If you’re a working parent who is interested in moving your career forward, there are specific, strategic things you can do to advance – but also important pitfalls to avoid.
Yes, you may know right now that you’d like to take a step up in your role, or transition to something new and more challenging in your career. I also know you may be saying to yourself, “Advance?! I’m just treading water right now!!” And even if this is you, please read this piece. (Why? See “Pitfall to avoid” under #4 below: don’t assume that more responsibility means more time.)
Today, I’m excited to welcome to the blog Anne Hungate, Founder of QuantumBloom, a program empowering women in STEM through professional development and a community of support. Anne has five excellent tips to share with us on how to be strategic in our career navigation as working parents. Just as important, for each tip, she offers really helpful pitfalls to avoid, most of which are critical mindset reminders. Welcome to the Mindful Return blog, Anne!
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Stepping back into the workplace after becoming a parent can feel like navigating uncharted territory. However, parenting doesn’t just add to your life—it transforms you. It unlocks new levels of empathy, efficiency, and resilience.
These qualities make you not only a stronger individual but a better leader. Instead of seeing your transition back to work – or being a working parent – as an obstacle, I urge you to view it as a gateway to professional growth.
Here are 5 key strategies for advancement as a working parent, each with a potential pitfall to watch out for.
- Focus on Outcomes
The workplace is evolving, and success is increasingly measured by results rather than time spent at a desk. As a parent, you’ve honed the skill of prioritization—use it to ensure your work has a meaningful impact.
Pitfalls: Assuming others will think you have less capacity. Some may mistakenly believe that a parent’s time constraints mean they are less committed. Be proactive in communicating your value by demonstrating efficiency and strategic thinking.
- Be Engaged and Present
Your time is precious, so when you are at work, be fully engaged. Taking five minutes for transition time can make all the difference. When you’re ready to begin work, pause, take five deliberate breaths and set your focus. Then, you can show up with energy, ask insightful questions, and contribute thoughtfully.
Use the same transition method to end work and re-engage at home. Being fully present with your family makes the time you spend together more meaningful.
Pitfalls: Assuming you don’t have capacity. The mental load of parenting is real, and it’s easy to feel stretched thin. However, engagement isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters with intention. Give yourself grace, but also recognize when you might be underestimating your ability to take on new challenges.
- Set Boundaries with Confidence
Clear boundaries benefit everyone. They prevent burnout, improve efficiency, and model healthy work-life integration for others. Be transparent about your availability and respect your own limits.
Engage your partner or your “support system”. Talk specifically about the needs of the family, and who is on point for each need. Know that these needs are fluid, so communication with the people who make sure everyone at home has their needs met is an ongoing job.
Pitfalls: Assuming more responsibility means more time. Leadership roles often require strategic decision-making, not an increased workload. When taking on more responsibility, advocate for the resources—whether in the form of additional support, technology, or delegation—to help you succeed without overextending yourself.
- Socialize Your Accomplishments
Do not assume your work should speak for itself. Your colleagues are busy too, so they’re trusting you to do great work. It is your privilege to make sure they hear about it, and you hear about theirs. Keep key stakeholders informed about your contributions and wins. This isn’t about self-promotion. It’s about ensuring your impact is recognized.
Pitfalls: Forgetting that visibility matters. Many parents prioritize efficiency and assume their efforts will be noticed naturally. However, advancement often depends on making sure your contributions are known. Speak up about your successes in a way that aligns with your values.
- Ask for Feedback and Growth Opportunities
Great leaders seek feedback, because they know it helps them grow. Proactively ask for input and explore opportunities that stretch your capabilities.
Pitfalls: Waiting for others to offer feedback. If you assume that constructive feedback or advancement opportunities will come to you, you may miss out. Advocate for your own development by seeking mentorship, asking for performance insights, and pursuing projects that align with your career goals.
Becoming a parent opens a portal of compassion—one that allows you to see potential in others and lead with greater empathy. These qualities, when coupled with intentional strategies, can propel you forward in your career. Instead of viewing parenthood as a limitation, embrace it as a powerful advantage on your path to leadership.
You are ready to rise.
Anne C. Hungate is a visionary executive, entrepreneur, and strategist with deep expertise in aligning technology, operations, and business strategy to drive transformative outcomes. As the founder of QuantumBloom and Daring Systems, she has helped early career women in STEM and their employers manage the transition from the educational system to the workplace.
Want more practical tips on working parenthood? Check out my book, Back to Work After Baby: How to Plan and Navigate a Mindful Return from Maternity Leave
