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When Mommy Grows Up

Becca Carnahan | Next Chapter Careers

As moms, we love to inspire our kids to dream big dreams about who they’ll be as they grow up. But when is the last time you stopped to ask yourself, "Who am I going to be (next) as I grow up?"

The When Mommy Grows Up Podcast is the motherhood and career podcast for moms who need help defining what success looks like to them as mid-career professionals and parents, along with the support they need to go after it.

Hear real stories from real moms facing the same challenges you are. Finding flexible jobs, crafting a job you love, discovering your passions, crushing it at work, and getting kids off the bus! We’ll talk through it all.

Hosts (and fellow mom) Becca Carnahan of Next Chapter Careers takes your questions and provides practical step-by-step advice to help you move forward. All served up with a virtual mom hug and lots of laughs!

Send your stories and questions to podcast@nextchaptercareers.us.

Interested in sharing your insights as a guest on our podcast? Share your story here: https://forms.gle/iefCf9PTTu7kQtpc7

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September 23 · 9 min
Ep. 137: Pushing Out of the "Uncomfortable Comfort Zone"
What happens when your comfortable routine starts to feel… uncomfortable? In this episode of When Mommy Grows Up, Becca shares how saying yes to teaching a college class pushed her beyond sweatpants-and-slippers workdays, opened the door to a portfolio career, and created unexpected opportunities for growth. Plus, there's a gentle nudge to listen to your inner itch and step outside your comfort zone. Resources: When Mommy Grows Up: Finding Career Clarity While Covered in Kids ----------------------------- You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence! Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career. Get started today!
September 1 · 21 min
Ep. 136: What if Your Career Change Comes with a Pay Cut?
What if the career you want pays less than the job you have? In this episode of When Mommy Grows Up, Becca shares five questions to help you evaluate the complete trade-off, including compensation, flexibility, family finances, future growth, and what the change could make possible. Learn how to tell the difference between a strategic step back and undervaluing yourself so you can make your next career move with clarity and confidence. Resources: Career Clarity Program: careerclarity.beccacarnahan.com Ep. 116: How to Pause the Panic and Negotiate with Confidence ----------------------------- You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence! Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career. Get started today!
August 18 · 13 min
Ep. 135: Happy Mom New Year! How To Do a Simple September Reset for Your Career
September is the real New Year for moms. Kids head back to school, schedules shift, and suddenly you might be wondering: Is it time for a change for me, too? In this episode, we’re ditching the pressure to completely reinvent your career and focusing instead on a simple September reset. You’ll learn how to create a stop-doing list, set career intentions that actually fit your life, and identify your next right step toward meaningful career growth. Plus, take the free 6-question quiz at beccacarnahan.com/quiz to discover your next right career step, and get a free resource to help you take it. Forget January. Let’s make this September count with grace, clarity, and simple steps forward. ----------------------------- You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence! Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career. Get started today!
August 4 · 17 min
Ep. 134: A Better Way to Make Confident Career Decisions
I want to let you in on a secret. The key to finding the right career isn't choosing the "perfect" job; it's knowing what you truly need from your work and your life. In this episode of When Mommy Grows Up, we're sharing a lesson from the Align module of the Career Clarity Program all about defining your career and life criteria. Learn how identifying your unique must-haves can help you evaluate opportunities, make confident career decisions, and create greater alignment between your work and the life you want to build. Resources: nextchaptercareers.us careerclarity.beccacarnahan.com ----------------------------- You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence! Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career. Get started today!
July 28 · 11 min
Ep. 133: Your Career Bucket List: Stop Chasing Job Titles and Start Chasing Experiences
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to create a summer bucket list for your family, but how rarely we dream about what we want to experience in our careers? In this episode of When Mommy Grows Up, we're flipping the script on career planning. Instead of asking, "What's my next job?" we're asking a more meaningful question: "What do I want to experience before I retire?" Whether you dream of leading a team, speaking at a conference, mentoring someone, writing a book, working more flexibly, or simply feeling more fulfilled in your work, your career is about so much more than job titles and promotions. As summer winds down and we all try to squeeze in a few more bucket list adventures before school starts, this is the perfect time to create a Career Bucket List, one that helps you build a career you'll actually enjoy living. In this episode, you'll learn: Why focusing on experiences can be more powerful than chasing job titles How to create your own Career Bucket List Why "someday" often turns into years if we're not intentional A simple way to choose one career experience to work toward before the end of the year Grab a notebook and join me for a fun, reflective conversation that might just change the way you think about your career. Because your career isn't just about where you work; it's about the life you're building along the way. ----------------------------- You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence! Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career. Get started today!
July 7 · 17 min
Ep 132: An Introvert's Guide to Building Career Connections
Does the thought of networking make you want to hide in the bathroom... or skip the event altogether? If you're an introvert (or just someone who dreads awkward small talk), this episode is for you. In today's episode of When Mommy Grows Up, Becca shares why networking doesn't have to mean working the room, collecting business cards, or pretending to be the loudest person there. Instead, you'll learn how to build meaningful professional relationships in a way that feels authentic, and even plays to your strengths. You'll learn: Why introverts often make excellent networkers How to reframe networking as relationship-building Five practical strategies to make networking events less intimidating Simple conversation starters that go beyond awkward small talk Why following up is where the real networking magic happens How to rebuild your professional network after a career break, relocation, or becoming a mom Whether you're returning to work, changing careers, growing your business, or simply looking to expand your professional circle, this episode will help you network with more confidence, and a lot less anxiety. ----------------------------- You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence! Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career. Get started today!
June 23 · 11 min
Ep. 131: The Simple Question That Changed My Summers
What if working parent life did not have to look the way we were told it should? In this episode of When Mommy Grows Up, I share a story from 10 years ago, when a quiet conversation with my mom planted a question that changed everything: Why? That one question sparked a long path of reflection, creativity, hustle, and reinvention. From full-time work to a side business to a portfolio career built for flexibility, I’m talking about what it can look like to build a professional life that supports your family, your values, and the seasons you are in. This episode is a reminder that there is no one right way to do work and motherhood. With clarity, imagination, and some hard work in the right season, it is possible to create something that gives you both purpose and room to breathe. And in this season, that means summer belongs to the kids. ----------------------------- You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence! Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career. Get started today!
June 9 · 15 min
Ep. 130 Whose Voices Are Driving Your Life?
Whose opinions are shaping your biggest decisions, and do they really deserve a vote? In this episode, Becca introduces the powerful coaching exercise, Voices in the Room, and shares the story of a mom who realized she had been living according to expectations she had never consciously chosen. Learn how to identify the voices influencing your choices, decide who belongs in your decision-making process, and strengthen trust in your own voice. Because building an authentic life means letting your values, not everyone else's expectations, lead the way. Resources: When Mommy Grows Up: Finding Career Clarity While Covered in Kids When Mommy Grows Up Workbook ----------------------------- You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence! Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career. Get started today!
June 2 · 20 min
Ep. 129: Returning to Work After a Career Pause - What I'd Pay For (and What I Wouldn't)
Returning to work after a career pause can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to figure out where to invest your time and money. In this episode, career coach Becca Carnahan shares exactly what she would and wouldn't pay for if she were returning to the paid workforce today. From coaching and assessments to ChatGPT, LinkedIn, networking, resumes, and certifications, Becca breaks down which investments can help build clarity, confidence, and momentum, and which ones can wait. If you're considering your next career move after time away from paid work, this episode will help you focus on what matters most and avoid wasting money on things you may not actually need. Resources: Is LinkedIn Premium Worth It? Low Cost Professional Resume Templates ----------------------------- You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence! Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career. Get started today!
May 26 · 19 min
Ep. 128: Is Part-Time Work Right For You?
The question "Is part-time work the answer?" comes up all the time for mid-career parents managing work and family needs. And in the summertime, while school is out, that question gets even louder. So let's talk about it! In this episode of When Mommy Grows Up, we’re talking honestly about part-time work as an option: when it can be a lifeline, when it’s not the right fit, and how to thoughtfully evaluate whether it aligns with your career and family goals in this season of life. You’ll hear the real pros and cons of part-time work, common mistakes parents make when considering flexible arrangements, and practical strategies for proposing a part-time role at your current company. From restructuring responsibilities to setting communication expectations and positioning your request as a trial run, this episode walks through how to advocate for yourself strategically and professionally. If you’ve ever thought, “I wish work felt more manageable right now,” this conversation is for you. Resources: Does Part-Time Work Really Work?: Meg's Story Job Search Sites for Flexible Roles ----------------------------- You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence! Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career. Get started today!
May 19 · 16 min
Ep. 127: How to Close the Feedback Gap and Actually Get Better at Work - Jenna's Story
In this episode of When Mommy Grows Up, we’re taking a page from the world of gymnastics, where feedback is constant, specific, and unavoidable, and asking: what if we approached our careers the same way? Because here’s the truth: most of us aren’t lacking feedback… we’re just not getting the kind that actually helps us grow. Through the story of “Jenna,” a high-performing professional who felt stuck despite glowing reviews, we unpack why common workplace feedback often falls flat, and how to change that. From vague praise to overly safe critiques, we’ll break down what’s missing and how to start asking better questions that lead to real, actionable insights. You’ll walk away with simple, practical strategies to: Ask for feedback in a way that gets real answers Turn vague comments into clear direction Build visibility and trust by actually using what you hear Create momentum in your career (without waiting for your next review cycle) If you’ve ever thought, “I’m doing everything right… so why am I not growing?” this episode is for you! ----------------------------- You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence! Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career. Get started today!
May 12 · 17 min
Ep. 126: Sideline Networking - Growing Your Career as a Busy Soccer Mom
What if growing your career didn’t require more time, just a new perspective? In this episode, we’re rethinking networking for real life. From soccer sidelines to dance studio waiting rooms, these everyday moments might be the most overlooked opportunity to build meaningful connections. Learn how simple curiosity, honest conversations, and small shifts in mindset can open unexpected doors without adding anything new to your already full plate. Because sometimes, the next step in your career is standing right next to you! ----------------------------- You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence! Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career. Get started today!
May 5 · 25 min
Ep. 125: Mother Knows Best - When Mommy Grows Up Audiobook Part 2
Happy Mother's Day! This week, as we celebrate YOU as a mom, the When Mommy Grows Up podcast is turning into an audiobook sneak peek one more time. Chapter 4 of When Mommy Grows Up: Finding Career Clarity While Covered in Kids, Mother Knows Best, shares stories and laughs, but its main purpose in the book is to remind us that we’re the moms now, and we really do know what’s best for ourselves and our families. Come share some relatable laughs, listen along to know you aren't alone, and get the pep talk you need to keep moving forward on the path that is right for you. Find the full book and workbook at whenmommygrowsup.com. ----------------------------- You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence! Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career. Get started today!
April 29 · 10 min
Ep. 124: This is a Story About a Duck
In this week's episode of When Mommy Grows Up, a small plastic duck carries a powerful message. After Becca's daughter’s state gymnastics meet, where highs and disappointments lived side by side, one quiet moment stood out above all the rest. Long after the crowd thinned and the lights dimmed, one little girl stayed, cheering on the final athletes, even when no one was watching. What happened next was a simple act of recognition that turned into a lasting lesson on character, encouragement, and what it really means to show up for others. This episode is a heartfelt reminder to notice the people who cheer us on. It’s also a call to action: to name that support, to become that support for someone else, and to offer that same encouragement to ourselves in the moments that feel lonely or uncertain. Because whether in parenting, work, or personal growth, we all have those moments where we need that support the most. And sometimes, the smallest gestures can mean everything. ----------------------------- You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence! Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career. Get started today!
April 21 · 23 min
Ep. 123: When You’ve Tried Everything in Your Job Search…Do This
If your job search has you feeling frustrated, exhausted, or questioning everything…you’re not alone. This week on When Mommy Grows Up, we’re talking about what to do when it feels like you’ve tried everything and nothing is working. Inside this episode, we’re diving into: Why the traditional job search approach might be failing you right now Creative, real-life ways to stand out (without burning out) How to keep going when rejection starts to feel personal Small, powerful mindset shifts to help you move forward again Because the truth is this job market is tough. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck! ----------------------------- You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence! Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career. Get started today!
March 31 · 18 min
Ep. 122: Let ChatGPT Write Your LinkedIn Profile (Without Losing Your Voice)
Struggling to update your LinkedIn? In this episode of When Mommy Grows Up, we walk through how to use ChatGPT to write a strong headline and About section, without losing your voice. Learn the exact prompts to get started, why keywords matter, and how to edit your content so it sounds clear, confident, and like you. If your profile has been sitting untouched, this is your sign to start! ----------------------------- You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence! Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career. Get started today!
March 24 · 19 min
Ep. 121: My Book Turns One! (+ A Special Audiobook Sneak Peek)
This week on When Mommy Grows Up, we’re celebrating a very special milestone—my book When Mommy Grows Up: Finding Career Clarity While Covered in Kids is officially one year old! 🎉 The refreshed 2025 edition is the book I always envisioned—filled with new insights, deeper encouragement, and even more support for moms navigating career clarity in the middle of real life. To celebrate this “book birthday,” I’m doing something a little different on the podcast… I’m giving you a sneak peek into a possible future audiobook! In this episode, I’m sharing a narrated reading of the prologue so you can experience the heart behind the book in a whole new way. I’d truly love your feedback—does this make you want a full audiobook version? Let me know! And if you’re ready to dive into the book now, you can find all the details at whenmommygrowsup.com. Grab a cup of coffee, press play, and let’s dream about what’s possible together. ----------------------------- You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence! Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career. Get started today!
March 17 · 19 min
Ep. 120: 15 Minutes to a Better Resume (Yes, Really!)
If your resume has been sitting untouched for years and you don’t even know where to start…this episode is for you. Today on When Mommy Grows Up, we’re doing a practical, step-by-step 15-minute resume audit designed especially for moms re-entering the workforce, pivoting careers, or updating a very outdated document. We’ll cover: How to turn task-based bullet points into measurable impact How to stop minimizing your leadership What to do about a “resume gap” How to align your resume with the job you actually want And how to rewrite your summary so it reflects the confident, next-level version of you Because most resume problems aren’t formatting problems, they’re positioning problems. And you’re not behind. You’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience. Grab your resume and let’s get to work. ----------------------------- You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence! Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career. Get started today!
March 10 · 13 min
Ep. 119: Rainbows, Unicorns, and Negative Interview Questions
“You know what I love about you, Carnahans? You can take what should be a really stressful situation and turn it into a funny adventure.” – My mom From airport sprints to the infamous Bat in the Basement Incident of 2017, I’ve learned that challenges are all about perspective. We can complain and blame… or we can focus on what we can control and what we learned. That mindset matters a lot in job interviews. In this episode, we’re tackling tough interview questions like: “Tell me about a time you worked with a difficult coworker.” “Tell me about a time you failed.” I’ll share a simple, forward-facing framework to help you answer negative questions with confidence, and turn challenges into stories that actually move you forward in the hiring process. ----------------------------- You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence! Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career. Get started today!
February 24 · 16 min
Ep. 118: Skills, Strengths, and Whether I Agree with Reese Witherspoon
Recently, Reese Witherspoon talked about leaning into what you’re already good at and "chasing your talents." As a career coach, I agree. Mostly. With a caveat. In this episode, we cover: Why strengths are foundational to career clarity How we use the CliftonStrengths Assessment to uncover your strengths and use them intentionally The difference between skills and strengths How strengths shape your career and life criteria Why you can be successful in the wrong role How to filter your strengths through energy and season of life If you’re ready to build a career that fits who you are and the life you want, this episode will give you a powerful place to begin. ----------------------------- You are one click away from boosting your career clarity and confidence! Head over to whenmommygrowsup.com where you’ll find the free Career Clarity Kickstart. With this free on-the-go guide, we'll walk you through 5 clear action steps you can take to go from confused about next steps to confident about what you want and need from your career. Get started today!

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