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Weekly Newsletter Vol. 88 - May 7, 2025

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This Mother's Day, Let’s Talk About the Realities of Job Searching as a Mother

Celebrating Mothers Means Supporting Their Journey Back to Work

Mother’s Day is a time to reflect on the endless love, patience, and strength that mothers show every day. It's a moment to pause and appreciate the women who nurture, protect, and push forward—often with little recognition and even less rest.

But beyond the brunches, bouquets, and heartfelt cards lies a sobering truth: for many mothers, especially single mothers, this day can also serve as a reminder of the uphill battle they face in the job market.

The job search is never easy. It requires persistence, energy, emotional resilience, and a significant amount of time. But when you're a single parent, it becomes exponentially harder. The balancing act between being a full-time caregiver and a full-time job seeker is exhausting—and it often feels like the system is built to work against you.

The Hidden Cost of Motherhood: Employment Gaps and Career Stalls

For mothers who’ve taken time off to care for their children, re-entering the workforce often comes with judgment or skepticism. Resume gaps are still viewed as red flags, rather than testaments to time spent managing one of life’s most demanding roles. These women return not only having to catch up on trends and technology but also having to prove that their worth hasn’t diminished.

Let’s be clear: raising children is work. It’s leadership. It’s logistics. It’s emotional intelligence. And yet, too many hiring processes are rigid, expecting linear career trajectories that simply don’t reflect the reality of motherhood.

The Child Care Crisis: A Barrier to Employment

Then there’s child care. Or more accurately, the cost of child care. In many North American cities, full-time care for one child can cost between $15,000 and $25,000 a year. That’s often more than college tuition—and nearly impossible to afford without a stable income.

For single parents, that math simply doesn’t work. It means they’re often forced to turn down interviews, pass on promising opportunities, or accept part-time work just to avoid the financial strain of child care. In some cases, working full-time actually costs more than staying home. That’s not a personal choice—it’s a failure of public policy and economic planning.

It’s also worth noting that availability is a challenge. In many regions, child care spots are scarce. Long waitlists, limited subsidies, and inflexible hours make it nearly impossible to coordinate reliable care—especially for moms looking to re-enter the workforce quickly or pivot into new careers.

Mental Load, Invisible Labor, and the Pressure to “Do It All”

Beyond the financial and logistical barriers, there’s an emotional toll. The constant mental load of parenting—managing schedules, meals, appointments, schooling, and emotional support—doesn’t pause for a job search. In fact, it intensifies. Mothers are often applying for jobs late at night, prepping for interviews with toddlers at their feet, or navigating virtual calls from the front seat of a car during school drop-offs.

Add to that the guilt. The guilt of “not doing enough” for their kids. The guilt of trying to find something better for their families. The guilt of asking for help. We live in a culture that still romanticizes the image of the “supermom” while offering little practical support to make that image even remotely sustainable.

So, What Can We Do to Support Mothers Re-Entering the Workforce?

If we truly want to honor mothers—not just on Mother’s Day, but every day—we have to do more than say “thank you.” We need to build systems, cultures, and workplaces that actively support their return to work.

1. Employers: Step Up With Real Support

Flexible hours and remote work options should be the norm, not the exception. The pandemic proved it’s possible—now it’s time to make it permanent.

Returnships and re-entry programs can bridge the gap for mothers who have been out of the workforce for several years.

Normalize resume gaps by focusing on skills, not just chronology. Value what mothers bring—not what they’ve “missed.”

Offer child care stipends or on-site options wherever possible. This is not a perk; it’s a necessity.

2. Policy Makers: Prioritize Child Care and Economic Equity

Publicly funded, affordable child care would be one of the most powerful levers we could pull to support economic mobility for single mothers.

Expanded parental leave and protections for part-time and contract workers can reduce the long-term financial consequences of taking time off for family.

Invest in skills training, mentorship, and accessible education for parents who want to shift careers or industries.

3. Communities and Individuals: Show Up, Speak Up, and Support

Refer, endorse, and mentor moms returning to the workforce. A single introduction can change a life.

Challenge outdated hiring practices in your own organization that disadvantage caregivers.

Create spaces—online and off—where moms can connect, learn, and grow professionally while still managing their parenting responsibilities.

This Mother’s Day, Let’s Do More Than Celebrate

Let’s advocate. Let’s act. Let’s build a world where being a mother isn’t a liability in the job market—but a reflection of powerful skills, leadership, and resilience.

To every mom out there navigating the job search: we see you. We believe in your value. And we are committed to changing the game—not just for you, but for every mother who follows.

This Mother’s Day, appreciation starts with action.

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