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The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids--and Come Back Stronger Than Ever

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Description

INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER! A paradigm-shifting guide to career breaks after kids that rebrands stay-at-home parenthood for a new generation of women and families. "So, what do you do?" When Neha Ruch had to answer this seemingly innocent question for the first time after leaving her corporate job to care for her infant son, she drew a shameful blank. She couldn’t find the words to describe this new stage of life she’d just embarked on. She wasn’t a 1950s June Cleaver type, nor was she one of today’s updated stereotypes. (Craft Project Mom? Exhausted-in-Sweatpants Mom?) How, then, was she to navigate this identity shift? Frustrated, Ruch embarked on a mission to rebrand the stay-at- home mother for a new generation of women who don’t want to leave their ambition behind just because they decide to pause or change their careers post-kids. Her online community has become the leading voice and resource for women navigating this transition, and in her first book, The Power Pause, Ruch addresses all the questions women face at this inflection point: Can I afford to pause? Who am I without my career identity? How do I find meaning in the role? And can I ever transition back to paid work? With expert advice and diverse stories of stay-at-home mothers who buck every stereotype, as well as interactive exercises to help the reader plot a course for the long term, The Power Pause is an essential handbook for a new generation of caregivers. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ G.P. Putnam's Sons


Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 14, 2025


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593716183


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 82


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.01 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.2 x 1.2 x 9.3 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #28,193 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #16 in Women & Business (Books) #47 in Motherhood (Books) #474 in Success Self-Help


#16 in Women & Business (Books):


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Encouraging and Insightful Guide for Career Re-Entry
Format: Hardcover
I purchased Power Pause as a Christmas gift, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. This book offers thoughtful, motivating guidance for anyone returning to their career after taking time away—whether for family, personal reasons, or a major life transition. What makes Power Pause stand out is its practical, uplifting approach. It doesn’t just offer generic advice; it provides real strategies, confidence-building insights, and relatable examples that help readers feel ready to step back into their professional lives with clarity and purpose. It’s a great resource for anyone needing reassurance, direction, or a fresh mindset as they re-enter the workforce. Highly recommend for gift-giving or personal growth. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2025 by Julia Irwin
    • Excellent resource!
Format: Hardcover
Absolutely loved this book. It's been a valuable resource as I navigate a career downshift, and it also feels like a smart, empathetic friend giving good advice. The writing is excellent, and the practical, actionable suggestions are mixed well with broader wisdom and relatable anecdotes. It has made me feel like I'm not alone in this tough transition phase, but rather part of a wonderful community of smart, driven, kind women. Thank you Neha for this book! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2025 by Amazon Customer
    • A Must-Read for Women Navigating Career Pauses
Format: Hardcover
I absolutely loved The Power Pause by Neha Ruch! It offers a refreshing and empowering perspective on women pausing or downshifting their careers. Neha provides a practical guide for navigating this often overlooked gray area—whether you're just beginning to consider a career pause or figuring out what’s next as your children grow older. The book covers everything from managing finances and resigning with confidence to goal setting and building your network. It’s packed with actionable advice and encouragement that feels both relatable and inspiring. Highly recommend! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2025 by Emily Wise
    • Helpful information for primary parents transitioning to home
Format: Kindle
The first part of this book didn’t really apply to me, though I saw the value in it. I was leaning more towards 3 stars. But the last two thirds of the book had more applicable information for my situation. I do think that this book is more geared corporate employees or “career women”. I appreciate that it celebrated being the primary parent and the experience you gain from it. If you are a working parent thinking of staying home or a primary parent thinking about returning to work this will have good information for you. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2025 by Melissa R
    • A must read! Changing the narrative for all moms.
Format: Kindle
This book is more than a book. It is a paradigm and culture-shifting movement. Neha has given language to modern motherhood in a way that no one has before. She has found a way to show that choosing to downshift or pause paid work for family life is not antifeminist, but actually the ultimate act of feminism and choice. I am so incredibly grateful that I found this book. It has opened my eyes to the possibilities, and validated my feelings. I also had the pleasure of listening to Neha talk about the book when she came to Bethesda on the book tour. She has brought an amazing community of women together with this narrative, and I can't wait to see what she does next. Read this. You won't regret it. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2025 by Kelsey C.
    • An excellent framework and a well researched and empowering read
Format: Hardcover
I wish I'd had this book when I first became a stay at home mother. The framework Neha has provided is an excellent guide on how to pause your career not just in the practical and financial sense, but also in the emotional and self worth sense. I am not unambitious because I've paused my career to be with my children; in fact I feel more ambitious and empowered than ever and I'm grateful to Neha for her guidance along the way. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2025 by J
    • An amazing and necessary reframe on the journey of motherhood
Format: Hardcover
I love the combination of data and storytelling from moms’ lived experience. This book makes me feel less alone in my experience, worries, and thoughts. It is a practical guide to help you coach yourself and work with the others in your life to get the support you need. It acknowledges the systemic challenges women and mothers face, but reminds us of our power and choice and what we can control. Highly recommend to all mothers and those considering starting a family like myself. It has given me the tools and confidence to feel good making taking this next step. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2025 by Steph B.
    • 5 Stars: A Hopeful, Practical Guide for Navigating Career and Identity Post-Kids
Format: Hardcover
The Power Pause by Neha Ruch is exactly what I needed at this stage in my life—a guide filled with practical advice, thoughtful examples for navigating the next steps in my career while balancing motherhood, and, most importantly, hope. What stood out most was how comprehensive this book felt. Ruch covers a wide range of scenarios and backs up her advice with data and stories—some her own, some from others—making it not only relatable but also actionable. It’s like a playbook for motherhood, self-discovery, and career reinvention, helping me feel like I’m on the right path in my motherhood and personal growth journey. While I wished some topics—like those touching on finances or marital dynamics post-kids—were more expansive, I understand that this book isn’t focused on those topics, and Neha isn’t the expert on them. They’re touched on just enough to highlight their importance and provide guidance, and I can see how other experts could explore them in more detail. One moment that particularly resonated with me was when she mentioned the app Peanut. At first, I thought she missed the opportunity to include it, but I was relieved and excited to see it highlighted later. When my son was seven months old, we moved out of our small San Francisco apartment to a house an hour away to provide a better life for him. The move also eliminated my husband’s awful commute, allowing him to be more present at both work and home. However, the transition left me without friends or insight into the local kid classes or activities. Peanut became transformative for me, helping me build friendships and connect with a diverse group of women. I’m so glad Neha acknowledged this app, and I hope her words inspire other moms to use it as a tool to find their own support system. This is a book I’ll return to again and again. It’s more than just a guide—it’s a source of hope and inspiration that will remain on my shelf for years to come. If you’re looking for clarity, encouragement, and actionable steps for navigating life and career post-kids, The Power Pause is a must-read. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2025 by Kyriaki K.

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