The Lasting Impact of COVID-19 on Mothers’ Careers
The Lasting Impact of COVID-19 on Mothers’ Careers
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives in ways we could have never imagined, but one group felt the impact more acutely than most, mothers. As schools and childcare centers shut down, many working moms were forced to put their careers on hold to become full-time caregivers, educators, and emotional support systems for their children. While society has largely moved on, many of us are still feeling the aftershocks, struggling to regain our professional footing in a workforce that often overlooks just how much we had to sacrifice.
The Motherhood Penalty, Amplified
The "motherhood penalty", the well-documented phenomenon of moms earning less and being passed over for opportunities, existed long before COVID-19. But the pandemic intensified it, as many women had no choice but to step away from their jobs due to school closures and a lack of childcare options. According to a report by the National Women’s Law Center, women lost over 5 million jobs during the pandemic, and many have yet to recover fully.
For single mothers, the challenges were even greater. Without a partner to share the burden, balancing work, virtual schooling, and household responsibilities became nearly impossible. The pandemic didn’t just slow down careers, it derailed them.
Mental Health Crises and the Invisible Labor of Mothers
While balancing work and childcare was hard enough, many mothers also found themselves navigating the deep and painful reality of their children’s mental health struggles. The isolation, fear, and uncertainty of the pandemic took a massive toll on kids and teens, leading to a surge in anxiety, depression, and other mental health crises. And who was left to pick up the pieces? Moms.
The emotional labor required to support children through these struggles is immense and often invisible. For those of us who had to put our careers on the back burner to be there for our kids, returning to the workforce is not just about finding a job, it’s about finding an employer who understands the gaps in our resumes don’t reflect a lack of skills, ambition, or dedication. In fact, they reflect the kind of resilience and adaptability that any company should value.
The Workforce Has Changed - But Has It Changed Enough?
As companies push for a "return to normal," many mothers find themselves at a disadvantage. The flexibility that became standard during the pandemic; remote work, adaptable schedules, and greater empathy for working parents, is now being scaled back. Yet, the challenges that mothers face haven’t disappeared.
Employers who truly value diversity, equity, and inclusion need to take a hard look at how they support mothers re-entering the workforce. That means:
Recognizing caregiving as a valid career gap, not a red flag.
Offering flexible work arrangements that allow parents to balance their responsibilities.
Actively recruiting and supporting mothers who are eager to restart their careers.
Moving Forward: What Needs to Change
For mothers still trying to reclaim their professional lives, the road ahead is uncertain. But one thing is clear: we are not alone. Conversations about the pandemic’s impact on working parents need to continue, and employers must be part of the solution.
We need to advocate for policies that support working mothers, such as paid family leave, flexible work options, and affordable childcare. More importantly, we need to shift the narrative. A career gap due to caregiving isn’t a weakness, it’s a testament to strength, resilience, and the ability to handle challenges head-on.
If we want a workforce that truly values dedication, multitasking, and crisis management, perhaps the first place to look is at the mothers who have been doing just that, unpaid and unnoticed, for years.
The pandemic exposed the cracks in our system, but it also highlighted the power and perseverance of mothers. It’s time for the professional world to acknowledge the sacrifices we made and the immense value we bring. If you’re a mother who has struggled with getting your career back on track post-COVID, know that you’re not alone, and your worth in the workforce has never been greater.
