Since 2020, many mothers have made the difficult, yet intentional, decision to step away from traditional careers. For some, this choice has meant homeschooling their children, being present for daily life, and finding ways to contribute to the family income through side hustles, flexible gigs, or digital businesses.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s explore what the data tells us, and why this shift isn\u2019t just about leaving a job \u2014 it\u2019s about creating freedom, flexibility, and a life that truly fits your family.<\/p>\n
Moms Choosing Flexibility and Family First Has Been a Major Trend<\/strong><\/h2>\nBefore the pandemic, moms already faced the challenge of balancing career and caregiving but COVID\u201119 solidified the reality of that tension for many families. Sitting home and getting to enjoy my family while working from home seemed like a gift. I realized in 2020 that I could do it (meaning starting my own business) while being at home with my kids, because I was already doing it for my employer.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccc At the onset of the pandemic, roughly 3.5 million mothers living with school\u2011age children left the workforce, either due to job loss, reduced hours, or because they chose to care for their children full\u2011time when schools and childcare centers closed. That number represented a marked shift compared to pre\u2011pandemic patterns. (Census.gov<\/a>)<\/p>\n\ud83d\udccc A Motherly survey found that the percentage of stay\u2011at\u2011home parents has increased in recent years, with about 25% of mothers reporting they were stay\u2011at\u2011home, compared with 15% in 2022. Among moms who left the workforce in the past year, 28% said they did so to stay home with their children. (Motherly<\/a>)<\/p>\nChildcare, Schooling, and Workforce Participation<\/strong><\/h2>\nFor many moms who chose to leave their careers, the catalyst wasn\u2019t just preference it was necessity.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udd39 In 2022, surveys showed that 68% of women considered quitting their jobs to take care of their children because of pandemic\u2011related stresses on childcare and school routines. (InHerSight<\/a>)<\/p>\n\ud83d\udd39 Even now, labor force participation among women, especially mothers with young children, has fluctuated due to childcare constraints and changing workplace flexibility policies. In 2025, roughly 212,000 women over age 20 exited the workforce, contributing to a drop in labor force participation for mothers ages 25\u201344. (Mo News<\/a>)<\/p>\nThese numbers reflect a broader shift in priorities and realities: many mothers are choosing to remain home whether full\u2011time, part\u2011time, or through hybrid roles, to better balance family life.<\/p>\n
Side Hustles and Flexible Income Are Becoming Part of the New Normal<\/strong><\/h2>\nData also shows that parents with children under 18 are more likely than non\u2011parents to work a side hustle, nearly half doing so in recent years. Side gigs are often used to supplement household income, build savings, or fund family goals. (Entrepreneur<\/a>)<\/p>\nThis trend lines up with a growing desire among moms to earn income while still spending quality time with their children daily. This is a HUGE reason many are turning toward flexible, scalable digital opportunities instead of traditional careers.<\/p>\n
Top Reasons Moms Are Rethinking the 9\u20135<\/strong><\/h2>\nBased on what experts and surveys have found over the last several years:<\/p>\n
\u2728 The cost and availability of childcare remain a barrier for many working moms. (Motherly<\/a>)
\u2728 Lack of workplace flexibility pushes moms out of traditional jobs. (Bipartisan Policy Center<\/a>)
\u2728 A desire to be present, homeschool, and participate more fully in family life is a priority for many. (InHerSight<\/a>)
\u2728 Side hustles and business ideas have grown because parents need extra income that fits around family life<\/em>, not the other way around. (Entrepreneur<\/a>)<\/p>\nSo What Does This Mean for Moms Like You?<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe data shows a collective shift, and it\u2019s not just a pandemic anomaly. It is a real reevaluation of how families want to live.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve been wondering\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2714 Is it possible to leave a job and still contribute financially?
\u2714 Can I homeschool and still support my family?
\u2714 Is there another way besides the 9\u20135 grind?<\/p>\n
The answer increasingly looks like \u201cYes, but on my terms.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\nMany moms are choosing paths that give them:<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udf38 More time with their children
\ud83c\udf38 Greater flexibility to homeschool or be present
\ud83c\udf38 Ways to earn income without sacrificing family life
\ud83c\udf38 Opportunities to build something that aligns with their faith and values<\/p>\n
This is the new frontier of motherhood. It\u2019s a life where work and family are not opposing forces but complementary parts of a beautiful whole.<\/p>\n
\u2728 If you\u2019ve been thinking about leaving your traditional job to create a business that works around your family, you\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n
There are resources and systems designed to help you do it with confidence. I\u2019ll share more on how to get started in upcoming posts. Follow my Purpose-Driven Business category to stay on top of my latest business content. <\/p>\n
I started my digital business with the Boss Suite program<\/a>. The modules are easy to learn, and the mentorship community has been invaluable.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccc A Motherly survey found that the percentage of stay\u2011at\u2011home parents has increased in recent years, with about 25% of mothers reporting they were stay\u2011at\u2011home, compared with 15% in 2022. Among moms who left the workforce in the past year, 28% said they did so to stay home with their children. (Motherly<\/a>)<\/p>\n For many moms who chose to leave their careers, the catalyst wasn\u2019t just preference it was necessity.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd39 In 2022, surveys showed that 68% of women considered quitting their jobs to take care of their children because of pandemic\u2011related stresses on childcare and school routines. (InHerSight<\/a>)<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd39 Even now, labor force participation among women, especially mothers with young children, has fluctuated due to childcare constraints and changing workplace flexibility policies. In 2025, roughly 212,000 women over age 20 exited the workforce, contributing to a drop in labor force participation for mothers ages 25\u201344. (Mo News<\/a>)<\/p>\n These numbers reflect a broader shift in priorities and realities: many mothers are choosing to remain home whether full\u2011time, part\u2011time, or through hybrid roles, to better balance family life.<\/p>\n Data also shows that parents with children under 18 are more likely than non\u2011parents to work a side hustle, nearly half doing so in recent years. Side gigs are often used to supplement household income, build savings, or fund family goals. (Entrepreneur<\/a>)<\/p>\n This trend lines up with a growing desire among moms to earn income while still spending quality time with their children daily. This is a HUGE reason many are turning toward flexible, scalable digital opportunities instead of traditional careers.<\/p>\n Based on what experts and surveys have found over the last several years:<\/p>\n \u2728 The cost and availability of childcare remain a barrier for many working moms. (Motherly<\/a>) The data shows a collective shift, and it\u2019s not just a pandemic anomaly. It is a real reevaluation of how families want to live.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve been wondering\u2026<\/p>\n \u2714 Is it possible to leave a job and still contribute financially? The answer increasingly looks like \u201cYes, but on my terms.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Many moms are choosing paths that give them:<\/p>\n \ud83c\udf38 More time with their children This is the new frontier of motherhood. It\u2019s a life where work and family are not opposing forces but complementary parts of a beautiful whole.<\/p>\n \u2728 If you\u2019ve been thinking about leaving your traditional job to create a business that works around your family, you\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n There are resources and systems designed to help you do it with confidence. I\u2019ll share more on how to get started in upcoming posts. Follow my Purpose-Driven Business category to stay on top of my latest business content. <\/p>\n I started my digital business with the Boss Suite program<\/a>. The modules are easy to learn, and the mentorship community has been invaluable.<\/p>\nChildcare, Schooling, and Workforce Participation<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Side Hustles and Flexible Income Are Becoming Part of the New Normal<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Top Reasons Moms Are Rethinking the 9\u20135<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u2728 Lack of workplace flexibility pushes moms out of traditional jobs. (Bipartisan Policy Center<\/a>)
\u2728 A desire to be present, homeschool, and participate more fully in family life is a priority for many. (InHerSight<\/a>)
\u2728 Side hustles and business ideas have grown because parents need extra income that fits around family life<\/em>, not the other way around. (Entrepreneur<\/a>)<\/p>\nSo What Does This Mean for Moms Like You?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u2714 Can I homeschool and still support my family?
\u2714 Is there another way besides the 9\u20135 grind?<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udf38 Greater flexibility to homeschool or be present
\ud83c\udf38 Ways to earn income without sacrificing family life
\ud83c\udf38 Opportunities to build something that aligns with their faith and values<\/p>\n