Working Women Vs Housewife Yesterday was my last day at my dream job.
If you’d told me 20 years ago that I would one day be the head writer and character lead for Siri, I never would have believed you. Not only because this job literally didn’t exist when I graduated. But also because I didn’t think it would be possible to go from mom to leader in a male-dominated industry. According to UNESCO’s 2021 Science Report, only 22% of professionals working in artificial intelligence (AI) are women.
Education
When I started at Apple in 2017, I’d just come off of a 7-year run as a stay-at-home mom with some light freelancing on the side. With that dreaded “resume gap,” I figured I had no shot at transitioning back to the workforce and doing meaningful, challenging work. But Apple took a chance on me then (and several times again over the next 4 years). Furthermore, for that I’ll be forever grateful.
If you’re a recruiter or hiring manager! Please consider candidates with resume gaps, especially mothers looking to re-enter the corporate world. The life experience and executive skills moms build during those gap years are unparalleled. In fact, the head of HR for a large tech company reinforced this when she told me her hiring philosophy: If you want to get shit done, hire a woman. If you want to get EVERYTHING done, hire a mother.
To all the moms out there struggling to get back into it! Moreover, know that there are advocates and allies who will always support you. You can have all of your children and a career too!
To the moms who consistently exceed the bar and inspire me with their leadership skills, wild design talent, and dedication to their families.
