If you are/ were a woman with a high-flying and high-earning career..

[jolliejullie]

.. and you decided to have kids, what was the impact of kids on your career?

I am still ver much on the fence about kids (which is telling in itself I suppose given that I am 33!), but I have been wondering what impact having children would have on my career hypothetically. I work with other women in demanding leadership roles (same level as me or above) but all of them are either childless or have older children (12+). I am not sure if that is a coincidence.

So I'd love to hear other women's experiences. If you are/ were a woman with a "big job" and career ambitions, how did having children impact your career?

Wow! Thank you so much everyone for sharing your experience!

It does sound like almost everyone's career got negatively impacted, at least temporarily. It is a bit sad that in 2022 this is still the state of things, but it is what it is I guess

Mine didn't. If anything I felt more focused on promotion upon my return and was much more tactical in what I prioritised to achieve it.
I however:
Only have one DC
Used childcare from 1year upward ( and don't feel remotely guilty about it)
Husband and I share housework 50 50
I have a relatively flexible job so can leave a bit early, spend time with DC and work again in the evening when i need to. Workload is not too bad so this doesn't happen every night