Having a baby can change many things and a new survey has revealed that our professional expectations can be lowered after we become a mom.
The research revealed that many women feel that they have to apply for more flexible positions post-baby, in order to cope with family life.
However, 70% of new moms feel that they are now in jobs that they feel they are over-qualified for and would have considered ‘below’ them before their pregnancy.
The survey was conducted by The Association of Accounting Technicians, quizzed 2,000 working mothers about their job satisfaction and found that mothers often take up jobs that pay up to €11,613 less than their previous jobs.
AAT Chief Executive Jane Scott Paul said: “Motherhood is one of the biggest and best things a woman could wish to experience but there tends to be a perception that you can’t become a mum and maintain the career you’d like.
Moms often take flexible jobs to be able to juggle family life
“Clearly there are big financial implications for women who are forced to leave their previous careers and instead take up jobs that allow greater flexibility but that aren’t challenging them professionally.
“Often this means a substantial decrease in the amount they are able to earn which is clearly having an impact both on their working happiness and the family finances.”
A third said the difference in salary has affected their life negatively and one in seven said it has repercussions on their marriage.
Four in ten working mums do their current job because it fits around family and helps bring in extra money, with just 16% claiming they are actually passionate about their profession.
Jane Scott Paul added: “The results show that the ambition from mums is still there but a shift in priorities means they need more flexible working roles in order to be able to manage a family while still developing their career.
“The good news is that many women take this as an opportunity to retrain and learn new skills – making them more employable across a range of sectors. Ideally, women want to be challenged and passionate about their job, while still earning a reasonable income and enjoying the everyday perks of being a mum.”
Do you think your career has changed since having your children?
