Stepping off the Ladder: My Own Power Pause
Alchemy in Action: A Career Transformed
It’s hard to explain the exact moment I knew I had to leave corporate life. It wasn’t a dramatic “one bad day” decision - it was slower, more internal. A whisper that became a knowing over the course of many years.
My daughter was getting older, and I could sense her need for something deeper from me - my presence and guidance. She didn’t need me hovering, but she needed me more emotionally available. Attuned. Present in a way that went simply beyond being there.
But parenting was only part of it.
After nearly 20 years in the corporate world, I realized I was ready for something more aligned. I didn’t want to keep spending my energy helping executives and shareholders grow wealthier while I felt increasingly disconnected from my own purpose. I was exhausted by the quiet, constant weight of navigating the “broken rung,” microaggressions, and motherhood bias. I was tired of shrinking myself into systems that weren’t built with me - or many women - in mind.
I wanted to support real people. Build something meaningful. Help businesses evolve and actually see the impact of my work.
As I wrestled with what that meant, I stumbled upon the Mother Untitled community - an online space that supports ambitious women as they navigate identity, caregiving, and career. And honestly? It felt like someone finally handed me the language for what I’d been feeling. That choosing a different path isn’t “opting out” - it’s opting in to something else. That motherhood and ambition don’t have to live in separate boxes.
That content helped me feel seen and far less alone. It also helped me shape how I talked about “downshifting” with my daughter - who, much to my surprise, became an incredible source of encouragement and support along the way. Watching her witness my decision and understand the why behind it has been one of the most meaningful parts of this shift.
She’s taken to playing “business owner” with her friends, confidently calling the shots in her imaginary office. It struck me recently that she never pretended to be me when I worked in corporate life. But now? Now, she sees me thriving and creating something that feels like mine - and she mirrors it with pride. That realization cracked me open in the best way.
Neha Ruch - the founder of Mother Untitled - recently published a book called The Power Pause, which explores how to approach a career break after having children - and how stepping back doesn’t have to mean the end of your ambition or your career.
By the time it was released, I had already worked my way through much of what she describes in Part One: Permission to Pause and most of Part Two: Finding your Footing as an At-Home Parent. (Though, let me be honest - finding a rhythm is still a work in progress.)
What’s been most striking is how fully I’ve stepped into Part Three: Growing and Learning Through Your Pause. That part of the book, and of my life, feels expansive. Creative. Energizing. I feel more connected to myself than I have in a long time - more excited about the possibilities ahead.
Her words helped me feel proud of how I navigated my resignation, the honesty with which I approached the transition, and the intentionality I try to bring into this next chapter. One line in particular has stayed with me:
“In your power pause, you can become more yourself than ever.” (pg. 10)
That’s exactly how I feel.
The transition to motherhood was hard for me - especially while trying to climb the corporate ladder at the same time. For years, I felt like I could barely breathe. Everything was so tightly scheduled, so squeezed, so constrained. But now, I feel more like myself than I have in a long time. I have so many ideas, projects, and creative sparks swirling that I can’t keep up with them all - and for once, I don’t want to.
Final Thought
I’m acutely aware that not everyone has the privilege to make a move like this, and I’m incredibly grateful that I could. But I also think it’s important to talk about the questions we ask ourselves in these moments - the ones about value, identity, purpose, and ambition.
If you’re navigating your own version of a “power pause” know this: you are not alone. There is space for ambition to evolve. There is purpose beyond the climb. And there’s a version of you waiting that might feel more you than ever.
Hi!
I’m Tara.
I’m the founder of Alchemy Advising, a consulting practice helping small and mid-sized businesses grow with clarity and confidence. This blog is where I share reflections on entrepreneurship, ambition, motherhood, and the magic of building something meaningful—one decision at a time.
Curious about working together? Reach out here - I’d love to hear more about your business.