This study examines how mothers reconcile their identities and roles when becoming first-time mothers and illuminates how they navigate the sequential role transitions when moving out of and back into work after childbirth. Drawing from 72 in-depth interviews with 24 German first-time mothers during pregnancy, while being on parental leave, and after their planned return, our study highlights that each role transition triggers a phase of identity work and a need to reconcile their new work-family roles. Furthermore, our findings show that how mothers reconcile their identities and roles after a prior transition shapes both their present role experience and their strategies for future role transitions. Based on our findings, we developed a conceptual model, considering the resulting role and role transition management as a recursive process over time. Our model highlights the dynamic nature of sequential role transitions, showing how mothers adopt different strategies to manage their identities and roles over time and how within each transition unique strategies emerge. Reflecting the multifaceted lived experiences, we also elucidate how individual circumstances can be resources or threats for transitions. We provide practical implications for policy makers, managers, and mothers how to support successful transitions out of and back into work.
