Two prominent women have been in the news lately for decisions that circle the same maternal questions from opposite directions.
Karoline Leavitt, still young and living at the intersection of ambition and proximity to real political power, is stepping away from her high-profile job to stay home with her two young children. On the other edge of the ideological map, AOC has been in the headlines for ending an engagement and freezing her eggs. Single at 37 is a real predicament if you still want children. Both women reached a peak level of political employment. The interesting question is which one has family life more nearly figured out.
In years gone by, Leavitt’s choice would have been read as throwing in the towel. I’m not so sure anymore. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has managed to weave political life and maternal instincts together without obvious collapse. AOC has poured everything into her career and it has worked for her. She still has years left to build a family if she wants one, but it will require more deliberate attention to finding a partner who actually wants the same things.
The final word is simple enough: there is not one correct way to live a life. But you do have to put in the effort—and that almost always includes some real sacrifices—if you want the particular package that brings you fulfillment in all parts of life.
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