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If someone had told me during the sleepless haze of newborn life that redundancy during maternity leave would be a gift in disguise, I wouldn’t have believed them.
At the time, it felt like the ground had crumbled beneath me. I was utterly exhausted and could barely process what was happening.
The Shock of Redundancy
Looking back, I see it was the push I didn’t know I needed. My boss had already made it clear where I stood—giving a pay rise to someone younger and less experienced because “they’re ramping up while you’re naturally ramping down.” It hurt. Losing my job during maternity leave felt personal—a betrayal by my boss, the system, and the start-up I had poured so much into.
Instead of bonding with my baby, I was consumed by uncertainty about my career.
Finding Clarity in Uncertainty
But as the shock wore off, I realised this wasn’t the end—it was a chance to redefine myself. Becoming a mother had already shifted my priorities, and now I had the rare freedom to pause and ask:
What do I really want? What career fits the person I’m becoming?
For the first time in years, I explored my skills and passions with fresh eyes:
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☀️ I up-skilled during nap times, diving into topics that excited me.
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☀️ I explored roles I’d never considered before.
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☀️ I prioritised balance, ensuring my next step aligned with both career and family.
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☀️ Most importantly, I reconnected with my resilience and adaptability.
A New Beginning
Redundancy wasn’t the end I thought it was—it was the start of a new, fulfilling chapter. Today, I thrive in a role that fits who I am now, letting me be both the professional and parent I want to be.
Advice for Others Facing Redundancy
To anyone facing redundancy—on maternity leave or otherwise—grieve the loss, but don’t lose sight of the opportunity. The hardest moments can lead to building something better than you ever imagined.
For me, it led to Earthling.
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