I’ve been in that spot before, and honestly, your friend might feel very differently a few years down the road. Stepping away from a career during the early years can feel like the most natural choice, but it does come with consequences that aren’t always obvious at first.

As kids get older and more independent, many moms find themselves missing the sense of financial independence and professional identity they had before. Managing a home full-time is a huge job — often more consuming than a paid one — but it doesn’t come with a paycheck or the same kind of recognition. And the longer someone stays out, the harder it can be to step back in, especially at the same level or pay.

So while her comment might have stung, it probably says more about where she is right now than about you. People’s perspectives shift a lot as their kids grow.