Jenna Fischer Opens Up About Stepping Away from Acting After “The Office”: It ‘Wasn’t a Fit for Me Anymore’

**Jenna Fischer Shares Insights on Career Shift and Family Life on ‘Dinner’s On Me’ Podcast**

Jenna Fischer, best known for her role as Pam Beesly on the beloved series *The Office*, recently opened up about her career transformation after the cancellation of her sitcom *Splitting Up Together* in 2019. On the episode of the podcast *Dinner’s On Me*, hosted by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Fischer discussed her experiences in Hollywood and her subsequent pivot to podcasting.

The 52-year-old actress reflected on the challenges of balancing her demanding acting schedule with family life. Fischer, who shares two children—14-year-old Weston and 12-year-old Harper—with her husband Lee Kirk, noted that the long hours required on set were particularly taxing. During her time on *Splitting Up Together*, Fischer revealed that she often worked between 65 to 70 hours a week, highlighting the intense nature of her job. “It was really, really hard, and my kids were very small,” she recalled.

Following the cancellation of *Splitting Up Together* after just two seasons, Fischer realised that traditional acting roles no longer aligned with her family priorities. “That’s when I pivoted into podcasting with Angela [Kinsey],” she explained. This transition allowed her to maintain a stable income while also being present for her children. “I was now at every school drop-off, every school pick-up, every teacher conference, every concert,” Fischer emphasised. This shift helped her reclaim control over her schedule, enabling her to be more actively involved in her children’s lives.

Interestingly, Fischer noted that her children now perceive her primarily as a podcaster rather than an actress. Because they were quite young when she made her career change, they regard her role on the *Office Ladies* podcast as her defining professional identity. “If anybody asked them, ‘What does your mum do?’ They would say, ‘Oh, she’s a podcaster,’” she stated. This raises intriguing questions about how roles as parents and professionals intersect, especially in the entertainment industry.

Fischer, along with Kinsey, launched the *Office Ladies* podcast in 2019 as a way to reconnect following the end of *The Office*. The pair, who developed a close friendship during their time on the show, longed to share their memories and experiences with fans. “Angela and I became best friends because we were cast on *The Office* together. I think the hardest part for me about it ending was that I didn’t get to see my best friend every day anymore,” she expressed.

The podcast explores various episodes of *The Office*, allowing fans to relive iconic moments while offering behind-the-scenes insights. As they celebrate the podcast’s success, now entering its sixth season, Fischer remains thrilled about the opportunity to work closely with Kinsey. “Rainn Wilson has always said that the two of us love to talk to each other, and I guess that’s true,” Kinsey shared in a previous interview, highlighting the strong bond they have developed over the years.

The personalised nature of their podcasting format is also one of its greatest strengths, according to Kinsey. They regularly exchange voice memos to keep in touch, as Kinsey finds it more meaningful than text messages. “There are things in text that I can’t hear. Like, if you’re frustrated or tired… the ups and downs and the joys,” she explained. Their deep camaraderie comes through not only in their podcast but also in how they share the nuances of their daily lives.

Since its inception, the *Office Ladies* podcast has captivated fans with its blend of nostalgia and heartfelt conversations. Fischer’s willingness to embrace a new career path reflects a broader trend in the entertainment world, where many are seeking alternative ways to connect with audiences. Her journey illustrates how reshaping one’s career around family priorities can lead to fulfilling and unexpected opportunities.

As Fischer continues to evolve her career while nurturing her family, her commitment to being both an active participant in her children’s lives and a creative professional serves as an inspiring example. Through her journey, she underscores the importance of self-awareness and the conviction that one’s career should be aligned with personal values and life circumstances.