120-The Pivot Mom: Choosing Faith Over Fear When Leaving or Returning to Work

Join host Jennifer Bosma on the Front Parking Spot podcast as she welcomes Kimberly Patten — known as The Pivot Mom — for a candid, faith-filled conversation about the hard choices many mothers face: stay home with young children or return to the workforce. Kim, a Christian mom of two, former senior leader at an S&P 500 company, and champion of debt-free living, shares her personal journey from career to full-time mom and back to work, including adoption, identity shifts, and the emotional tug-of-war that led her to listen to God's call. In this episode, you'll hear Kim's story in detail: why she resigned from a dream job to be present for her children, how she coped with the financial and identity changes of being at home, what prompted her to re-enter the workforce, and how she intentionally sought roles with flexibility and balance. The conversation explores how cultural expectations, internal guilt, and evolving values shape mother's decisions, and how scripture and prayer can bring clarity and peace. Listen for practical, actionable guidance: how to identify your current values, test out a stay-at-home season before making a long-term decision, consider part-time or remote work, and design boundaries that honor both family and personal calling. Kim emphasizes trying smaller experiments (two-week test runs, shifting schedules), leaning into God for direction, and evaluating choices by whether they make you a healthier, happier mom — not by others' opinions. Key takeaways include the freedom to embrace changing seasons, the reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all answer, and the promise that God offers peace for decisions made in prayer. The episode rejects both cultural pressure and self-condemnation, encouraging listeners to choose what aligns with family values and spiritual conviction and to pursue a regret-free life across seasons. Resources mentioned: Kim's book Pivot (paperback and Kindle), the upcoming audiobook (expected 2026), and her free "Permission to Pivot Blueprint" guide available on her website at https://www.thepivotmom.com. Jennifer will also share Kims links in the show notes for easy access and further encouragement. Expect an encouraging, honest, and faith-centered episode that blends personal testimony with practical steps, Scripture-centered perspective, and real hope for moms at the crossroads of career and family. Website: https://thepivotmom.com Download Permission to Pivot Blueprint https://thepivotmom.com/mailing-list Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimthepivotmom                   Christian children's books for all kids! — Jennifer Bosma Follow Jennifer on Instagram @frontparkingspot Have you been trying to explain the Trinity to the little ones in your life? Order Jennifer's newest book, God is Three in One. Are you in need of a thoughtful gift for the next baby shower? Consider a copy of Jennifer's book, I Know the Plans. Its engaging storytelling and Christian values make it a perfect choice for the 'bring a book instead of a card' request. Do you have a child waiting for a sibling to join the family? Order The Baby Garden Christian children's books for all kids! — Jennifer Bosma Your reviews on Apple Podcasts are invaluable! They help us improve and reach more moms interested in Christian children's books and podcasts. Scroll all the way down to 'Leave a Review' written in purple at the bottom of the page to share your thoughts. Subscribe to Jennifer's website at www.jenniferbosma.com Thanks, Moms, for listening. Please share with others! Have an Ephesians 3:20 day as you go for the Front Parking Spot in your life today!