The Return-to-Work Journey: What We’re Not Talking About Enough

Vicky our 'Return to work' specialist on The Hitchin Plus course shares her thoughts on returning to work.

Let’s be honest ,the return to work isn’t just a date in your diary.

It’s a huge transition. One that’s emotional, practical, and deeply personal.

Some of the Mums I coach feel excited, they’ve missed the buzz of their career or

business. They’re looking forward to remembering who they were outside of nap

schedules and weaning plans.

Others feel anxious — unsure how they’ll juggle the never-ending list of

responsibilities or whether they’ll even recognise themselves in the role they left.

Most? They feel both.

And in the midst of that, they’re asking:

 “Can I really do this?”

 “How will I manage everything?”

 “What happens if I drop the ball — at work or at home?”

Because maternity leave isn’t a break.

It’s a reconstruction of your life and you’ve been working harder than ever.

So the idea of going back to work, taking on more, and making it all fit can feel

impossible no matter how competent, capable, or organised you are.

And Then There Are the Practical Realities

Beyond the emotional load, there’s the logistical chaos nobody prepares you for:

• Childcare you can trust — that aligns with your work hours, budget, and values

• Juggling drop-offs with 9am meetings and unexpected deadlines

• The reality of sick days, clingy days, and guilt-ridden I'm sorry, I can't make it in calls

  
  

Having a brain full of logistics, feeding times, and nursery bag packing — while

trying to sound sharp in a team meeting

• Changes to your role or restructures that have left you feeling uncertain or unseen

• Flexible working requests that get denied or approved in ways that don’t actually

help

And the quiet question that so many of my clients whisper before they say anything

else:

What if I’m not the same person I was before?

To which I say, you're not. You're more.

This is one of the reasons I created Mum & More

As a mum myself and as someone who has walked this path while building a

business and returning to the corporate world — I know how complex this season is.

And I know how powerful it can be when a mum is properly supported through it.

I created Mum & More because I believe you deserve to thrive — not just survive —

as you return to work. Because this isn't about “getting back to normal.” It’s about

redefining what success, identity, and balance look like for you, now.

My Return-to-Work Coaching is designed specifically for:

• Mums preparing to go back to work after maternity leave

• Those navigating new career paths, promotion goals, or a complete reboot

• Business owners trying to grow sustainably while raising a young family

• Anyone wondering how to rebuild confidence, find balance, or feel like themselves

  again

  
  

We work together 1:1 to support both the practical and emotional sides of your return

— from time management, boundaries, and career clarity to confidence, mindset,

and identity.

And yes, some of my clients have had this funded by their employers.

Sometimes all it takes is a simple conversation and I can help you prepare for that

too. You’re not starting from scratch, you’re starting from strength

Vicky - www.mumandmore.co.uk