When I first stepped into the world of motherhood and open source contribution, I didn’t expect the two journeys to shape one another so deeply… I was already a mother and a woman returning from an extended three-year career break. And life doesn’t wait for perfect timing. 🤷🏻♀️
The break wasn’t something I had planned. It happened during the uncertain waves of COVID-19, when my son was just two years old. I stepped away from my career to focus on home, health, and homeschool my son and like many others, I wasn’t sure when or how I’d return! So many questions kept bugging me all day and I always felt;
“Can I still make space for myself — as a tester, a learner, a contributor?”
From Career break to Motherhood and Open Source Contribution
Motherhood transformed how I saw time. As a working mom, your calendar isn’t your own. I stopped chasing uninterrupted hours and started embracing small, intentional moments. I heard lot of things around Open source contribution. I was also not active member of the community. But gradually I started doing small contribution and it helped me shaping into something bigger which I never expected.
Rediscovering Myself After the Break
During my career break, I felt invisible. Skills felt rusty. Confidence dimmed. The tech world had moved on, and I wondered if I still had a place. But I came back; not with pressure, but with purpose.
Writing my story for HeroPress was the first time I gave a voice to my journey. That reflection helped me reconnect with the belief that teaching, testing, and motherhood were not separate but they were deeply intertwined.
“My Journey as a Teacher and Engineer” wasn’t just a story; it was a mirror that helped me see myself again.
Contributing to WordPress gave me a fresh start. It allowed me to be part of a community where even small contribution is valued. I started participating in many events happening around and slowly I gained my confidence back. And this year I made to my first ever flagship event!✨
Motherhood’s Hidden Gifts
Motherhood sharpened my empathy. It made me listen deeply, explain gently, and observe closely that directly influence how I test and contribute.
- I became more welcoming to first-time contributors.
- I explained testing not with jargon, but with clarity.
- I handled feedback and bugs with the same calm I use when calming my son after a tough day.
Testing isn’t just technical but it’s human. Motherhood taught me that beautifully.
Persistence Over Perfection
Coming back after years of extend career break and especially as a mom; it brings doubts. Some days feel too slow, too hard, too fragmented. But I’ve learned to value persistence over perfection.
- That one contributor I mentor may help in building tomorrow’s features.
- That one hour I spend tonight is enough.
- That one late night meeting I run does matter.
Motherhood and open source both reward showing up; again and again; even in small, imperfect ways.
How Motherhood and Open Source Contribution Became My Purpose
I contribute because I believe in what I do. Because it keeps me learning. Because it connects me to people who also want to build. And most importantly it is a joy of giving back to the community.🌐 If you have any questions or doubts that why one should contribute back then read my recent blog.
If you are curious how I turned that belief into action? Take a moment to checkout WordPress Contribution Journey and you might find some motivation to re/start too.
To Moms Who Are On Break Or Coming Back
If you’re just figuring out how to balance passion with parenting then this is for you!
You’re not behind. You’re not forgotten. You bring something rare to this field; your lived experience. Show up as you are. That’s more than enough.
The world of tech needs more of that. Contribute when you can, how you can. And never underestimate the quiet power of showing up even while holding a little hand in your other one.
Have you taken a career break? Are you a parent navigating tech and community work? Share your story and I’d love to hear it in the comment box below. 💬
Leave a Reply