Women are returning to (paid) work after the pandemic forced many to leave their jobs

Instead of going back to a corporate job, Farida Mercedes started her own business. It pays less, but she has more flexibility to spend time with her sons Sebastian (left) and Lucas, ages 7 and 9. (Farida Mercedes)

Qynisha Jordan went back to work this summer after being out of the job market for more than two years. It was a welcome change, after spending most of the pandemic at home with her children.

"The best part has definitely been having conversations with adults and adult interaction," says Jordan, a key account manager for PepsiCo in Atlanta. "That's been awesome."