A Career Girl’s Wake-Up Call: The Surprising Freedom of Motherhood

By Mattie Kehl

In a world that equates success with promotions, Instagram likes, and the endless pursuit of career milestones, it’s easy to feel as though we’re falling short — especially as mothers. In the midst of the daily grind — diaper changes, tantrums, and yet another rendition of “The Wheels on the Bus”— we often forget that motherhood is not just a series of tasks to complete; it’s a high-stakes job that doesn’t come with a paycheck, a title, or a boss who’s keeping track of every move. But it does come with rewards that no salary can match (even if those rewards are often covered in spaghetti sauce and glitter).

In today’s world, there’s an overwhelming pressure on mothers to do it all — balance career, relationships, and family, while maintaining a picture-perfect appearance. Spoiler alert: no one’s house is spotless 24/7, and no one’s kid is always wearing matching socks. But here’s what I’ve come to realize: there is profound freedom in motherhood — not the freedom the world tells us to chase, but the kind of freedom that comes when we embrace the messiness of life with our children and rediscover our true identity in Christ.

Through motherhood, I’ve learned to let go of the need for validation from the world and to embrace the sanctifying, humbling process of becoming more like Jesus.

The Cost of Success

When I left my career as a broadcast journalist to stay home full-time, I thought I was leaving behind something irreplaceable. For years, my job had been my identity. I had a title, a platform, and the chance to make an impact. But when I became a mother, the external recognition faded. The title, the accolades, the rush of professional life — they were replaced by the quiet, humbling moments of motherhood. And that’s when the questions started: Who am I now?

Spoiler #2: If you’ve ever been at home in your pajamas, wiping baby drool off your shoulder, wondering if you’ll ever be “someone” again... you’re not alone. The world tells us that identity is tied to external markers: job titles, social media status, and professional achievements. But in the midst of diaper-changing and late-night feedings, I began to see how empty that narrative truly was. The validation I sought outside of myself wasn’t the answer; in fact, it was only distracting me from the deeper truth of who I really am. Motherhood revealed this to me in a way that no job ever could.

A Moment of Clarity

It wasn’t some grand revelation, but a quiet, simple realization. One early morning, during a nursing session, I found myself scrolling through Instagram — because, let’s be honest, what else do you do when you’re desperately trying to stay awake at 4 a.m.? I came across the usual polished posts — awards, promotions, success stories—and for a brief moment, that familiar insecurity crept in. I glanced around the room: stuffed animals scattered across the floor, laundry piling up in the corner. Was this really my life now? Was this enough?

And then it happened — my 8-month-old interrupted my spiraling thoughts. He reached up with his chubby little hands, grabbed my nose, and gave me the sweetest smile. As I held him close, it hit me: no celebrity, no Olympic gold medalist, not even an astronaut could walk into this room and make him want anyone but me. And he would choose me, over and over again. I was his world. In that moment, I realized that no award or job title could ever top that.

True success wasn’t about accolades or social media likes — it was the unconditional love and security I provided my son. It wasn’t just that I was his mom. Through motherhood, I realized I was reflecting God’s love for him. I was becoming more like Jesus — learning to serve and love sacrificially. And as I held him close, I no longer needed to chase the world’s version of success because I had already found my true identity. I am a child of God, chosen and equipped for this calling.

Rediscovering My True Identity

There’s a profound freedom in realizing that our worth is not dependent on external validation. Our identity is in Christ, and that gives us the freedom to stop chasing approval from the world. As a mother, I’ve learned that my job is not to seek worldly success, but to glorify God in everything I do. The little moments of sacrifice and service in motherhood — teaching, comforting, guiding — are my acts of worship.

And let me tell you: the best kind of freedom is knowing that the work I’m doing right now has eternal significance. The bedtime stories, the comforting hugs, the hours spent nurturing and guiding — these aren’t small moments. They are a reflection of God’s love, and they are shaping my child’s heart to know Him. That’s where true success lies: in the quiet, everyday acts of love that honor God. I’m learning that, even on the days when I feel like I’ve been living off coffee and crumbs (literally), I’m doing exactly what I’m called to do.

A New Perspective on Success

These days, I balance motherhood with a part-time job. But instead of approaching work with the same mindset of “I must prove myself” that I once had, I now see it as an opportunity to serve my family and glorify God. The irony is, I no longer feel the need to look for validation in my work. I’ve stopped clinging to job titles or career milestones for my sense of worth.

As Proverbs 31:28-29 (NIV) says, “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’” This verse speaks to the deep, eternal value of the work we do as mothers. In God’s eyes, we are blessed not by worldly achievements, but by the love and devotion we give to those closest to us. It’s a reminder that the work we do in our homes — nurturing, guiding, loving — is more than enough.

In the grand scheme of things, success isn’t found in titles, followers, or accolades. It’s found in living out God’s purpose for our lives, loving our families, and reflecting Christ’s love in all we do. The freedom I’ve found in motherhood isn’t just about stepping away from the world’s standards — it’s about finding my true identity in Christ and walking confidently in His calling for me. It’s a humbling reminder that, in His grace, God has helped me find a deeper sense of peace and purpose in the quiet, everyday moments that truly matter.

And that, my friends, is a success worth celebrating.

Mattie Kehl is a former broadcast journalist who now works part-time in marketing while balancing the beautiful chaos of motherhood. With a love for storytelling, she’s passionate about identifying truth, finding meaning in the small things and connecting with others through writing.

Instagram: @mattiedaviskehl