The Balancing Act: Managing Career Advancement and Continued Education as a New Mother
September 2024 | New Jersey
It took me about a year to pivot into tech from my marketing background. During that time, I was doing a lot of studying and skill-building on top of motherhood. So, here are a few key tips I’ve picked up for any other mamas thinking about transitioning into the tech world.
Writer: Chante Dyson | Photos by Nicole Guillen
In my ongoing research for the Godyssey app, I’ve discovered that Black mothers—two-thirds of whom are equal, primary, or sole earners in their households—have higher labor force participation rates compared to other moms. Despite this heavy presence in the workforce, Black mothers often lack the critical support needed to manage their dual roles at work and home, given their economic responsibility. I conducted my own survey within my community, and 73% of respondents shared that they had considered changing careers or seeking advancement opportunities after returning to work.
The postpartum period is especially challenging, with about 85% of women experiencing some form of mood disturbance. Additionally, in households with children under six, where both parents work full-time, women spend an average of 4.57 hours per day on housework and childcare, compared to 2.91 hours for men. This imbalance has significant consequences—mothers are 30% more likely than fathers to turn down promotions and more than twice as likely to quit their jobs altogether. Black mothers, in particular, are 47% more likely to experience burnout.
The U.S. stands out as one of the few countries without national laws guaranteeing paid family leave, offering only 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). As a result, many new mothers return to work shortly after giving birth. Flexible return-to-work policies, such as gradual re-entry, flexible hours, or remote work options, can significantly ease this transition, giving mothers the autonomy to balance their professional and personal lives effectively.
This really hits home for me because after two unpaid maternity leaves with my sons, I faced so many challenges trying to return to work. After my second son, Oke, I knew things had to change—work, as I knew it, just wasn’t sustainable anymore. I was determined, like nothing could stop me. I needed more flexibility, specifically a fully remote, well-paying job. That’s when I decided to go all in on becoming a Product Manager. I had already started dabbling in the field after having my first son, Aku, but after Oke, I was ready to give it everything and officially pivot from marketing into product. Product management checked all the boxes I needed, and I’ve come to realize how much I truly love the work. Plus, it aligns perfectly with my entrepreneurial vision as a future app founder.
When I returned to work two months postpartum, I was commuting into Manhattan three days a week, leaving before 7 a.m. and not getting home until after 8 p.m., after my kids were already asleep. I was also juggling multiple jobs because I felt both underpaid and undervalued in my career. It was exhausting, but I leaned on my faith, ancestors, and spirit guides to push through. And eventually, I did it—I landed my first fully remote, six-figure tech job as a Product Manager!
It wasn’t easy, though. I had to juggle studying, family responsibilities, and those multiple jobs, but I pushed through. I really hope my story inspires another mom out there who’s feeling stuck after having a baby and knows she deserves more. You can absolutely make the change happen—believe in yourself and go for it unapologetically! You may have to go through a season of sacrifice, but that’s okay. You’ll get through to the other side, and when you do, it’ll be so worth it.
So, where to start? Whether you’re a pregnant mama reading this or a mother who’s ready to make some career changes, I want to say this first: In my experience, the earlier you start thinking about your needs as a mother, the better. It’s never too early to start planning for life with children, even before pregnancy (if you know you want children)! As a mom, some things you’ll likely need are flexibility and good pay.
Right now, data shows that tech is the most flexible industry (as of September 2024). According to Forbes, the highest-paying industries this year are Finance, Information Technology, and Healthcare. Do what you will with that info, but for me, breaking into tech just made sense. It hit both the top flexible and highest-paying industries, which was ideal for me as a mother.
It took me about a year to pivot into tech from my marketing background. During that time, I was doing a lot of studying and skill-building on top of motherhood. So, here are a few key tips I’ve picked up for any other mamas thinking about transitioning into the tech world.
Immerse yourself in Black tech communities. My career journey really took off when I started putting myself in spaces where I could learn about the tech industry and connect with people who look like me and are thriving in these fields. I remember attending BaddieCon in 2023 and being blown away by how much I learned about non-technical roles like UX Design and Product Management. I found out that only 3-5% of UX Designers and 4% of Product Managers are Black—that really motivated me to be part of the change and help “Blacken up” these fields! Lol. We definitely need to be in these spaces more.
At BaddieCon, I also learned about some great Product Management bootcamps and even connected with the woman who helped me prepare for my first PM interviews. The insights and connections you gain from attending Black tech community events are invaluable. I highly recommend checking out groups like Baddies in Tech, Afrotech, and Techsgiving. Get involved in their events and offerings—you’ll be amazed at how much you can learn and how accessible these fields become once you dive in.
Consider investing in a course or bootcamp to enhance your skills. Investing in a course or bootcamp can be a great way to build skills and break into the tech industry. The amazing thing about tech is its accessibility; people from various career backgrounds—whether they hold college degrees or not—have successfully transitioned into this field. For example, my own father worked in tech throughout his career after serving in the navy, despite never obtaining a college degree.
There are numerous courses and bootcamps available to help you get started. I took the Co.Lab 4-week Product Sprint and was preparing to enroll in an 8-week bootcamp before landing my first job. I believe knowledge is power, so it's important to research and find the right courses that align with your career goals.
Before the Co.Lab Product Sprint, I started the Google UX Design course but didn't complete it due to some challenges during my first trimester, such as extreme fatigue. However, I might return to it in the future. Explore platforms like TikTok and YouTube to learn about others' experiences with various bootcamps, and don’t hesitate to ask professionals in the field you’re interested in. Everyone’s journey is unique.
While a top product leader in my community mentioned that certifications for Product Management aren't strictly necessary, I valued the foundational knowledge that I could discuss in interviews. Ultimately, trust your instincts and invest in your education—it can be pivotal for your career advancement.
Gain practical hands-on experience with Tech Fleet. I can't emphasize enough how much I love Tech Fleet and how crucial it was for me to land my first Product Management role. I often highlight it in my posts because it was the top factor in developing the skills I needed. If you're interested in tech, I highly recommend joining the Tech Fleet community and starting to shadow projects that pique your interest.That’s exactly what I did in August 2023, and by October 2023, I was leading my first project as a Product Strategy Lead for Phase 1 of The Melanin Village project.
What’s great about Tech Fleet is that you don’t need prior experience to land a role on a project. Everyone I worked with on my two projects was incredibly skilled and made significant contributions. Although experiences varied widely, it was clear that we were all highly motivated professionals. While you do need to apply and interview for roles, which can be competitive, networking within the Tech Fleet community can help demonstrate your interest. Genuine effort and enthusiasm for projects stand out because this work is essentially pro bono or volunteer-based. You need to truly want to be involved and feel that you're gaining valuable experience. If you haven’t already, join Tech Fleet and start building that experience for your resume to break into tech.
Read relevant books for your field in tech. I truly believe that when you show the universe your passion and commitment, doors will open for you. Take that extra step and immerse yourself in learning everything you can about your field of interest. Essentially, create your own course of study by finding the top books in your area and establishing a daily schedule for studying and note-taking. For Product Management, I found Cracking the PM Interview invaluable for interview preparation. Now that I've secured the job, I'm continuing my learning journey with "Cracking the PM Career."
In addition to Cracking the PM Interview, other highly recommended Product Management books include Decode and Conquer, Principles of Product Management, Inspired, and The Lean Product Playbook. Each of these resources offers valuable insights that can further enhance your understanding and skills in the field.
Network with Black tech professionals at companies that you’d like to work for. In today's job market, networking is often the key to landing roles. With many applicants for each job posting, who you know can make a significant difference. By connecting with people at companies you aspire to work for, you can stand out and increase your chances of getting noticed. I secured a referral for my current job by networking with someone at the company I wanted to join.
It's important to be intentional about building community and seeking support, especially in tech where representation can be limited. Connecting with Black professionals at your target companies can be particularly beneficial, as we often support each other more actively. Search for Black professionals on LinkedIn, and explore their websites or contact information. Many are open to having a brief conversation, and their insights can provide valuable industry knowledge that goes beyond what you might learn from a bootcamp or volunteer project. Put in the extra effort to network with companies that align with your values and offer the pay and flexibility you need to boost your chances of getting hired.
Prioritizing your career goals while navigating motherhood can be challenging, but with strategic planning and a supportive network, it is entirely achievable. One effective strategy is to utilize the optimal times when your children are asleep. For me, working late into the night after my babies were tucked in provided a quiet period to focus on my tasks. During my time with Tech Fleet, I often completed my work in the evening, sometimes sending emails as late as 11 PM. To keep my team informed and prevent misunderstandings, I communicated my schedule upfront. This transparency ensured they knew I wasn’t disengaging but working during my available hours. I really found that studying in the early morning hours (also while my children were still sleeping) really worked for me and was when my brain felt the most energized and focused.
Communicating with your family and support system is crucial for balancing motherhood and professional development. Ensure your partner or support system understand your goals and are committed to helping you create distraction-free study time. This might involve scheduling regular periods when they take charge of childcare duties or setting up a designated study space where you can work undisturbed. By establishing a clear plan and mutual understanding, you can ensure that your study and growth time is respected and maintained.
Staying motivated can be particularly tough when you’re exhausted, but it’s important to remember that the sacrifices you're making are temporary and serve a greater purpose. Keep in mind the long-term benefits of your efforts and the positive impact they will have on your career and your family’s future. Setting small, achievable goals can help you stay on track and feel a sense of accomplishment, even on the toughest days. I recall using a Trello board to outline all my goals, including landing a full-time, six-figure Product Management role by year-end, and sharing that plan with my fiancé. Having a clear strategy helped me stay focused and celebrate when I achieved my goal.
Connecting with other mothers who have successfully balanced career aspirations with parenting can provide valuable motivation and practical advice. Seek out communities or networks where experienced mothers share their journeys and tips. Their stories can offer encouragement and demonstrate that it is possible to achieve your goals while managing motherhood. These connections can also serve as a source of support and inspiration when you need a boost.
Finally, embrace the season of sacrifice as a temporary phase in your life. Balancing motherhood and professional growth may require extra effort and adjustments, but with perseverance and support, you will navigate through it successfully. Celebrate your progress along the way and remember that each step forward brings you closer to your goals. By strategically managing your time and leaning on your support system, you can achieve a fulfilling balance between your professional aspirations and your role as a goddess mother.
Thank you for reading!
With love,
Chante
—
Chante Dyson is a Lifestyle and Wellness Content Creator based in New Jersey. She is the founder of The Godyssey, a lifestyle blog where she helps Black mothers find balance, empowerment, and fulfillment in every aspect of their lives. On her blog, you’ll find lifestyle content touching on motherhood, career, wellness, style and empowerment. She hopes that her content helps Black mothers to honor and express their divine feminine energy and power as goddesses.
Read more here.
