Change Without Chaos: A Single Mom’s Secret to Balance and Bold Moves

At ASML, Rachel moved into a new role after coming back from her maternity leave. Here, she talks about the help she had, and how she’s providing more moms with the same support.

Rachel Howard, EXE Cleanroom Assembly Technician at ASML, kicked off her career at a small manufacturing company in Stratford, Connecticut, balancing full-time summer work and part-time shifts after school when she was just 16 years old. “It was a great stepping stone for me.” Rachel recalls, reflecting on her time at Platt Technical High School’s Manufacturing and Technology program.

After graduating, Rachel briefly attended Southern Connecticut University but found herself uncertain about her path forward. Seeking new direction, she enrolled in hair dressing school, where she worked diligently – even while pregnant with her first child. “During that time I was in hairdressing school, I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, which was my first child. I graduated and got my hairdressing and cosmetology license, and soon after I had my baby girl.” Rachel shares. 

As a new hairdresser, she faced the realities of weekend shifts – an industry norm that proved challenging for a single mother. “Most entry-level jobs as a new, inexperienced hairdresser required me to work on Saturdays and Sundays. That reason led me to make the decision to step away from that career path and return back to the manufacturing industry in 2018, since it was easier to find a full-time job as a single mother so I could provide for my daughter.” she explains. 

In 2021, when her daughter was four years old, she landed a job at ASML as a cleanroom optics technician. Rachel has since transitioned to her current role and also serves as a board member for the ASML Parents Employee Network where she can support other parents in the company. 

Rachel’s days begin at 4 a.m., packing breakfast and lunch for herself and her children and dropping them off at her mother’s house before heading to her 12-hour shift. Evenings are dedicated to family dinners and winding down with a book or a dance battle with the children. For Rachel, being present for her children’s milestones matters most – “I take pride in being present for them—showing up for 99% of their milestones, celebrations, and everyday moments. While work is important, a job can be temporary, but the opportunity to watch my children grow only happens once in a lifetime.” she tells Fairygodboss.

What made you decide to pivot your current role?

After returning from maternity leave and dedicating another year and a half in the Optics department, I found myself immersed in a world of precision and complexity that sparked a deeper interest and desire in understanding the intricacies of lithography machines—specifically, how the optics are integrated into the system. This drive led me to pursue a role in the next generation EUV lithography (EXE) where innovative technology meets bold innovation. 

How have you benefited from the skills and experiences gained through your career pivot?

Joining the EXE department felt like stepping into a whole new world. At first it was challenging, and difficult to adjust but I quickly realized how my experience in Optics could help if there was a problem or escalation. I can use what I learned to support the team and share helpful information. I have also had the chance to gain valuable relationships with my peers and work alongside intelligent, talented people.

I am fortunate enough to have a family and a great daycare who takes care of my children while I am at work.

What does “balance” mean to you, and in what ways do you feel like you’ve achieved it?

It is a common perception that work-life balance primarily pertains to working parents or individuals with families. I strongly feel that if you sacrifice balance, you're opening the door to burnout, eventually losing efficiency and passion for your work.

With the schedule that allows me to work 12-hour shifts three days one week and four days the following week, I can spend the rest of the week with my children.

What kinds of boundaries have you established to separate work and family time?

I leave my work laptop at work and silence my phone, so I don’t receive any notifications while I am home. I do this so I don’t get distracted while I am spending time with my children—so they can have my full attention.

How did you prepare for maternity leave, and what advice can you offer to other moms expecting their first child?

I was very blessed to be collaborating with a team that truly cares. My manager and colleagues constantly checked in to make sure I was doing well. both physically and mentally. Their enthusiasm about meeting the latest member of the ASML family was wonderful, and I truly appreciated the thoughtful baby gifts they surprised me with. 

After having my son, all I can say is: be gentle with yourself and remember that your baby does not need a perfect mom but rather a present mom. 

How long were you on parental leave, and what was it like to return to work?

Returning to work after being on parental leave for three months gave me a mix of excitement and uncertainty. I was eager to get back into the rhythm of work, but I also had an uneasy feeling—constantly wondering if my son would be okay without me for lengthy periods of time. 

What type of programs does ASML offer to new and expectant parents?

ASML offers a wide range of resources to support employees and families. These include access to the Calm Mindfulness App for emotional wellness, guided meditations, sleep stories, stress- relief tools and much more. For parents, ASML offers paid parental leave for bonding within the first year of birth, adoption, or foster placement. Additionally, ASML also partners with Parently, the Parental Career Coaching Program, to navigate leave and to make the return to work smooth and successful, including offering KinderCare Learning Centers to provide childcare discounts.

Why do you think ASML is a particularly great place to be a working parent?

Thanks to ASML’s paid leave policy, it allowed me to fully bond with my son without the stress of financial burden. After returning to work, I was able to transition to a compressed workweek schedule that better suited my lifestyle as a single mom—giving me more quality time with my children while continuing to grow in my role.

What do you find most rewarding and most challenging about your work?

What I find most rewarding about my work is knowing that I do not have to change who I am to grow in my career. I am surrounded by peers willing to teach, support, and guide me in the right direction, which makes learning and development feel natural and empowering.

Looking back, what has been your most valuable career mistake?

Letting my job consume me. I used to say yes to everything, which led to burnout because I took on too much. I have learned to set boundaries, which can help with time management. I have also found that prioritizing tasks is essential to maintaining balance and protecting my well-being. I realized that the quality of my work was more important than spreading myself too thin and made it less valuable.

What advice would you give to women considering a career pivot?

When I was considering making a career pivot, I asked myself “Is this what I want? Am I ready for this momentous change? What if I am not qualified enough or what if I must be a beginner again?” 

I made this mistake of overthinking for a while, but I was reminded that being new in a new department and starting from the beginning all over again doesn’t mean I’m not qualified, it only means I’m ready to be brave enough to grow into a new version myself who is ready to thrive. I also realized at that moment in time, I had outgrown something I used to be a fit for, which meant I was ready to make a change. 

I would tell women to not think less of themselves when entering a new career and don’t ever question your worth as your talent can be transferred and hold lots of value. 

What is your no. 1 tip for new moms who are navigating the delicate balance of working and mothering?

Kids grow up so fast, and that is why I always encourage others to be present in the moment with their children, especially for those once-in-a-lifetime occasions.

Even with a plan, things can feel overwhelming. Prioritizing your mental health is just as important. My advice is to create your own village of supportive people you can count on to make big life changes easier whether its family, friends, co-workers, or support groups. Having people who understand, validates your feelings and uplift your spirits makes all the difference.

What is your go-to stress-relief activity or routine?

On my days off, while my children are in school, I escape into nature for a refreshing hike along scenic trails to help ease my mind and soak in the beauty of the outdoors. I pair this with a full digital detox- no TV, social media, emails, and notifications on my phone. The freedom of being unplugged is an ultimate reset for myself.

While my children are with me, we enjoy going to seasonal outdoor festivals, markets, or events throughout Connecticut on the weekends. During the school year, since my daughter does competitive dance, most of our time is spent taking her to practices, going to dance competitions or recitals, and practicing at home playing Just Dance on her Nintendo Switch. During the summer, my family and I enjoy traveling down to New Jersey to make memories on the shore.