You’ve decided to leave your job because of your needs as a working parent — you wanted a more flexible schedule or a higher salary or to take some time off. Be prepared to be on the receiving end of some editorial comments about your decision. Some might be clumsy (“Couldn’t take it, huh?”); others might be well-intentioned but disheartening (“Be careful — my law school roommate left after her first was born, and she could never find a job again”). The comments have nothing to do with you, so ignore them. Put on blinders and stay focused on running your own race, with the goals you’ve set for yourself — not the ones others set for you. Your boss may have some negative reactions, too — pushback, derision, irritation, disbelief. Empathize and focus on the positive: “I understand your point of view as a leader of the company, but I’ve made this decision as an individual, and a father.”
Credit: HBR