5 ⭐’s A powerful resource, this is part What to Expect Before and After You're Expecting: Career Edition / part therapy for those of us still unlearning the system the patriarchal society that has deemed childcare and family life of less value has burdened us with.

Off the break I related to this book when Ruch talks about feeling naked when she was asked what she does post baby. The talking without saying anything until she awkwardly trailed off made me feel like she was at a recent playdate with me and was writing my story right down to the tech start up line.

I love that this is written by a woman of color and an immigrant at that. She captures a lot of the nuance I find often lost under the privilege of others who have attempted these conversations in the self help space. There is a real focus on inclusive language which I find phenomenal.

I'm certain my therapist would love this book and having come out of this situation recently I could have used this book years ago. I love the reframing of thoughts throughout the book, the acknowledging of working/s-a-h and the in between as all being valid, none more virtuous of the other. Ruch accomplishes this without being preachy or patronizing.

The chapter on financial planning for a pause was great and had some real gems in there. Frankly every person considering having children should read at minimum this chapter early in their career to both plan and be prepared for conversations with their partner well before they decide to have them. I found much of the advice helpful for my husband and I even though we are well past the beginning stages of my pause and our child rearing.

There are many diverse, relatable stories referenced throughout. Loved the chapter on goal setting and how transitioning can be hard but balance is the key. I also appreciated how it called out social pressures and expectations and how we do ourselves a disservice getting caught in chasing what “looks” perfect. There is a strong theme here of uplifting women and other child rearing people as having value in their work and not only deserving to care for themselves, but needing too.

So much other great material is referred to throughout the book, which I both appreciated the author's attention to crediting her sources directly and her material, but also it added some great books and other materials to add to my TBR list!

This is one I will buy and absolutely recommend for families and moms/caregivers looking to pause their career, or are anywhere along the pre-parenthood to headed back to the workforce. I also think hiring managers and employers could benefit from reading this to have an understanding of the value these outside roles can bring to their organizations.

Thank you to NetGalley & Penguin Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this as an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Wow this is a book that inspiring my wife after giving birth my first son, she decided to stop work and nurturing my son. But after a period of time, there is a feeling of insecurity and boredom. Hopefully, this book will cheer her up and make her confident again to work.

This is a really really refreshing read on the struggles between feeling like you need to choose one option over the other. Reha shares her personal experiences and those of others to help readers determine their own path through what is a complex time. The description is not wrong about this being a handbook for a new generation of mothers.

Great book, really enjoyed the advice and perspective of this book and I would definitely recommend to a friend.