Kudos to the Pivot
Why It’s More Than "Okay" to Put Family First
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and on your own intelligence do not rely. In all your ways be mindful of him and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
In recent weeks, we have seen the resignation of two prominent women in the public eye who had been ascending professionally: Jennie Bradley Lichter stepped down as President of the March for Life and Karoline Leavitt resigned as President Trump’s Press Secretary. Some may be surprised, while others may have expected it. The question some are asking is, should they have? Was it the prudent thing to do? Is it “okay to pivot?”
The two ladies have three important things they in common:
They stepped down from high-level positions just when their potential was being realized.
They are both devout Catholics.
They both stepped down to spend more time with their families as they are the mothers of young children.
It is never easy for mothers to navigate the “balance” of professional life and family. The culture tells women that they need to focus on themselves, climb the ladder of success, and achieve, achieve, achieve. Yet, I say kudos to Jennie and Karoline.
You might be surprised that I, a business school professor who teaches many young women, would say “okay” and “kudos” to women who choose to put their career aspirations aside and focus on family. But it is okay. It is more than okay. It is prudent and ordered. I want my young female students to know that they can have options as they build their careers, get married, and begin having children. One size does not fit all, and it is not a waste of a degree should a woman later choose to stay home and focus on family.
I know this because I did it. I graduated from college, began my career, started grad school, got married, and started having children, in that order. When I had my first child and was out on maternity leave, I decided I did not want to go back to work full-time, but that I would like to work part-time. To my delight, my wonderful boss agreed to a 16 hour-per-week role that was fantastic. It was amazing while it lasted.
About six months into the role, I lost my job due to corporate restructuring and major downsizing. At that point I knew I did not want to look for another corporate job, so I used my severance pay to “buy time” and “think outside of the box.” I decided to do consulting on an ad hoc basis, and it was a win-win as I was able to be home with my baby but also able to pick up work when possible. I worked within this arrangement for years so that I could put my primary focus on being a wife and mother. At times, I had work and plenty of it. At other times, I had none. It took financial discipline, planning, and a wonderful husband to make this work, but it did. I was home with my baby, and I loved being an engaged mother.
Over the years I had three more children, and I threw myself into mothering. I still consulted on a part-time basis. I even began teaching at a local university as adjunct faculty. I had the best of both worlds. Being a mother was (is) the hardest and best job I have ever had. I am blessed.
My Catholic faith helped drive my decisions. Virtue made it possible. I sought the Lord for guidance. I developed the mantra of keeping priorities straight. Those priorities were: God, family, everything-else. In that order. Just ask my children how often they hear this. This right ordering of priorities helped me with making tough work/life decisions in my early mothering years, and it still helps me now.
As my children grew, I was able to take on more work and establish an LLC for my consulting business. As my children needed me less, I worked more. I now teach at a fantastic Catholic business school where I get to impact young people in their formative years, helping them grow in business skills and virtue. It is my hope that young female business students know that it is okay to someday step back from careers to focus on family. It is more than okay. It is a gift and a blessing.
So back to Jennie and Karoline, I applaud them. Their decisions to step back and focus on family shows prudence, courage, and wisdom, especially in a culture that does not always value motherhood. Their dedication to family will grow fruit for generations. Can they someday reenter the professional work world? Of course. They, and the many other women in similar shoes, must simply seek the Lord’s guidance and obey his directives. The Holy Spirit will show the way.
Tracy Phillips, BA, MS, SHRM-CP, is an Assistant Professor of Practice at The Busch School of Business at The Catholic University of America. Tracy leads the People and Organizations practice, including championing the HR Speaker Series. Tracy has over 20 years of experience as a consultant, specializing in human resources, training & development, management & leadership development, and organization development. She has consulted for companies of all sizes, yet her passion is for small, entrepreneurial companies. Tracy enjoys the challenge of building the HR systems, processes, and programs from the bottom up, and she delights in mentoring the next generation of HR professionals.
Tracy holds a master’s degree in Training and Organization Development from Saint Joseph’s University and an undergraduate degree in Psychology (I/O) from The Pennsylvania State University. Aside from her responsibilities at CUA and consulting, she serves on her local school board and its community education foundation board.
Tracy resides in Glenmoore, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Steve, where they worship at Saint Peter Parish in West Brandywine. They have four children. Tracy is very active in her parish, serving as lector and Respect Life committee member.