless hard work, and genuine passion.

My Entrepreneurial Journey: Years in the Making

A Vision Beyond Motherhood

My ambition to be my own boss and build my own business wasn’t a sudden whim sparked by impending motherhood; it was a deeply ingrained aspiration cultivated over many years. Long before my husband and I even considered starting a family, I had a clear vision for my professional future. I yearned for the creative freedom, the autonomy, and the direct impact that comes with entrepreneurship. This was a dream nurtured through countless late nights and weekends spent refining skills, researching market opportunities, and developing a robust business plan, all while holding down a full-time job.

The Decision to Dive In: A Timeline of Dedication

To put it plainly: my decision to leave my previous job and embrace working from home as a full-time entrepreneur was made well in advance of my pregnancy. I formally submitted my two-weeks’ notice one week before I even discovered I was pregnant. The foundational choice to transition my career was solidified weeks, if not months, prior to that. This wasn’t a casual move to “prepare” for a baby; it was a strategic, calculated leap of faith into a career I was absolutely passionate about.

While the eventual hope of having children played a minuscule role (perhaps 5%) in my overall life planning, the overwhelming driving force (a solid 95%) behind my career change was my profound love for the work I do. I was eager to immerse myself in it full-time, to dedicate all my energy to building something truly meaningful and impactful. To hear people link my career change directly to my pregnancy feels like a subtle, yet significant, dismissal of this deep-seated professional ambition. It’s often perceived as, “Oh, how sweet, she’s dabbling in a little extra income while she waits to become a mother.” This unintended implication, regardless of good intentions, reinforces societal norms that frequently undervalue women’s professional pursuits once they consider or enter motherhood.

Debunking the “Side Hustle” Myth: The Reality of Entrepreneurship

The perception of working from home can often conjure images of leisurely days and flexible schedules, particularly when associated with impending motherhood. However, the reality of building a burgeoning business from the ground up is starkly different from this idyllic picture. My new life as an entrepreneur, working from home, is characterized by intense dedication and relentless effort, far removed from the notion of a casual side-gig.

• Unwavering Dedication and Extended Hours

  One of the most immediate shifts I experienced was the dramatic increase in my working hours. A typical 9-to-5 workday quickly expanded into a 12-hour day, becoming my new normal. And for now, that’s perfectly acceptable. When you’re the sole proprietor, the creative director, the marketing team, and the operations manager all rolled into one, the boundaries between work and personal life naturally blur. This isn’t a complaint; it’s a testament to the immense commitment required to launch and sustain a successful business. Every single holiday and countless nights and weekends were poured into this venture, not as a temporary endeavor, but as a long-term investment in my professional future.

• A Career Fueled by Unparalleled Passion

  The reason I embrace these extended hours without resentment is simple: I absolutely love what I do. This isn’t just a job; it’s a passion project that has blossomed into a fulfilling career. I’ve never been happier or more engaged professionally. The work I undertake daily constantly excites and challenges me. My mind races with new ideas for photography concepts, innovative video strategies, and creative content, often keeping me awake at night with anticipation. This profound connection to my work is the engine that drives my business forward, making every challenge a learning opportunity and every success a profound validation of my efforts.

• Significant Financial Success and Professional Validation

  Dispelling the myth that I’m merely earning “a little spending cash” is crucial. In the short two months of full-time self-employment, I have already generated substantially more income than I did in my previous desk job – a job I openly disliked. Furthermore, I’ve even surpassed my husband’s earnings during this period. I share this not to brag, although I am incredibly proud of how far my hard work has brought me, but to underscore the professional and financial viability of my business. It’s a testament to the fact that this venture is a serious, revenue-generating enterprise, built on solid business principles and sustained by diligent effort, not a casual hobby awaiting a baby’s arrival.

• Autonomy and Strategic Flexibility: The Perks of Being the Boss

  Being my own boss grants me an invaluable level of freedom and autonomy. If I choose to take an extended lunch on a Monday to catch a matinee or attend a personal appointment, I have that flexibility. This doesn’t mean I’m taking days off; it means I have the power to strategically manage my schedule, knowing full well that I might need to put in extra hours later to compensate. I dictate the pace of my work, decide which projects align with my vision, and confidently say “no thank you” to those that don’t. This ability to sculpt my work life is a hard-earned privilege, a direct result of the years of dedication and risk-taking. More importantly, when my child has a school play or a significant event in the middle of a workday, I will be there – not because I’m on a break, but because I am the boss, making a conscious choice to integrate my family life with my professional responsibilities.

Motherhood and Career: Embracing Both Roles

As the arrival of our baby draws nearer, I want to clarify my future plans regarding my career. While I will certainly be at home with our newborn, I will not be a stay-at-home mother in the traditional sense. I will be at home, yes, but I will also be actively working. Our baby will be lovingly cared for, and while we are still finalizing childcare arrangements, the plan is clear: after a couple of months of maternity leave, I will wholeheartedly jump back into the job I love and the thriving business I poured so much incredible effort into creating.

Acknowledging Diverse Choices and Personal Paths

It goes without saying, but I feel compelled to state it explicitly: I have absolutely nothing against stay-at-home mothers. Both my husband and I were incredibly fortunate to have mothers who, for significant portions of our childhoods, were able to stay home with us. This experience profoundly shaped our upbringing, and I hold immense respect for those who choose this path. My narrative is not a critique of their choices; rather, it’s a personal declaration of my own deeply held desire to embrace both a fulfilling career and the joys of motherhood.

Championing Professional Recognition for Women

This discussion is fundamentally about the right to have both: the successful career I’ve meticulously built and the ability to be a loving, present mother. It’s about being recognized for the legitimate, flourishing business I’ve cultivated and the high-quality work I consistently produce, independent of my reproductive choices. My professional achievements stand on their own merit, a testament to my skill, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Empowering Other Women: You Don’t Have to Choose

Ultimately, this message extends far beyond my personal story. It’s an affirmation to other women that it is absolutely okay to desire children and simultaneously love your career. You do not have to choose one over the other if you don’t want to. Society often pressures women into believing they must sacrifice one for the sake of the other, but modern entrepreneurship and evolving work models offer incredible opportunities to integrate these profound aspects of life. It’s about forging your own path, defining your own balance, and challenging the outdated narratives that seek to limit women’s potential.

I sincerely hope that this post is not perceived as negative or a lengthy complaint. At its core, it’s an expression of immense joy and enthusiasm. I am thrilled about the work I’m doing, passionate about my growing business, and incredibly excited to embark on the journey of motherhood. My life is rich with purpose, both personally and professionally, and I look forward to navigating both paths with equal dedication and love.

With that, I wish you a very lovely rest of your week, filled with purpose and possibility!