Podcast Summary: "Is It Time for You to Take a Pause?" with Neha Ruch on My So-Called Midlife

Release Date: July 30, 2025
Host: Reshma Saujani
Guest: Neha Ruch, Author of "The Power Pause" and Founder of Mother Untitled
Produced by: Lemonada Media

Introduction

In the episode titled "Is It Time for You to Take a Pause?" from the My So-Called Midlife podcast, host Reshma Saujani engages in a profound conversation with Neha Ruch. Neha, renowned for her work advocating career pauses for women through her book "The Power Pause" and her platform Mother Untitled, delves into the intricacies of taking intentional breaks in one's career to focus on personal growth, family, and redefining ambition.

Defining the Midlife Mindset

The discussion begins with Reshma sharing her apprehensions about approaching the milestone of 50 years. She expresses feelings of dissatisfaction despite her outward successes, leading her to explore the concept of a midlife crisis tailored to women. Neha, contrastingly, radiates excitement about her own impending 50th birthday, attributing her positive outlook to a cultivated perspective on what truly matters.

Neha Ruch [06:48]: "I would say I have the superpower of perspective of what's most important."

Neha elaborates on her journey through her twenties and thirties, focusing initially on belonging and later on finding her footing. By her forties, she feels confident and clear about her priorities, emphasizing that she is "not for everyone" but deeply aligned with what she values.

Neha Ruch [07:06]: "In her 40s, she feels like, yep, I got this now."

The Concept of the Power Pause

Neha introduces the concept of the "Power Pause," defining it as a strategic and empowering break from one's career to focus on personal and familial priorities. She distinguishes this from the traditional notion of a career sabbatical, highlighting that women have historically taken such pauses without receiving the same recognition or accolades as their male counterparts.

Neha Ruch [37:30]: "Career sabbatical for family life, if you want to clarify."

Neha emphasizes that a career pause is not merely about stepping away but about expanding one's interests, network, and sense of self to return to the workforce stronger and more fulfilled.

Steps to Take a Career Pause

The conversation transitions into practical advice for women considering a career pause. Neha outlines a three-step process to ensure a successful transition:

1. Acceptance and Reframing Ambition: Recognizing that taking a pause is a valid choice and not a setback.

   Neha Ruch [26:15]: "Your ambition and your feminism doesn't dry up."

2. Financial and Partner Communication: Engaging in open discussions with partners about financial implications and household responsibilities to ensure mutual support.

   Neha Ruch [27:19]: "We together are going to benefit as an interdependent household."

3. Networking and Preserving Career Bridges: Maintaining professional relationships and networking to facilitate a smooth return to the workforce.

   Neha Ruch [28:00]: "Preserving the bridge back."

Neha underscores the importance of viewing career pauses as additions to one’s professional portfolio rather than gaps, encouraging women to document and utilize their experiences during the pause to enhance their resumes.

Neha Ruch [41:45]: "Reframe a career gap as a set of non-traditional experiences."

Overcoming Challenges in Re-entering the Workforce

Addressing common fears, Neha discusses the stigma associated with career pauses, particularly for women. She shares insights from her research indicating a shift in hiring practices, with 75% of hiring managers now more accustomed to career breaks. Neha advocates for changing the narrative around pauses by equipping women with the language and strategies to present their hiatuses as opportunities for growth and diverse experiences.

Neha Ruch [42:40]: "We're more alike than we are different and we're actually all ever shifting."

She provides actionable steps, such as leveraging existing networks and pursuing volunteer opportunities, to build new skills and maintain professional connections during the pause.

Policy Changes and Future Outlook

Neha envisions systemic changes that could better support career pauses for women. She highlights the need for flexible work arrangements, such as part-time or adjusted workweeks, to accommodate varying family needs without penalizing career progression.

Neha Ruch [46:01]: "If we create a way in which organizations have templates for two-day, three-day work weeks, we would enable an incredible shift."

Additionally, Neha emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community among women to share resources, strategies, and successes, fostering a collective movement towards more equitable workplace practices.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Reshma and Neha discussing the hopeful trajectory of women's career landscapes. Neha expresses optimism that women are increasingly honest with one another about their experiences and are actively reshaping their professional lives to be more intentional and fulfilling.

Neha Ruch [49:16]: "We are building this from the ground up and reexamining it all."

Reshma thanks Neha for her insightful contributions, highlighting the significance of structural shifts in achieving true gender equality in the workplace.

Notable Quotes

• Neha Ruch [06:48]: "I have the superpower of perspective of what's most important."
• Neha Ruch [28:00]: "Preserving the bridge back."
• Neha Ruch [41:45]: "Reframe a career gap as a set of non-traditional experiences."
• Neha Ruch [46:01]: "If we create a way in which organizations have templates for two-day, three-day work weeks, we would enable an incredible shift."
• Neha Ruch [49:16]: "We are building this from the ground up and reexamining it all."

Final Thoughts

This episode of My So-Called Midlife serves as a beacon for women navigating the complexities of midlife transitions. Neha Ruch’s insights provide a roadmap for embracing pauses in one’s career, not as interruptions, but as powerful strategies for personal and professional enrichment. The conversation underscores the necessity of redefining societal norms and building supportive infrastructures to foster an environment where women can thrive at every stage of their lives.

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