The Future of Work for Mums: Why More Women Are Leaving Traditional Jobs to Work on Their Own Terms

Before I had children, I never questioned the traditional work structure. Keeping going with my pre-baby work routine (Tuesday to Saturday varied hours!) seemed like the right/only path—until I became a mum and realised just how impossible that setup was for parents.

Trying to fit the unpredictability of babies, nursery drop-offs, and sick days into a rigid work schedule? It felt like trying to force a square peg into a round hole.

And I wasn’t alone.

More and more, I see mums stepping away from traditional jobs because the workplace simply wasn’t designed with motherhood in mind.

The reality?

• Full-time childcare is expensive. Many mums find that returning to work barely covers the cost of nursery fees.

• Workplace flexibility is still limited. Even with hybrid work options, many mums struggle to balance work demands with family life.

• There’s a loss of purpose. Many women feel disconnected from their careers after maternity leave, realising they want more autonomy, creativity, or purpose-driven work.

  
  

And that’s why we’re seeing a huge shift—more mothers are leaving traditional employment to work on their own terms.

The Rise of Mum-Led Businesses & Flexible Careers

In the past decade, there’s been a surge in mum-owned businesses, freelancers, and remote workers.

In fact, a report by Enterprise Nation found that one in three women in the UK start a business after having children, making mums one of the fastest-growing entrepreneurial groups (Enterprise Nation, 2023).

Why?

Because mums are redefining work in a way that fits their lives—not the other way around.

Here’s what’s driving this shift:

• More women want control over their schedules. Flexibility is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s a necessity for parents.

• The online world has opened new career paths. From freelancing to e-commerce, coaching to content creation—there are more ways than ever for mums to work for themselves.

• Mums want purpose-driven careers. Many mothers use their own experiences to create businesses that serve other families—from baby classes to coaching, wellness, and creative services.

  
  

And the best part? This shift is creating a whole new economy of women supporting women.

Why Community is Essential for Mums in Business

Starting your own business sounds exciting—but it can also feel isolating.

Many mum-entrepreneurs tell me they struggle with:

❌ Juggling business with childcare—trying to work during nap times and late nights.

❌ Feeling overwhelmed by the business side of things—marketing, pricing, taxes, admin.

❌ Lack of a support network—running a business can feel lonely without like-minded people around you.

That’s exactly why community is essential—and why more mums are looking for co-working spaces, business mentorship, and networking groups.

At Nest Glasgow, we’re creating a space where mums in business can work, connect, and grow together.

Nest itself is proof that mum-run businesses matter. I built this space because I saw a gap that needed filling—and I see other mums doing the same in their own industries.

One of the mums told me:"I left my job after maternity leave, and I thought I’d be on my own figuring out my business. But here, I’ve found people who actually understand—who lift each other up instead of competing."

That’s the power of community.

The Future of Work is Changing—And Mums Are Leading the Way

This shift isn’t slowing down. More mums are saying no to workplaces that don’t support them and yes to flexible, fulfilling careers.

In the coming years, I believe we’ll see

• More co-working spaces that welcome parents.

• More women creating businesses that serve other mums.

• A bigger conversation about work-life balance that actually works for families.

And if you’re a mum trying to figure out how to balance work, motherhood, and your own well-being—I want you to know:

You’re not alone.

There is a way to make it work.

And there is a community here waiting for you.

💛 Learn more about how Nest's founder, Jenny supports mothers starting and scaling their own businesses here

Nest Glasgow is a family-friendly wellness and co-working studio designed specifically for pregnancy, postnatal recovery, and motherhood support. We offer baby-friendly fitness classes, including postnatal yoga, pregnancy yoga, and mum-and-baby movement, so mums can focus on their well-being without needing childcare. Nest is more than just a mum and baby class—it’s a welcoming space for maternal mental health, community, and connection, where mothers can meet others, share experiences, and feel supported through the challenges of early motherhood. Alongside movement and well-being classes, we provide co-working sessions, giving mums the space to work, focus, and collaborate. With expert-led sessions in prenatal and postnatal care, Nest takes a holistic approach to women’s health after birth, helping mums rebuild strength, reduce stress, and find their village. Whether you're looking for postnatal exercise, mum meet-ups in Glasgow, co-working spaces for parents, or a relaxing space to recharge with your baby, Nest is here to support you every step of the way.