As ABC13’s Eyewitness news traffic anchor, Katherine Whaley has seen Houstonians through freeway construction, mobility initiatives in the city, as well as catastrophic events like Hurricane Harvey. She was our eyes on the road through it all until earlier this year when she decided to give her 17-year television career a break to stay home with her young son William.
We sat down with Whaley to talk about her decision to leave television and what comes next for her and her family.
When did you know it was time to leave your career on TV to be a full-time mom?
I love being a mother, and time with my son is invaluable. Like so many other working mamas, my whole world was disrupted during the pandemic, but it was an opportunity to take a step back and look at big picture goals and priorities. The epiphany for me was that I loved my career, but I wanted a more flexible lifestyle that would allow more time with my family, and I am beyond blessed to have been able to make that move. Those pandemic work-from-home days were hectic (juggling live shots between nursing, researching the next day’s stories, maintaining a household). Still, I cherished being at home and available for my family and wanted more. I feel fortunate I can choose to transition away from full-time, traditional employment, especially considering that women have been disproportionately affected by job loss during the pandemic.
It has been several months since you left; how do you feel about your decision now?
I am 100% here for it! Since leaving television, I have been hired on various projects, including emceeing and event publicity. I have enjoyed working “a-la-carte” — I can keep my TV performance and writing skills fresh but still choose to work when and how I want. The best part is setting my schedule and working around my family’s needs (and my sleep!). I am fortunate.
What advice do you have for other moms who are thinking about leaving their jobs to stay at home?
I would advise women to consider how to start building new peer networks outside the workforce. Is there a regular volunteer/church/worship opportunity you can explore? A new gym or yoga class to join? This provides a community in the space where work may have left a void. Also, have a conversation with your spouse or partner about how transitioning home changes the roles within the relationship. It was essential to me to know that even though I was giving up my regular employment, I had no less power to make decisions (financial or otherwise) for our family, and I am grateful this was a battle I didn’t have to fight. Also, just like the working world, some days will be easy, some days will be hard!
Do you think you will ever return to work in a full-time capacity?
Sure! Anything is possible. If my family needed me to return to work for any reason, I would be ready. Right now, I am relishing family time, but the wheels are constantly spinning. I love cooking, so perhaps a TV cooking show one day? A girl can dream!
Katherine Whaley
@katherine_whaley