The Power Pause is a much needed book for any parent who takes time from paid work or an established career, even slowing this down, to care for children, shuttle to appointments, manage a household, be the CEO of the family, and organizer of a multitude of community, PTA and volunteer activities. Tired yet from that long sentence? That's the life of a stay-at-home parent or even one that has curtailed paid work to part-time status.

Particularly liked the way the authors gave real-life examples, stats such as four in ten moms on such a pause engage in activities outside the home and how the authors parlayed this into building it into a resume item (or many). Chapter wrap-ups or summaries plus questions provide thought-provoking springboard to work on one's resume and next steps.

In a CBT kind of way, false beliefs or "automatic thoughts" corrected by new beliefs when we check out evidence is a creative way to deal with chapters, including the career portfolio chapter toward the end. It's definite encouragement for those who need this when self-doubt about returning to work could otherwise take hold.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Publishing Group for providing me with an electronic advance reader copy.

Are you tired of the question, “What do you do?” as an at-home parent—a question that oversimplifies and undervalues the role? Founder of Mother Untitled, Neha sets out to explore the multifaceted reality of taking a career break after having kids. Her book tackles the invisible yet essential labor of managing a household, the need to redefine success during this unique life phase, and practical ways to stay connected to professional goals while prioritizing family. Neha offers actionable strategies for remaining prepared to re-enter the workforce when the time is right, while also addressing the cultural stigma surrounding career pauses. She does a great job at reframing parenting as a valuable and fulfilling chapter, challenging outdated narratives about success and family balance. Whether you're navigating this journey or curious about modern perspectives on work and family, this book offers an empowering look at thriving in every phase of life. Excellent work, Neha!

The Power Pause by Neha Ruch came to me at the perfect time in my life as I was considering whether I would take a career pause and step out of my corporate job to stay at home with my kids. It was a truly phenomenal toolkit to help me think through my approach and frame my experience in a positive, valuable way. Ruch discusses her own experience stepping out of the workforce to care for kids and ultimately her approach to moving back into working as her kids grew older and her passion project became a reality. Ruch brings you from end-to-end in the journey starting with making your decision on whether and how to reduce your role, including how to talk to your boss, to how you can think about moving back into the work world at the end. I truly appreciated that she does some of the thinking for us (some I didn't even think about needing to have done), including what to say when people ask me what I do for a living or why I was out of work for a while. Her analysis is thorough and incorporates data as well as insight from other parents who did this journey before me. She gives value to this experience and ensures that the reader, who is stepping out of work, still sees themself as a skilled, worthy and capable person who has the opportunity to build more and different skills despite being out of the formal workplace. I love that Ruch helped me see so much value in my experience and removed all shame from it. She provided solid guidance on how to ensure you nurture yourself even while you are focused on nurturing your kids. That includes ensuring that you have whatever help works best for you (part-time babysitter, afterschool care, cleaning service, etc.) and that you seek opportunities for volunteering or engagement, etc. that work best for you too. I really loved this framing and internalized it. She provides practical support and exercises at the end of chapters to help you think through some of the more complex concerns including when you go back to work. She even gets tactical about what to put on your LinkedIn and resume, and how to talk about this time period as part of your interview process when returning to work. I would highly recommend The Power Pause for anyone thinking about taking a career break, especially those that are just starting to consider the idea, but it's really appropriate and should resonate with anyone on any part of their career break journey. I really appreciated the content and messaging and am so grateful I had the chance to read the book before it was released.

The Power Pause by Neha Ruch: A Must-Read for Moms Ready to Redefine Success

I want to talk about something that weighs heavy on a lot of us moms: ambition. More specifically, I want to talk about what happens to it after kids enter the picture. If you’ve ever stayed awake wondering, Who am I outside of motherhood? or Can I still have a thriving career without sacrificing my family values?—I am talking to you. I see you.

It’s easy to grapple with questions about identity, ambition, and the delicate balance between family life and personal goals. And that’s why I want to share a new, game-changing resource: Neha Ruch’s The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids—and Come Back Stronger Than Ever.

This book isn’t just a guide—it’s a mirror for so many of the questions, fears, and aspirations we carry as moms. And here’s what’s even more powerful: it aligns so beautifully with what we focus on here at Moral Mothering—helping you define the moral of your story as both a mother and an individual.

A Book for Moms Like Us
Let’s start with why this book spoke to me on a personal level. Neha doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of stepping away from a career. She acknowledges the privilege involved in choosing to take a career break, but she also provides us with the tools to make that pause intentional and transformative.
What I loved most? Her emphasis on redefining success. This isn’t about “losing yourself” or putting your dreams on hold forever. It’s about using the time you do have—whether that’s during naps, school hours, or after bedtime—to reflect, recalibrate, and reignite your passions.
Doesn’t that sound a lot like what we talk about here? Taking those small windows of time and making them meaningful—not just for your family, but for you, too.
Why The Power Pause Matters
Her work blends practical advice with real-life stories. She interviewed an array of women to create a deeply relatable narrative, highlighting the emotional and financial aspects of taking a career break. Her approach is honest, nuanced, and deeply empathetic.
Their stories becomes a roadmap for moms who feel stuck in the in-between. From financial planning to goal setting, she covers it all. Here are a few standout takeaways I think you will love:
Embracing the Pause: Stepping away from a career isn’t the end—it’s an opportunity to grow, dream, and come back stronger. And let’s be real, mama, sometimes we need someone to say, It’s okay to step back.
Practical Guidance: The chapter on financial planning is gold. If you’ve ever felt the tug of guilt about the financial impact of staying home, this will give you clarity and confidence to plan smartly.
Clarity on Goals: One of the biggest fears I hear from moms is this: What if I don’t know what I want when I’m ready to return? Neha offers a clear, actionable framework to figure that out.
Connecting This to Your Story
When I read this book, I couldn’t help but think of all the moms out there—moms like you who want more, but feel guilty for even thinking about it. I know you’ve felt the tension of wanting to be fully present for your kids while also carving out space to rediscover yourself. Neha’s book validates those feelings and offers a path forward.
Here’s where I want to take this conversation deeper. It’s not just about the career break or the return to work—it’s about the identity shift that happens when you align motherhood with self. It’s about asking yourself: What do I value most? What kind of legacy do I want to create for my family and myself?
That’s the heart of what I help moms like you discover here (through Moral Mothering), and The Power Pause feels like an extension of that mission. It’s a reminder that you can have clarity, confidence, and ambition without sacrificing the values that guide your family.
A Note on Inclusivity
While this book is full of beautiful insights, I’ll be honest—it focuses primarily on women from middle- and upper-middle-class backgrounds. I would have loved to see more stories that reflect a broader range of socioeconomic realities, as well as perspectives from partners or even fathers who’ve taken similar career pauses. That said, the tools and mindset shifts it offers are universally valuable.
My Challenge to You
After reading this, I felt a renewed sense of purpose—not just for myself, but for you, too. If you’ve been wrestling with guilt, uncertainty, or the fear of “losing yourself” in motherhood, let this book be your permission slip to dream again. Take the pause, mama. Use it to reflect, grow, and come back stronger.

This book felt unique in the explanation of what’s going on in the minds and hearts of many parents today. Definitely filled with great information and I’d totally recommend a read to those thinking of or are already pausing for parenthood.

I add my voice to those of others mourning the fact that we did not have Neha Ruch's excellent THE POWER PAUSE when we were stay-at-home mothers raising young children. I never knew what to say to explain my status as "unemployed outside the home," felt inadequate and inferior to women who worked full-time, part-time, any time that was not the dread "at home" designation. I believed myself to be stuck and wrong and those years could have been so different had I followed the wise counsel to create a network and engage a fuller version of myself. In the current tumultuous world of work, this book will serve as an essential voice of reason for those summarily fired, downsized out, otherwise shoved out of the workplace. I imagine this book will be a goldmine of encouragement and inspiration for so many. Highest recommendation. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

Wow, what a powerful book. I wish I had this 4 years ago when I was just starting to consider moving out of the workforce. However, this was still immediately helpful as it had me thinking about my current day-to-day and what it could potentially look like to re-enter the workforce in the future.

A little background: I was part of the Great Resignation of 2020. Due to a variety of reasons (including but not limited to childcare expenses and a severe shift in perspective due to the pandemic), I left my career to spend more quality time with my infant son as he grew into toddlerhood. At the time the decision was a difficult decision, but I've since come to terms with it.

This book is broken up into easy-to-read sections: stepping away from the workforce, how to be a person away from a job title, and considerations should you decide to go back to work after your career pause. It outlines questions, considerations, and writing prompts for you to think about as you read through it.

This has a great mix of anecdotes and practical advice. It also felt very comprehensive - I've followed Neha's work for some time and I never felt as though I was rereading old blog posts in this book. This felt new and fresh and I walked away from it with new ideas.

I felt very seen in this book. I absolutely cannot wait for this book release in January!

This is the book I wished had been around when I was 30 years old and raising small children. The Power Pause offers a vision of full time motherhood as a time for re-invention, introspection, and networking with other cool women. Instead of presenting the years of full time motherhood as "wasted" time, this book presents a highly affirmative vision of these years as years of growth for women as well as the children they're raising. Looking back on my own years raising children, I did indeed go through a huge career change, make wonderful friends I would never have met if I had continued practicing law, and I got to know the "real me" along the way.

This would make a wonderful gift for new moms!

Holy cow, I have had these conversations. As an educated woman who chose to take a break 18 years ago and battled to get back to entry level in a career I had already spent almost a decade in, I wish I had felt this solidarity back then. People considering parenthood and what that means for them would benefit from this book.

As someone who recently left corporate America and am a stay at home mom aka I am on a Power Pause, this book could not be more perfect.

I felt very seen in this book - a lot of my insecurities, thoughts and feelings were mirrored by Neha on these pages. One thing I struggled with when making the decision to leave my job was how to answer the question - what do you do? The book helped address how to handle this big question and also how we as a society need to shift our focus.

Each chapter starts with a new narrative it helps reshift the mindset of parenting and specifically parenting while on a career pause which unfortunately still has a stigma around it. One chapter focused on letting yourself pursue new passions.

The book has a mix of personal anecdotes, interviews/quotes from a diverse pool of women, data and studies but also very practical advice. And I love how the book is structured with sections on Permission to Pause, Finding your Footing as an At-Home Parent, Growing and Learning through your Pause because I can go back to sections to reread as I enter new phases.

I highly recommend to anyone considering taking a career break or currently on one.

This book offers a refreshing and much-needed perspective, similar to the work of Emily Oster in Expecting Better and Cribsheet. The author, Ruch, dives deep into the often-overlooked experiences of women navigating career breaks for family reasons. I especially appreciated the depth of interviews and the variety of stories from different women that Ruch collected. Her thorough research, combined with practical data, echoes the insights found in Fair Play, another helpful resource for balancing life and work.

The Positives:
Ruch clearly spent significant time gathering stories from a diverse range of women, adding a rich layer to the narrative. Her inclusion of data and personal stories makes this a useful tool for those considering or currently in the midst of a career pause. The practical advice is especially compelling—Ruch doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the privilege involved in taking a break from work, yet she balances it with an honest look at the situations where stepping away from a career might not be possible.

I also admired her sensitivity to language and nuance, particularly as a woman of color and an immigrant. She highlights the challenges unique to women in different economic and social positions, though the stories are mostly centered in corporate, middle to upper-middle-class worlds. Despite this limitation, Ruch provides valuable insights for families, employers, and even those just starting to think about parenthood.

Areas for Improvement:
Although there’s much to admire, the book feels confined to a specific demographic. The majority of interviewees come from similar economic and educational backgrounds, which makes the narrative feel narrow at times. More attention to working-class or economically disadvantaged perspectives would have added another layer of depth, particularly for those who don’t have the option of a career pause.

Additionally, the gendered focus of the book struck a nerve. While the narrative of women taking career breaks is vital, hearing from male partners or even men who have taken similar pauses would have provided a more well-rounded view. It also felt like a missed opportunity not to address extended family support systems, which are crucial for many working families.

Lastly, the frequent mention of websites and online resources, while useful, might date the book quickly. A dynamic, continually updated online resource could better serve readers in the long run.

Standout Chapters:
The chapter on financial planning was a true gem. Ruch gives concrete advice that should be required reading for anyone considering a career break. The goal-setting chapter was also a standout, providing a roadmap for transitioning in and out of work while staying grounded amidst societal pressures.

Final Thoughts:
Despite its limitations, this book is a must-read for women considering or currently on a career break, as well as for employers seeking to understand the value that caregiving roles can bring to the workforce. Ruch's inclusive approach, relatable stories, and thoughtful advice make it a powerful resource. It's not just a book for parents—it's a guide for anyone seeking balance in life and work.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

I was not expecting to relate to this book as much as I have. I was a working mom, then a SAHM, before returning to work, but I was blown away by the timely advice, the connections that really reflected my current situation, and the resources within. I will recommend this to all my mom friends. It is so helpful for me as I recently faced a career change, and have been trying to find balance as a full-time working parent with a new schedule, and a less family-friendly work environment. This book is so needed for anyone who cares for children and has taken a pause in their career or is considering a career change.

I am not able to accurately review this one because my life situation has changed. I planned on taking a pause in my career to focus on my kids but life threw a curveball my way with a divorce and I will not have that option now. This book would be great for women who are in the fence about returning to work after kids though.

The good here:
- This kind of book feels few and far between, so getting this perspective is refreshing in the way that Emily Oster's books ([book:Expecting Better |16158576] and [book:Cribsheet |40121328] have been.
- I liked how many people were featured in this book! Ruch clearly spent a lot of time interviewing and collecting stories from a variety of different women
- The data here is helpful, and interesting, and reminds me some of [book:Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do|44071899]
- I appreciate the practical approach here - while Ruch clearly got a lot out of her own career break, she is clear about the ways in which it can be a privilege to be able to forego income (and touches on the circumstances where it may not be a choice)

The so-so:
- Despite the breath of interview-ees, this book stays solidly in the corporate, middle to upper middle class world. The diversity feels lacking because despite the different industries, many of these women come from similar backgrounds educationally and economically, and therefore, their choice to stay home pans out in a roughly similar way.

- While she mentions that for many women, staying home is not a choice, none of her interviews or research touch on that aspect of things. Similarly, the extended family network that I have seen be so incredibly helpful to working families is never even discussed. The same with the grey area between not being able to afford childcare while working and yet still needing a second income

- While I know this is the truth, I did grate at how gendered this book was. The interviews are all with women taking a career break, and it would have been interesting to hear from their partners or from at least one man who has done something similar. Maybe she couldn't find anyone, but I would assume that is due to limited reach/scope.

- This is a small thing, but she frequently mentions websites and resources, which, while possibly useful, mean that this book could rapidly become out of date, as technologies, preferred websites and online forums change so frequently. I don't know the solution here, but I'd suggest that a guide to an online resource list that can be updated as things change might ultimately be a better idea?

Overall, despite my qualms, I think this is a great fit for women in a certain demographic, and while I don't totally fit the mold, i was able to find some useful pieces here for myself as well.

This was a really good read! I wish I would have read this before taking my first break from work to raise my kiddos. Would definitely recommend to anyone transitioning to staying at home for a period. It was definitely a confidence boost and showed the importance that taking that pause makes.

**Review of "The Power Pause" by Neha Ruch**

Rating: 4/5

Neha Ruch’s "The Power Pause" offers a refreshing and empowering perspective on career breaks after having children, challenging traditional notions of stay-at-home parenthood and redefining it for the modern era.

As someone who left her corporate career to care for her infant son, Ruch brings a deeply personal and insightful approach to the topic. She tackles the identity crisis faced by many women who choose to pause or change their careers post-kids, offering a supportive guide filled with practical advice and uplifting stories.

One of the book’s strengths lies in Ruch’s ability to blend personal narrative with expert advice. Through her own journey and the experiences of other mothers shared in the book, Ruch dismantles stereotypes and showcases the diverse paths women can take during a career break. From financial considerations to reclaiming professional identity and finding fulfillment beyond traditional career paths, "The Power Pause" addresses a wide range of concerns with empathy and clarity.

The book is structured to guide readers through reflective exercises and actionable steps, making it not just a reading experience but a toolkit for navigating this pivotal life phase. Ruch’s online community, Mother Untitled, serves as a testament to her dedication in supporting women through this transition, offering a wealth of resources and a sense of solidarity.

While "The Power Pause" is primarily aimed at caregivers considering or navigating a career break, its insights resonate beyond parenthood. It speaks to anyone contemplating a pause in their career to reassess priorities, pursue personal growth, or make a meaningful shift.

Overall, "The Power Pause" is an essential read for anyone exploring the intersections of career, parenthood, and personal fulfillment. Ruch’s thoughtful approach and empowering message make this book a valuable resource for a new generation of caregivers seeking to chart their own course with confidence and purpose.

A view of being a stay at home mom through an empowering feminist perspective. Helpful in a comprehensive way!

(I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

As a stay at home mom this book was so validating to me. I really hope this message can become more dominant culturally, so we can see all the work mothers do that further their value as employable workers

5 ⭐’s A powerful resource, this is part What to Expect Before and After You're Expecting: Career Edition / part therapy for those of us still unlearning the system the patriarchal society that has deemed childcare and family life of less value has burdened us with.

Off the break I related to this book when Ruch talks about feeling naked when she was asked what she does post baby. The talking without saying anything until she awkwardly trailed off made me feel like she was at a recent playdate with me and was writing my story right down to the tech start up line.

I love that this is written by a woman of color and an immigrant at that. She captures a lot of the nuance I find often lost under the privilege of others who have attempted these conversations in the self help space. There is a real focus on inclusive language which I find phenomenal.

I'm certain my therapist would love this book and having come out of this situation recently I could have used this book years ago. I love the reframing of thoughts throughout the book, the acknowledging of working/s-a-h and the in between as all being valid, none more virtuous of the other. Ruch accomplishes this without being preachy or patronizing.

The chapter on financial planning for a pause was great and had some real gems in there. Frankly every person considering having children should read at minimum this chapter early in their career to both plan and be prepared for conversations with their partner well before they decide to have them. I found much of the advice helpful for my husband and I even though we are well past the beginning stages of my pause and our child rearing.

There are many diverse, relatable stories referenced throughout. Loved the chapter on goal setting and how transitioning can be hard but balance is the key. I also appreciated how it called out social pressures and expectations and how we do ourselves a disservice getting caught in chasing what “looks” perfect. There is a strong theme here of uplifting women and other child rearing people as having value in their work and not only deserving to care for themselves, but needing too.

So much other great material is referred to throughout the book, which I both appreciated the author's attention to crediting her sources directly and her material, but also it added some great books and other materials to add to my TBR list!

This is one I will buy and absolutely recommend for families and moms/caregivers looking to pause their career, or are anywhere along the pre-parenthood to headed back to the workforce. I also think hiring managers and employers could benefit from reading this to have an understanding of the value these outside roles can bring to their organizations.

Thank you to NetGalley & Penguin Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this as an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Wow this is a book that inspiring my wife after giving birth my first son, she decided to stop work and nurturing my son. But after a period of time, there is a feeling of insecurity and boredom. Hopefully, this book will cheer her up and make her confident again to work.