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When going back to work feels like just another chore: 

How mothers can balance.

 If you’ve been out of the paid workforce for a while, the idea of “returning to work” might come with mixed emotions.
For many women, especially mothers, it doesn’t feel like a fresh new chapter.
It feels like yet another item on the list. Another ball to juggle. Another
demand to manage. In truth, you’re already running a complex operation: your household, your family, your schedule, your future.

You’re not “just a mum.” You’re the logistics officer, mental load carrier, and emotional anchor. And yet, despite doing the work of a project manager with no official job title, no annual leave, and definitely no sick days, the world expects you to just slot back into paid work with ease.

The truth? Sometimes going back to work feels like one more burden—not a solution.

 Let’s talk honestly about that feeling, and what you can do to reclaim balance, energy, and a sense of self in the process.

It’s okay if work doesn’t feel exciting yet

We’re often told that going back to work should feel empowering. And yes, for some women, it is. But if you’re already tired—physically, mentally, and emotionally—then excitement might not be the
first thing that comes up. You might feel guilt, overwhelmed, or dread instead.

This doesn’t mean you’re not capable. It just means your plate is full. Acknowledging that is the first step to doing something about it.

Ask yourself: what do I actually need right now?

Many women look at returning to work as a “should.” But have you asked yourself why you’re going back? What do you need: structure? Connection? Financial support? A sense of purpose? Sometimes the act
of clarifying your motivations can help you feel more in control and less like you’re just ticking another box.

 Once you’re clear on your why, you can find or create work that aligns with it, instead of something that drains you even further.

Redesign your return on your terms

You don’t have to pick up where you left off. You don’t have to go back full-time. And you certainly don’t have to apologise for having needs. The narrative that women must be “grateful” for any opportunity, regardless of fit, is outdated and unhelpful.

 Ask for flexibility. Be clear about boundaries. Apply for roles that honour your capacity, not just your capability. You can be excellent and honour your bandwidth at the same time.

You’re not lazy. You’re overloaded.

If you’re feeling unmotivated, it’s not a character flaw. It’s often a sign of burnout. According to the Australian Psychological Society, chronic stress, especially when paired with low recognition and competing demands, leads to mental and physical fatigue. That’s not something you fix with a new planner or another late night.

 Instead of pushing through, start carving out small windows of time for recovery. That might be 10 minutes with a cup of tea, a walk around the block alone, or saying no to something that drains you.

 Small acts of self-respect lead to bigger shifts in energy and confidence.

 You don’t have to figure it all out alone

When returning to work starts to feel like an uphill climb, community matters. Being surrounded by other women navigating the same transition can give you practical insights, emotional support, and a reminder that you are not the only one who feels this way.

 That’s exactly why the Women Back to Work course exists. It’s not just about resumes and interviews, it’s about rebuilding your confidence, learning to work with your life (not against it), and having a community to walk beside you.

You are already working incredibly hard.
You deserve support, too.

If paid work feels like just another job stacked on top of your invisible labour, it’s time to shift the question from “How do I fit more in?” to “What needs to change to make this sustainable?”

 You don’t need to hustle harder. You need support that respects the load you already carry.

Ready to make a return to work that works
for you? Join the Women Back to Work course and start creating a plan that
honours your needs, your strengths, and your season of life.