Let’s be real: coming back to work after a long maternity leave can feel like trying to remember how to swim after being on land for years. There’s this overwhelming feeling of “Can I do this?” mixed with the pull of family life that’s so familiar now. The truth is, you’re not the same person you were before. And that’s okay. Motherhood changes us—it grows us—but it can also leave us wondering where the old us went.
But here’s the good news: rediscovering yourself isn’t about finding who you used to be. It’s about embracing who you’ve become and letting that guide your next steps. You’re not just going back to work; you’re entering this chapter with new strengths, perspectives, and yes, challenges. Here are eight steps to help you ease back into this new phase with grace and confidence.
1. Reconnect With What Makes You You
Let’s face it—when you’ve spent so much time focusing on your family, it’s easy to forget the things that used to light you up. Take a second to think about it: what made you excited before motherhood took over? Was it your love for creativity, helping others, or maybe a passion project that got shelved when your world shifted?
Now, reflect on what excites you now. It could be something new you’ve discovered during your time as a mom—maybe you’ve become passionate about health, wellness, or even a creative outlet you never thought of before. Write it all down, no matter how small or silly it might feel. This is about rediscovering what fuels you at this point in your life, not what used to.
2. Create Goals That Fit Your Life Today
You don’t have to know exactly where you’re heading yet, and that’s okay. Start by asking yourself some big questions:
- Do I want to return to my old job, or try something completely new?
- What kind of work-life balance do I actually need?
- Where do I want to be a year from now?
Whether it’s part-time work, freelancing, or stepping back into a full-time role, creating goals will help you see where you want to go—even if you change your mind down the road. Break it down into small, achievable steps. Baby steps count, and they’re often the best way to move forward without overwhelming yourself.
3. Don’t Discount Your Mom Skills
Here’s something we don’t hear often enough: the skills you’ve developed as a mom? They are gold. You’ve been managing everything—your home, schedules, even crisis situations—all while keeping it together (most days, anyway!). The multitasking, organization, and problem-solving you’ve mastered? That’s all incredibly valuable.
Sure, there might be areas where you feel a little rusty. Maybe there’s a new program or skill that your industry now expects. But you can always brush up—take a class, read up on it, or ask a friend for help. Trust that you’re more capable than you think. You’ve been learning every single day, even when it didn’t look like “work.”
4. Take a Look at the Job Market (Without Stressing)
Before diving headfirst into a job search, take a moment to breathe and just explore. What’s happening in your field now? Are there new roles that fit the person you are today?
Talk to people—friends, family, former colleagues. Sometimes the best opportunities come from a simple conversation. Maybe you’ve been curious about a new industry or job path, but you’re not sure where to start. Exploring doesn’t mean committing. It means giving yourself permission to see what’s out there, no pressure attached.
5. Baby Steps Are Still Progress
Starting over can feel like a lot, but you don’t have to jump into the deep end all at once. It’s perfectly okay to take it slow. Maybe the first step is as simple as signing up for a class, volunteering for something that interests you, or attending a webinar.
Each small action builds confidence. You don’t need to have it all figured out before moving forward. Often, it’s the tiny steps that lead us to the biggest realizations. Every small victory counts, and each one brings you closer to rediscovering what truly makes you tick.
6. Lean on Your Support System
You don’t have to do this alone. In fact, you shouldn’t. Whether it’s a local support group, online communities, or career counseling, there’s a ton of resources out there just for moms re-entering the workforce.
Check out job centers, online forums, or even Facebook groups where other moms share their experiences. Sometimes, just hearing that others are going through the same thing is all you need to feel less isolated. You’ve got a whole tribe of women who get exactly what you’re feeling—and they’re ready to support you.
7. Own the Gap
It’s easy to feel like the time you spent away from work is a black mark on your resume. But that gap? It tells a story—your story. Don’t hide it. Own it. The skills you’ve gained, the resilience you’ve built, the perspective you bring—they’re all part of what makes you an asset.
When you update your resume, highlight the skills you developed during this time. And when you write your cover letter, don’t be afraid to explain your time away. Frame it as growth, as gaining new strengths, because that’s exactly what it is. Employers value authenticity, and you’ve got plenty to offer.
8. Trust the Process (Even When It’s Messy)
Rediscovering yourself isn’t going to happen overnight. There will be days when progress feels slow, or when you wonder if you’re even heading in the right direction. That’s normal. The important thing is to keep going.
Consider flexible options if jumping straight into a full-time role feels like too much right now. Part-time work or remote positions might help you ease back into things while balancing family life. And remember—this journey isn’t just about finding a job. It’s about finding yourself again. Be patient. Celebrate the small wins, and know that you’re doing great.
Final Thoughts
Coming back to work after maternity leave isn’t just about “getting back to work.” It’s about rediscovering who you are after such a transformative life experience. It’s okay if it looks different than before, because you’re different—and that’s a beautiful thing.
Take your time. Follow what excites you. Trust the process, even when it’s messy. You’ve got everything it takes to create a life and career that fits the person you are today. One step at a time, and don’t forget to give yourself some credit along the way. You’ve got this.
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