Returning to Work? Here’s What No One Tells You About Making It Happen.

A lot of people are thinking about returning to work right now. Maybe that’s you.

You took time off—for parenting, health, caregiving, or study / try something different in life. And now, as you look at job postings, update your resume, and hear conflicting advice, one question keeps coming up:

"Can I still do this?"

I hear this all the time in coaching sessions. People wondering if their skills are outdated. If they should just take whatever job they can get. If anyone will take a chance on them.

"I can't do it." "You think you can't do it, then you do it anyway." - From ?Lessons in Chemistry

This is an exchange between Elizabeth Zott and her friend as Zott meanders through the ups and downs of career change. Her friend reassures her that the path to her vision isn’t a straight line—you figure it out as you go.

And if you’re a mother returning to work? The noise is even louder.

Some will tell you it’s too soon. Others will say you waited too long. Some will question if you should go back at all. Others will insist you must. Everyone has an opinion—but none of them are living your life.

I understand the feeling – having heard these many times from family, friends, and coachees.

And my own experience – having gone through the emotions and process of returning to 9-5 roles myself.

That self-doubt? The second-guessing? It’s real. But here’s the thing—your time away wasn’t a pause. It was growth. Your situation is unique.

And if you're ready (or even just considering it), you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Let me share how you can approach this transition with clarity and confidence. These have been tried and tested by numerous people. I also know how a fit-for-all does not work for everyone - so don't miss the last part.

Let’s break it down step by step.

"Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." – Abraham Lincoln

The foundation is key – like always.

Step 1: Foundation - Get Clear on Where You Stand

Before jumping into applications, take a breath. Let’s start with the big questions:

? Am I ready to return? (Sometimes it’s a choice, sometimes it’s necessity—both are valid.) ? What support system do I need? (Childcare, finances, emotional support—it all matters.) ? What’s my backup plan? (Because life happens.)

?? Pause for a second. Most people rush this step. But skipping it can make the whole process feel harder than it needs to be.

One thing I hear a lot? "I feel like I should be able to handle this on my own." But knowing when to ask for help isn’t weakness—it’s strategy. Your support system will take you further than you think.

In my own experience, I learned that it is key to find your clarity and it is absolutely ok to ask for help and for me it was family.

I know some of you – feel this way – but a support system, asking for help are not weaknesses. ?What was key too and I reveal that at the end because that is the main ingredient that even holds the foundation up- like “The Atlas”.

As those initial questions settle, you might ?feel a familiar anxiety rise.

"It sneaks up on you—like that ‘one last email’ that suddenly turns into two hours of overthinking." - Author

Step 2: Reframe the Stories You’re Telling Yourself

This is where the mental battle kicks in. I’ve had so many conversations with people saying:

?? “Will anyone even give me a chance?” ?? “I should just take whatever I can get.” ?? “No one’s going to hire me.”

I get it. When you’re in it, it feels like these thoughts are facts. But here’s the thing: what you believe, you often manifest. Instead, try asking yourself:

?? What story am I telling myself about this break? (Is it holding you back or pushing you forward?)

?? What have I gained during this time? (New skills? A fresh perspective? More resilience?)

?? What does success look like now? (Your definition may have changed—and that’s okay.)

Your career break isn’t something to hide. It’s part of your value.

The key is knowing how to frame it for “yourself”. ( this is essential like mineral to body- I can’t call out it’s importance more..)

Now the next level of doubt emerges – in the form of – “Fear”

Step 3: Stay Current (Without Overwhelming Yourself)

This is where fear tends to creep in.

"What if I’m behind?"

"What if everything has changed?"

"What if I need to learn EVERYTHING?"

Let’s slow that spiral down. Your skills haven’t disappeared—they’ve evolved. But some things might need a refresh.

Here’s a simple way to check in:

a. Skills Audit—Get Real About What You Know

?? What skills do I already have? ?? What’s changed in my industry while I was away? (Check job postings, LinkedIn, industry news.) ?? Which skills need updating?

I’ve walked so many people through this, and the biggest surprise? Most of them are way more qualified than they think. They just haven’t mapped their skills to what’s in demand today.

b. Smart Learning—Focus on What Matters

No need to sign up for a dozen random courses. Instead:

? Find industry-recognized certifications (they carry weight). Look for skill-based learning (hands-on, not just theory).

?Make time for self-care every week – have someone help you with chores, read a book, go out, watch the sun rise and set, or stare at the sky. ( this is something no one tells and yet is the secret sauce )

? Keep it structured—a few hours or whatever time you can affor a week is better than trying to do it all at once.

Here’s an example plan:

OR You may groom your skills to be a digital creator, or digital influencer or a chef.

c. Actually Follow Through (Because Learning Means Nothing Without Action)

?? Block out time weekly for skill-building and self-care. (equally important)

?? Stay curious—explore emerging trends in your field.

?? Document what you learn—it’s proof of your growth.

Now, let’s be real—does life ever follow a straight line? Let’s check.

Reality Check—Because Plans Never Go 100% Right

Let’s be real- life happens.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard: "I had it all planned out… and then life threw a curveball."

Your childcare falls through. The job you wanted gets filled. An unexpected expense comes up. It’s frustrating—but it doesn’t mean you’re failing. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve faced this situation. My mind was always planning—sometimes I was on Plan G ??..

“But I did not give up planning – the idea behind a project plan is to review and adjust it – so you know the risks and can keep the project progressing.” - Author

What helps? A Plan B (and sometimes a Plan C).

?? Have backup childcare options ( or other tasks depending on your context and state).

?? Have a financial buffer, if possible, if required.

?? Be flexible with timelines. ( self-compassion)

"Your backup plans aren’t signs of doubt—they’re proof of your foresight." - Author

Bonus: If You’re Not Ready for Full-Time Work, Try This

Not sure about jumping back into the 9-5 grind? That’s okay. You have options.

Here’s how to stay relevant while keeping flexibility:

?? Freelance, consult, or coach in your field.

?? Join industry forums, virtual events, and professional groups.

?? Share your expertise—write, speak, contribute.

This isn’t just “staying busy.” It’s about staying visible. And sometimes, it opens doors you never expected.

Making It Real—Your Next Steps

Let’s turn this into action. Here’s what to do next:

? Schedule time for learning & development (even 1-2 hours a week builds momentum). ? Find accountability partners—people in a similar boat.

? Create a “skills portfolio”—track what you’ve learned.

? Set quarterly check-ins to measure progress.

? Prioritize your well-being—because burnout won’t help.

Most importantly? Ask for help when you need it. No one does this alone.

Your career break isn’t just a gap to explain. It’s a period of growth that, when leveraged well, can set you up for even bigger success.

Let’s make it happen.

Want to go deeper? Let’s talk.

Every situation is unique, and there’s only so much you can get from generic advice online. If you want to explore what works best for your journey, I offer a 60-minute free chat to help you map out your next steps. This is your invitation—let’s connect.

Let’s figure this out—together.