Introduction: the best laid plans -- The disruptors: successful women pause -- The innovators: the three work pause thrive career paths -- Pausing and the issue of "choice" -- The politics of pausing -- The tale of two countries -- Men want a place in the home -- The workplace is changing, slowly -- Conscious choices, conscious careers -- Working: preparing for your non-linear career path -- Pausing: making the most of your career break -- Thriving: re-igniting your career -- Money matters, plan accordingly -- Conclusion: united we stand.