Latest news with #moms
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
6 Tips For Moms Returning To Work After A Career Break
Returning to corporate work after a career break to raise children is a major life pivot. Whether you've been home for one year, five or more than a decade, the transition back into the workforce comes with both challenges and opportunities. According to a FlexJobs survey, 70 percent of women who off-ramped their careers after having kids said it was difficult to reenter the workforce. For professional moms, the stakes can feel high—navigating expectations, explaining resume gaps and adjusting to changes in workplace culture and technology. Before updating your resume or applying to jobs, take stock of your current skills. What software are you comfortable using? What industry knowledge do you still have, and what needs refreshing? You'll also want to reflect on the transferable skills you've developed while managing a household or raising kids: time management, conflict resolution, multitasking, project coordination, budgeting—these are all assets in the workplace. If you've been away for just a year, your skills are likely still current. Focus on highlighting relevant experience and demonstrating continued interest in your field. For breaks of five years or more, consider identifying skill gaps and creating a plan to address them through self-directed learning or short-term courses. Free or low-cost platforms like Coursera, Udemy or LinkedIn Learning offer targeted refreshers in everything from Excel and Salesforce to data analytics and digital marketing. Even reading industry blogs or listening to sector-specific podcasts can help you re-enter the conversation with confidence. Networking is often the biggest hurdle after a long break, but it's also a valuable tool for re-entering the workforce. Reach out to former colleagues, managers or industry peers—even if it feels awkward at first. Let them know you're planning your return and ask for a short call or coffee to catch up. Don't be limited in what communities you consider, either. School groups, local business associations and alumni networks can offer surprising connections and warm introductions. As a former HR leader at Google and Grammarly, Claire Campion shared during an email interview that she has supported many moms returning to the corporate world after extended career breaks or maternity leave. 'Start by researching how your industry has changed during your time away. Talk to friends or former colleagues to get a real sense of what working life is like now, including the pace, expectations and economic landscape. In fast-moving industries like tech, a lot can shift in five years. From there, reflect on whether you want to return to your exact former role or explore an adjacent one that better suits your interests at this stage.' The way you talk about your time away matters. Whether you took a year out of the workplace for parental leave or a decade to raise a family, be honest—but frame it with confidence and clarity. Instead of apologizing for the gap, briefly explain the decision and pivot to the strengths you gained. Campion advises, 'Be honest and direct. You took time away from your career to raise your family and now that your children are older, you're ready to return to the workforce full-time. Reinforce what you bring to the table, your experience, skillset and readiness to hit the ground running. In 2025, power skills like communication, emotional intelligence and stakeholder management are just as important as technical ones, especially for more senior roles.' Rehearse your explanation in advance, so it comes across naturally in interviews and networking conversations. One example: "I stepped away from my career to raise my family, which gave me the opportunity to develop strong project management, communication and negotiation skills. I'm excited to bring that perspective back into a team setting, especially now that I've updated my skills and am ready for the next chapter." Returning to work can stir up a lot of emotion; guilt, anxiety and imposter syndrome are common companions in this journey. At ten years or more, the doubts can feel overwhelming. Know that these feelings are valid, but not necessarily accurate. You're not the same person who left the workforce, you're more experienced, more adaptable and you've been managing one of the most complex jobs there is. Find a mentor or support group of other moms who've gone through similar transitions. Talking openly about these challenges can help normalize them and build your confidence. Campion confirms that the biggest emotional roadblocks she has seen are self-doubt, loss of confidence and anxiety about re-entering a fast-paced workplace. 'Many wrestle with impostor syndrome or uncertainty about what role to return to. And then there's the very real Mom Guilt, feeling like you're not doing enough at home or at work. These emotions are common, but they're not permanent and they can be worked through with the right support.' Jackie Hershfeld, who returned to the corporate world in 2022 after ten years staying home with her three children, shared her advice for return-to-work moms in an email. 'Accept that you're going to feel like you're failing in at least one area of your life, be willing to recognize you're not and celebrate that you're doing this amazing, hard thing. Yes, you might have to meet your family at your kid's art show rather than drive all together, or maybe your laundry doesn't get folded as quickly or you have to order carry out because you're just too tired to cook and deal with dishes, but you're also taking care and loving on your family while bringing in an income. And yes, all of these examples are real examples from just this week.' Returnships—structured programs designed to help professionals re-enter the workforce after a break—are becoming more common at large companies like Amazon, Goldman Sachs and IBM. These paid programs offer training, mentorship and the chance to prove yourself with no long-term commitment upfront. Even if a company doesn't offer a formal returnship, look for job descriptions labeled 'mid-career entry,' 'career relaunch' or 'second act.' Even with jobs geared towards returning parents, don't expect it will still be easy. Hershfeld recalls, 'Job hunting whatever stage of life you're in is humbling. You're going to get rejected. You're going to think a role is an amazing fit and then it's not. You have to decide that every rejection is a redirection.' You may not land your dream job on day one. That's okay. Focus on positioning yourself for long-term success. Be strategic about the roles you apply to—look for companies with strong parental leave policies, hybrid or flexible work options and a culture that values inclusion. When Hershfeld's situation was no longer a fit at the first company she joined post-career break, she made a change. She explains, 'I have a son with dyslexia who is supported by an incredible school, I need the flexibility to be primarily remote when my husband is traveling to get him to and from school and the ability to work some non traditional hours. I made the choice to change companies to support that need.' Stay open to unexpected opportunities. A contract job, part-time role or freelance project can be a stepping stone that gets you in the door and lets you rebuild your professional muscle. Campion shares, 'Re-entering the workforce takes resilience and patience for everyone, not just moms. Be kind to yourself. You do have valuable skills and experience, it may take time to find the right fit.' Your technical and professional skills are still fresh. You'll want to focus on confidence-building and updating your resume with any relevant volunteer or short-term projects. Reassure employers that you're ready to commit and that you've kept a finger on the pulse of your industry. This is a common milestone when many moms consider returning. You may need to refresh some tools or software, but you still have a strong foundation. Consider a skills course or networking group to ease the transition and show proactive preparation. A longer break doesn't disqualify you—but it does require more intention. In many cases, employers will care about how you've spent that time. Volunteer roles, community leadership, continued education or freelance work can all serve as bridges back to your profession. Demonstrate readiness, not regret.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
I tried on 13 Walmart dresses under $50 — if you're in your 40s or 50s, these styles are seriously good
I'm a Walmart mom. If you know me, you'll know I'm at the store at least twice a week, getting everything from cucumbers to caulking supplies. As a mom of two in my late 40s, I'm usually in a hurry and laser-focused on my shopping list. But last week, while I was there replenishing the kids' school snacks supply, the clothing section caught my eye — and I had to make a pit stop to try on some of Walmart's affordable dresses for spring and summer 2025. I tried on 13 Walmart dresses — all under $40 — that I'm thinking about buying. I was surprised by the quality, comfort and fuss-free nature of these maxis, shirt dresses and more, which makes them a great choice for everything from school drop offs to summer travel. Scroll down to see how these cute dresses look on a real-life 48-year-old mom who's always on the go. I was first introduced to Mexx in 2003 when I lived in New York City, and have been a fan ever since. This 100 per cent cotton dress even has seam pockets. The fact that Walmart now carries one of my favourite brands is another reason to shop there — not that I really needed one. $35 at Walmart I love the black/tan colour combo of this draped calf-length dress. The gathered waistband helps give it shape, while the V-neck front and elastic sleeves provide a more tailored look. It's also available in a green and black colourway, but I wasn't as impressed with how it looked on. $29 at Walmart I like the tie belt that comes with this knee-length navy cotton poplin dress, but I might switch it out for a woven brown belt for a dressier look. It does wrinkle easily, so keep a steamer on hand when you're planning to wear it. I tried on a medium, as that was the smallest size they had in stock at that location, and it fit my smaller frame quite well. $37 at Walmart I'm totally devoted to this Devoted dress! It's super cute, hugs in all the right places and even has pockets. If I had to take one dress with me for a weekend away, this navy number would most definitely be it. $19 $35 at Walmart The quality of this Mexx eyelet dress exceeded my expectations. I loved the look of the smocked bodice and puffed sleeves, and of course, the seam pockets perfected the look. I'm sold on the blue — but if that's not your colour, it also comes in red. $40 at Walmart The moment I put this dress on, I knew I had to have it. How cute would it look with some cowboy boots? I could also pair it with my favourite sandals for a fresh spring look. $40 at Walmart I'm not usually a big fan of stripes, but this T-shirt dress won me over. It's super soft and wrinkle-free, and is an easy on-the-go look I'll be living in once the temperature warms up. $20 at Walmart Oh, Mexx, you've done it again. This collared button-down dress is casual comfort at its finest. And, yes, it's another one with pockets! I'm wearing an extra small and it's a bit bagger than I'd like — so I'd pair it with a thick brown belt for a bit of added cinching. $26 at Walmart Everything about this cute and comfortable dress says "low maintenance mama." And for $20, I might as well get it in both colourways. $20 at Walmart The soft fabric of this 100 per cent cotton denim dress felt great on. It's super cute and falls mid calf, making it flattering regardless of how tall you are. $29 at Walmart I adore the lace bodice and adjustable spaghetti straps of this sexy summer dress. This true-to-size flowy dress is fun and flattering. $35 at Walmart Do you know what busy moms love? Low-maintenance A-line like this one! The thick straps and the smocked bodice provide a secure fit, while the frock's all-over print will also easily disguise stains from my five-year-old when he inevitably uses the dress to wipe his face on. $30 at Walmart This super cute sweatshirt dress will come in handy on chilly summer nights up north at the cottage. And come fall and winter, I can also wear it with tights and chunky boots on ski weekends with the kids. It runs large, and I am wearing an XS, so keep that in mind before you purchase. $15 $24 at Walmart
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
I'm one of the oldest moms at my kid's elementary school. I no longer feel the need to dress a certain way or volunteer for everything.
An older mom embraces aging, focusing on authenticity over appearances and societal pressures. Her experiences as a breast cancer survivor and former teacher shape her parenting approach. She prioritizes her children's well-being over grades and avoids overextending herself in commitments. I'm a mom of four kids, and I'm in my mid-forties. My age becomes glaringly apparent when I'm among other parents who are assisting my youngest child's class: a group of nearly twenty-five second graders with younger parents who appear to be in their late twenties. Aging is a beautiful thing, they say. Who are they? I'm not sure. However, I absolutely agree that getting older is a gift and, I've discovered, can be quite settling. After all, the things that younger parents are worried about no longer concern me as an "old" mom. I've lived, and I have learned. What you see is what you get with me, including my physical appearance. To be frank, there are twelve-year-olds who do their makeup better than I ever could. My days are often jam-packed with appointments, drop off and pick ups, writing assignments, chores, and errands. I have very little time to care about what others think about my fashion choices and makeup — or lack thereof. I also don't worry about how I am perceived by others. I embrace that I can be chill and comfortable some days or a Hot Mess Express on other days, all thanks to having four kids plus perimenopause. Part of my radical acceptance also comes from the fact that I'm a two-time breast cancer survivor. I've been stripped down to almost nothing, fighting for my life, so I have a different perspective on life than many. I simply don't have the mental capacity to attempt to impress others, whether it's my educational degrees, my appearance, or even my parenting skills. Take me or leave me, just don't annoy me. My new outlook on appearances extends to my kids, too. I no longer demand that they be presentable in order to please others. Gone are the days of matching sibling outfits. Meet any teen, and you know they will wear the same sweatshirt, every day, no matter how many clothes you buy them. My second grader, within reason, can dress as she pleases, as I have learned dressing oneself is a form of self-expression and independence. It doesn't hurt anyone that her clothes are mismatched. As an older mom, I know better than to obsess over my kids' grades or sports scores. Basically, the numbers don't make the kid. Before I became a mom, I was a college teacher. I quickly learned that how well a kid did number-wise in school turned out to have very little to do with their future success. I understand that if my children's physical, mental, and emotional health aren't in order, academics and rankings are inconsequential. There are loads of volunteer opportunities, and I don't sign up for every one. The reality is, I don't have time. The other reason is because, truthfully, I don't want to. I do not feel obligated to be busting my butt at every volunteer opportunity each of my four kids has. Instead, my husband and I split some of the duties, and we also prioritize. No, if you recall, is a complete sentence. I don't summon the manager, er, principal, every single time someone calls my kid a name, because I've learned this simply isn't an emergency. Instead, I invest in teaching my kids coping skills, listening to their feelings, and offering guidance. Mama Bear does come out when something is beyond my kids' capabilities and the situation is persistently an issue, but I conserve my energy for the bigger battles and try not to sweat the small stuff. Gone are my days of wrangling little ones into strollers and frantically trying to change diapers and serve snacks. Instead, my world has changed from keeping up with babies to being the family chauffeur. It feels good to be an older and wiser parent who knows how to stay in my lane — because that's all I have the capacity for. Read the original article on Business Insider
CTV News
25-05-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Canadian runner wins ultramarathon 6-months postpartum while making time to breastfeed during race
A Canadian human rights lawyer and ultrarunner is hoping her latest racing achievement will inspire new moms do things that 'make them feel human again.' Stephanie Case competed in and won her first ultramarathon in three years this past weekend at the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia race in Eryri, Wales, and she did it while taking time to breastfeed her six-month-old daughter. 'I signed up for this race after I had already given birth to my daughter, Pepper,' Case told CTV News Toronto in an interview. 'I am scheduled to do a 100-mile race in Colorado in July, and because I haven't raced in so many years, I thought I should do a practice run to shake out the cobwebs and make sure that I knew how to put one foot in front of the other and also practice doing the breastfeeding stops for my daughter midrace.' Case was born in Kingston, Ont., and grew up in Toronto and Oakville. She now lives in Chamonix, France and is a self-described 'ultrarunner' a passion that keeps her 'sane and slightly insane' alongside her job as a human rights lawyer. 'I was never very sporty growing up – I was a total school nerd. I remember I did one running race when I was about nine years old, but I was so embarrassed and shy because my face had turned red at the end. I just didn't really have the confidence to keep running after that, so I didn't come back to running until quite a bit later in life,' she said. Despite setting records and reaching the podium at the Hardrock 100 in 2022– the race she's running again this July – Case spent three years away from running after struggling with fertility issues. 'I suffered two miscarriages and then went through three rounds of IVF in order to be able to get to the stage of having a successful pregnancy,' said Case. 'It was quite difficult during that time, because there were a lot of questions from well-meaning people about whether the running had potentially impacted my ability to carry a child, or whether it had caused the miscarriages. While there's no research that shows that [running impacted my fertility], it did change my relationship with it. I ended up feeling quite guilty and was filled with doubt every time I put on my running shoes.' Stephanie Case Case started the 100K race 30 minutes behind the first group of elite runners and ended up winning with a time of 16:53:22. (Stephanie Case) Case said she didn't want to put any pressure on herself to come back to running after having her baby, so she didn't originally strive for any specific performance metrics in the races she signed up for. But her surprise win in Wales has since made Case the subject of international media attention. She was even featured in a story in People Magazine. 'As I started to run again postpartum at about six weeks, I started to get those benefits from being out on the trails again,' she said. 'I realized that actually, yeah, I can set a higher goal for myself. Why not try to do well in these races? Why not try to shoot for something that seems impossible? Why do I have to set the bar low at just participating? If I fail, I fail, but at least I will have tried.' While utilizing her two aid checkpoints to breastfeed Pepper – plus an extra one granted specially to Case solely for breastfeeding with no aid – she finished the 100-kilometre Ultra-Trail Snowdonia race in 16 hours, 53 minutes, and 22 seconds and she did it starting 30 minutes behind the first group of elite runners. 'When you run and you complete races, you get a score – an index – and often, when you are signing up for races, your score will indicate where you can start in the field,' Case explained. 'Because I haven't raced in quite a while, I had no index, so it was like I was starting from ground zero. I was in the third and last starting wave, which meant that there were hundreds of runners in front of me already out on the trail that I needed to pick my way through.' Stephanie Case Case takes a selfie in the midst of racing the 100K Ultra-Trail Snowdonia race in Eryri, Wales. (Stephanie Case) Case says she's still not sure what her plan is for racing the Hardrock 100 next month alongside breastfeeding Pepper, but she's just happy the interest in her recent achievement is shining a spotlight on what new moms are capable of – in any shape or form. 'I'm incredibly happy if what I did this past weekend has helped to inspire other new moms, but I just want to make sure it doesn't feed into this narrative that moms have to and should be doing it all,' Case said. 'Doing it all means keeping yourself healthy and happy and keeping your baby healthy and happy. Whether you are chilling out on the couch or running a 100-kilometre race, it's different for every person. So, I just want to make sure I'm not setting an impossible standard. I think it's important to set big goals if that's what you want to do but also give yourself a break if that's what you need.'
Entrepreneur
21-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
You're Missing Out on a Powerful Talent Pool
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. What if I told you that there's a huge pool of potential employees who have mastered multitasking, are remarkably resilient, emotionally intelligent and well-trained? And they rarely complain? Also, they are easy to find. Sounds like a dream, right? Those people are moms. Moms are patient and hard-working. We, women, are expecting it from ourselves. Women remain underrepresented in leadership (still less than 30% in C-suite roles in the US). Women are often sidelined not because of a lack of skill or ambition, but by systemic and internalized barriers. The invisible weight As a mom of two, for many years, I lived with the illusion that feminism had already won. They gave me, as a woman, all the rights to work and build my own career, right? I didn't understand why it felt so hard. I thought that I was the problem, and nobody else felt how I felt. I didn't recognize how deeply internalized misogyny shaped my own perception of myself. How I self-censored that I was a startup founder, a strategist and a product builder. But I always wanted to have kids, and just as I began raising my neurodivergent daughter, I fully understood how invisible, unpaid labor reshapes your view of worth and self-worth. In a recent piece I wrote for Entrepreneur, I described how building a support system for my daughter mirrored the structure of my startup: managing a team, setting milestones and adapting quickly to change. Yet no one sees a mother creating a schedule for her child caregivers as a founder. And that's the problem. We don't frame caregiving (even for neurotypical children) — deeply complex, managerial work — as leadership because we've been taught not to. Related: On Momternships: Do Working Moms Really Need to Start From Scratch? Internalized misogyny: The quiet enforcer Patriarchy is not over, it's simply gone underground — and women often enforce it themselves. Internalized misogyny tells us to downplay our success, to self-edit our voices, to view nurturing as separate from leadership, not a strength of it. I was at a tech conference in Las Vegas, and noticed something weird. There was no line in front of the women's restroom. Meanwhile, the men queued up. Usually, it's the other way around. That small observation hit me hard. Women are still so few in my industry. And let's talk about expectations: women are expected to perform in their jobs, maintain the household, raise children and stay emotionally available. And on top of it all, keep manicured hands. The double burden is real, and it's draining. Why it's a business issue, not just a social one It's not just unfair. It's inefficient. Businesses lose when they ignore how gendered expectations exclude half the talent pool. Even in 2025, women are less likely to apply for leadership roles if job descriptions skew masculine. And when AI image generators are asked to create a "CEO," the result is always a white, middle-aged man (try it!). That bias isn't the machine's fault. It reflects the data (and the bias) we've fed it, which means if we want to change the output, we need to change the input. That includes our own minds. Related: How Moms Build Empires with Love and Grit Why I hire women and moms specifically At my company, 80% of the team are women, and most are moms. I hire them not as a favor, but because they're some of the strongest professionals I've ever worked with. Motherhood teaches you how to prioritize fast, manage chaos and keep moving no matter what because you have no time to waste. Mothers are disciplined, emotionally intelligent and deeply committed. My own mom told me, "I wouldn't have built my career without you." And I feel the same. My kids didn't slow me down; they gave me a whole new sense of purpose. I see that same fire in the women I hire. And when they're supported, they shine. What can businesses do right now? This isn't about rewriting your entire corporate structure overnight. But here's what you can start doing today to unlock an incredible workforce: Audit your job postings for gendered language. Research shows that ads emphasizing traits like "aggressive" and "competitive" attract dramatically fewer female applicants than those highlighting "enthusiasm" and "innovation." Research shows that ads emphasizing traits like "aggressive" and "competitive" attract dramatically fewer female applicants than those highlighting "enthusiasm" and "innovation." Offer flexibility not just as a benefit, but as a baseline. Women offered high flexibility are far more productive and loyal — 66 % say they'd stay with a flexible employer three‑plus years, compared with just 19 % when flexibility is absent. Women offered high flexibility are far more productive and loyal — 66 % say they'd stay with a flexible employer three‑plus years, compared with just 19 % when flexibility is absent. Mentor — and sponsor — upward. A lack of influential sponsors, not skills, is a primary reason women stall before the C‑suite. A lack of influential sponsors, not skills, is a primary reason women stall before the C‑suite. Challenge the bias. Whether in AI tools, team feedback, or hiring panels, be proactive in asking, "Who's missing here?" Because when we include more women, we don't just create equity. We build better businesses.
