Chronicles of a German-Born African (Part 8)

In her new short autobiographic book, Cologne-based law graduate and creative author Nesa narrates her story, of an African girl who was born in Germany but raised in the continent and now lives in the country of her birth. This is the 8th episode of Nesa’s chronicles, in which she shares how she found her way back to the work place after her ‘pregnancy and childbirth journey’ and the lessons she learnt in the process.

___________

Hi, Nesa here! In the previous episode, I shared my pregnancy and childbirth journey—the highs, the lows, and the invaluable lessons learned. Today, we’ll piggyback on that experience as I dive into how I found my way back into the corporate world. If you haven’t read the previous episodes, there’s still time to catch up!

After giving birth, I had the luxury of staying home to recuperate and bond with my child, thanks to parental leave (Elternzeit). Being a mother was a new adventure, filled with its own set of challenges and triumphs. From those first nerve-wracking attempts at breastfeeding to finally mastering the art of bathing a tiny human, it was a “learn by doing” kind of job. Gradually, I began to find my rhythm, feeling more confident with each passing day.

But as much as I cherished those moments, I knew I wanted to return to work. The idea of work, however, had evolved for me. I no longer wanted just a job—I wanted something that fulfilled me, challenged me, paid well, and, most importantly, allowed me to spend quality time with my family.

So, how did I navigate this new chapter? Here’s what I learned.

Lesson One: It Is Possible to Switch Career Paths
The thought of switching careers after having a baby can be daunting, but I’m here to tell you—it’s absolutely possible. When I first considered going back to work, I knew my priorities had shifted. I needed something that not only aligned with my new life as a mother but also reignited my passion and sense of purpose.

I started by reflecting on what truly mattered to me. What did I enjoy doing? I knew I loved to write, research, and read. What job would give me the flexibility of being a hybrid worker? Where could I do what I love for a living and earn my worth? Which job would afford me the possibility of moving to a different city?

It was a time of introspection, but also of possibility. Unfortunately, I realised that my previous job did not offer that luxury—I had to carve out a new path that suited my current needs and aspirations. Leaving the Embassy [of Ghana] was very difficult since my colleagues had become like family, but I knew without a doubt that leaving was the right thing to do.

So, I took the plunge. I did a lot of research and came across copywriting and content writing. This was it. It ticked all the boxes. I had finally found a field that fit. Now I had to study and become familiar with all the necessary tools in this field. Being a writer and loving writing wasn’t enough—I needed to study it. I enrolled in online courses, attended workshops, and networked with professionals on LinkedIn. I did all this during my Elternzeit, in between feeds and naps. It wasn’t easy, but it was incredibly rewarding.

Slowly but surely, I built up the knowledge and confidence to make the switch. I started applying for jobs in this field, and the rejection emails came trooping in but I didn’t give up. I kept at it and continued studying. I looked at the job openings, noticed what was repetitive across all the job descriptions for copywriter roles, and took courses to fill in the gaps where I had no knowledge. And you know what? It worked. Finally I got that one congratulatory email, that said I had been hired as a copywriter!!!

Lesson Two: Find a Job That Keeps You in Demand
During this career transition, a lesson that became very clear was that in today’s ever-evolving job market, it’s crucial to find a role that keeps you in demand. With technology advancing at a rapid pace and industries constantly shifting, I knew I needed to position myself in a field where my skills would remain relevant.

Take AI, for example—its impact on the landscape of copywriting has been profound. What used to be a purely creative domain now requires a blend of creativity and technical savvy. AI tools can generate basic content, but they can’t replicate the nuance, empathy, or unique voice that a skilled copywriter brings to the table. This shift pushed me to think critically about how I could offer something that AI couldn’t and how I could use AI to my advantage.

I spent time researching emerging trends and identifying sectors with growth potential. I looked for roles that required continuous learning and adaptability. Landing a role that kept me in demand wasn’t just about job security—it was about ensuring I stayed engaged and challenged in my work. It was about finding a balance between professional success and personal fulfillment, knowing that I was contributing meaningfully while also keeping pace with the changes in the industry. For me, copywriting was that role, but it could be something entirely different for you—just keep exploring until you find what fits.

Lesson Three: Take your time
If you find yourself in a similar place to where I was, remember: it’s okay to take your time. You’re not in competition with anyone. Your body has just accomplished the most incredible thing, it brought new life into the world. Your body needs time to heal, your mind needs time to adjust to this new chapter, and your family needs time to find its new rhythm. So, give yourself some grace.

There will be moments when it feels like everyone else is moving forward, achieving goals, and progressing in their careers, while you might feel stuck in one place. But remember, you are doing one of the most important things in the universe, you are nurturing a human being who will grow up to contribute to society. Whether you’re considering a career change, returning to your old job, or choosing to stay at home to care for your child, you are doing what’s best for you and your family. Never doubt that you are doing enough.

This lesson is particularly close to my heart because it took me a while to truly appreciate that taking time off work to care for my child was just as valuable as any job. It wasn’t just about nurturing my child; it was about contributing to the world by raising someone who would one day impact the lives of others. The work you do at home is profound and far-reaching, and it deserves to be recognised and valued. So, take your time, trust your journey, and know that you are making a difference in ways that are both seen and unseen.

Practical Tip: On Going Back to Work After Having a Child
Returning to work after having a baby can be overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling the demands of a new job and a growing family. That’s why building a support network is essential. During my transition, I leaned heavily on my family, friends, and even new colleagues for support and guidance.

It was in this process that I truly understood the value of community. Whether it was my husband stepping in to take on more childcare duties, my parents offering a helping hand, or friends providing emotional support, having a strong network made all the difference.

Building this support network was not just about practical help, it was about creating a safety net that allowed me to pursue my career with confidence, knowing that I had people in my corner cheering me on and helping me navigate the inevitable bumps along the way.

Conclusion.
Returning to the corporate world after becoming a mother was a journey of rediscovery and growth. It wasn’t always easy, but it was and still is rewarding. By embracing the lessons above, I was able to create a new path that fulfilled both my professional and personal aspirations.

So, if you’re standing at the crossroads, wondering how to balance work and family, or considering a career change after becoming a parent, know that it’s entirely possible.

I found a career that not only excites me but also fits perfectly with my new lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to take that leap. It’s never too late to start something new.

---

READ ALSO Chronicles of a German-Born African (Part 7)