When we think of flamingos, their signature vibrant pink feathers come to mind. But did you know that flamingos actually lose their brilliant color when they’re nesting and caring for their young? It’s only after this demanding phase that they regain their stunning pink hue — a vivid reminder of renewal and strength.

This beautiful metaphor was popularized by Lindsey Gurk, a mother and influencer who drew inspiration from flamingos to describe the journey many parents, especially moms, experience when returning to work after caregiving. Just like flamingos lose and regain their pink, moms often feel like they’re reclaiming their identity, confidence, and professional vibrancy after the intense phase of parenthood.

At The Mom Project, we believe in helping talented caregivers get their “pink” back. Here’s what flamingos (and Lindsey Gurk’s powerful metaphor) can teach us about this important transition and why moms are some of the most valuable employees your company can hire.

The Pink Fade: Why Careers Dim During Caregiving

Just as flamingos’ pink color fades because they’re expending their nutrients raising their young, many parents—primarily moms—experience a professional fade. Career pauses for caregiving can create feelings of lost momentum, skill gaps, and self-doubt. It’s an emotional and practical challenge: balancing the identity of a dedicated caregiver with that of a confident professional.

But what’s often overlooked is that motherhood isn’t a career pause , it’s a powerful skills-building experience. Moms develop resilience, multitasking prowess, creative problem-solving, and exceptional time management — all while managing a household and nurturing a family. These are exactly the kinds of skills that make for effective, high-performing employees who get s#*t done.

Getting Your Pink Back: Reclaiming Your Career and Confidence

The good news? Just like flamingos regain their vibrant color with nourishment and time, caregivers can fully revitalize their careers with the right support and opportunities.

Returning to work is not about starting over, it’s about coming back stronger, with new skills, perspectives, and resilience. Flexible roles, returnship programs, and talent partners who understand this journey can make all the difference.

At The Mom Project, we connect companies with talented professionals who are ready to thrive whether they’re returning from a career break or seeking a new kind of flexibility. These candidates bring dedication, adaptability, and unique problem-solving skills that often go overlooked. In short, moms get s#*t done and your business will benefit from their grit and expertise.

What Talent Acquisition Leaders Can Do to Spot the Pink (and the Power)

For hiring teams and TA leaders, recognizing the value of caregiver talent is crucial in today’s tight labor market. Here’s how to support this vital workforce segment:

• Embrace flexibility: Offer part-time, remote, or hybrid roles that align with candidates’ caregiving responsibilities.
• Focus on skills, not gaps: Evaluate candidates based on potential and transferable skills like multitasking, prioritizing under pressure, and strategic problem-solving — rather than continuous employment.
• Build Maternityship or returnship programs: Create pathways that support the business while parents are on leave, and/or ease the transition back to work.
• Partner with specialists: Work with platforms like The Mom Project that pre-vet and support caregivers, reducing hiring risk and time-to-fill.

By doing so, companies don’t just fill roles, they build loyal, high-performing teams energized by diverse experiences and perspectives. Moms don’t just get back in the game, they get s#*t done.

A Vibrant Future Awaits

Returning to work after having children is a renewal, not a reset. Like flamingos reclaiming their pink, parents reentering the workforce deserve opportunities to shine brightly.

If you’re a talent acquisition leader ready to welcome vibrant, skilled caregivers back into your teams, The Mom Project is here to help you spot the pink — and build a future-ready workforce that thrives.

Ready to get your team’s pink back?

Connect with us today to learn how we can help you attract and retain top caregiver talent or support leave for your existing team.