Ep 31: Career Pauses, Motherhood, and Starting Over: Writing, Layoffs, and Rebuilding After Staying Home

Send us Fan MailWhat really happens to your career when you step away to raise kids—especially when it isn’t part of the plan?In this episode of Who Let Me Do This, I’m joined by my close friend and writer Kalina Cicero, who shares her honest story of building a successful writing career, getting laid off during COVID while postpartum, becoming a stay-at-home mom by circumstance, and trying to re-enter the workforce years later.We talk about the career cost of motherhood, the reality of long employment gaps, why returning to work is harder than anyone prepares you for, and how Kalina rebuilt her creative identity while raising two kids. We also go deep into her journey as a writer—from publishing a children’s book, querying literary agents, facing rejection, and writing novels in 15-minute increments while parenting full-time.If you’re questioning your career path, navigating a comeback, or wondering if you’ll ever feel like yourself again—this conversation will make you feel seen. If you vibed with this episode, here’s how you can keep the chaos going: Hit Follow so new episodes show up without you having to remember (because who has the brain space?)Share it with your favorite boss bestie so they know they’re not alone 🍷Leave a rating & review — it’s basically the podcast version of a compliment, and you know I live for those 💕Pop by instagram @saideegrimley or tiktok @wholetmedothispod and tell me what no ones saying out loud as a high achieving working mom