For years, Maria Goretti was a familiar face on television. She enjoyed a thriving career and financial independence. But after becoming a mother, she made a conscious decision to walk away from it all. Today, years later, she says she has no regrets. But she also admits that she misses one thing. During her recent appearance on The Aditi Govitrikar Show, Maria opened up about a feeling that countless mothers experience but rarely say aloud. Maria didn’t shy away from acknowledging the emotional complexity of her decision. Maria didn’t shy away from acknowledging the emotional complexity of her decision. “I miss making money. Let me put that very honestly,” said Maria.
13 Jul 2026 | 12:58
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Image: Instagram/@mariagorettiz
Her honesty challenges a long-standing myth surrounding motherhood: that once a woman chooses to stay home, she should never miss her professional life. In reality, psychologists say both emotions can exist together. A mother can feel fulfilled by parenting while simultaneously longing for the independence and confidence that work often provides.
Choosing motherhood over a flourishing career
When Maria became a mother, she decided to step away from television and dedicate herself to raising her two children, Zeke and Zene Zoe. Looking back, she says she doesn’t regret that decision. “Raising my children was worth it,” Maria said. Rather than presenting motherhood as a sacrifice, Maria describes it as a choice- one she still values despite occasionally missing her earlier career.
Why becoming a parent changes your identity
Motherhood comes with immense joy, but what accompanies it is that it reshapes a person’s sense of self. A woman feels a transition- both physically and mentally. Over time, it’s not uncommon to wonder where the old version of oneself has gone. For mothers with a career break, the transition feels more pronounced. This shift doesn’t happen because parents stop valuing their own dreams. Rather, the demands of raising young children naturally push personal goals to the background. Maria Goretti’s candid reflections echo this experience. Her admitting that she cherishes the years she spent raising her children while she also misses the financial independence is something many parents quietly carry but rarely express.
The guilt many mothers silently carry
For many mothers, guilt becomes an invisible companion with parenthood. Some working mothers feel guilty when they miss the important milestones of their child’s life. Others who choose to stay home may find themselves missing financial independence, like Maria. This becomes an “emotional tug-of-war.” Many mothers are placed in the middle of unrealistic expectations set by society. As a result, many women feel they are falling short, regardless of the path they choose. However, in reality, there’s no perfect formula for motherhood. Every family’s circumstances, priorities and support systems are different. Missing one’s career doesn’t mean a mother values her children any less, just as returning to work doesn’t make her any less devoted as a parent.Maria’s confession normalises a conversation left unspoken. It reminds parents that conflicting emotions can coexist. Ultimately, recognising these feelings without guilt is often the first step towards finding a balance that works for both the parent and the family.
