Practical tips for women returning to work

Balancing Family Life and Entrepreneurship: Tips for Women Returning to Work

My Top Practical Tips for Women Returning to Work

Returning to work after taking time off to raise a family can feel like a mountain to climb. But trust me, it’s also one of the most rewarding journeys you can take. Whether you’re thinking about re-entering the workforce or starting your own business, finding that sweet spot between family life and career is key. The good news? It’s totally possible to pursue your passion, make a living, and still be there for your family. But—let’s be honest—it’s not always easy. Finding the right rhythm takes time, effort, and a whole lot of coffee, but it’s so worth it once you do!

I started my business, Precious Memories, in 2004, just after having my first daughter. At the time, my husband worked away a lot, and I needed a flexible way to support the family while keeping my own independence. Fast forward to now, after over 20 years of running my business, I can honestly say it’s been a rollercoaster of growth, challenges, and plenty of rewards. But I won’t sugarcoat it: it’s taken a lot of hard work, grit, and determination to get to where I am today.

If you’re a woman thinking about heading back to work or starting your own business after some time off, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way that might help you find your balance—and prepare you for the hard work ahead.

Start with a Clear Vision

When I first started, I had a very clear sense of purpose. I wanted a flexible lifestyle that allowed me to be there for my kids, but also have my own identity and purpose. But having a vision is just the first step. The hard work comes in making it happen. Whether you’re considering a new job or starting your own business, getting a clear idea of what you want to achieve is crucial. It’ll help keep you focused, guide your decisions, and remind you of your “why” when things get tough.

Acknowledge the Financial Pressures

Let’s be honest—returning to work or starting your own business is about more than just personal fulfilment. For many women, it’s about financial independence too. For me, when my husband was away working often, I needed a way to contribute to our household income while still being there for my kids. That’s when I started my business.

But even though it can be a fantastic way to take control of your finances and your time, don’t think it’s a walk in the park. Starting a business comes with its own set of financial pressures—there are no guarantees. According to a recent report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), around 3 in 4 women who take a career break to raise children want to return to work. Many face financial pressures, and starting a business can help—but it requires hard work and dedication to make it sustainable.

Set Realistic Expectations

Here’s something I’ve learned: you don’t need to do it all at once. When I started, I wanted to be perfect from day one. But I’ve come to realise that building a business or re-entering the workforce is a marathon, not a sprint. Progress takes time, and it’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself. You will work hard, but it’s okay to take things one step at a time and not rush the process. Don’t expect overnight success—it’s about steady, consistent effort, and sometimes it’s the small wins that make the biggest difference.

Create a Flexible Work Schedule

One of the best things about running my own business is the flexibility to set my own hours. In the early days, I worked around school runs and family commitments. Now, with my daughters both driving and juggling university and sixth form, I have even more freedom. But don’t be fooled: this flexibility doesn’t mean it’s easy. I still put in long hours and late nights to get everything done. The balance I’ve achieved is a result of hard work and planning, and it’s taken years to find the right flow.

Being able to adjust my schedule has been a game-changer, but it’s the result of constant work, managing competing priorities, and knowing when to be flexible.

Outsource Where You Can

When I first started out, I thought I had to do everything myself. But over time, I realised that outsourcing certain tasks—like bookkeeping and annual accounts—freed up my time to focus on what I truly enjoy: growing my business. But don’t be mistaken: even outsourcing doesn’t mean it’s all smooth sailing. It’s still hard work, just in different areas. You’ve got to make those smart choices about where you can delegate so you can focus on the work that moves your business forward.

If you’re juggling family life and business, outsourcing can be a huge productivity booster—but you’ll still need to put in the hours elsewhere.

Prioritise Self-Care

Here’s the hard truth: if you don’t take care of yourself, you’ll burn out. Taking care of your mental and physical health isn’t a luxury—it’s necessary. I make sure I take regular breaks, go for walks with my cockapoo, Pickle, and get a solid workout in at my local gym, which focuses on high-energy fitness. I also make time to meet up with friends at great restaurants. You know, the ones where the focus is on good food and meaningful conversation—not ketchup bottles or laminated menus! These moments help me stay connected to myself and remind me that I’m more than just a business owner or a mum.

But don’t be fooled—self-care takes effort. You have to be intentional about it, or it’s easy to let it slip through the cracks when you’re busy juggling everything.

Leverage Your Support System

Running a business or balancing work with family life is hard enough. Don’t try to do it alone. I’ve been lucky to have incredible support from my family, friends, and the broader community of women entrepreneurs. Whether it’s asking for help with the kids or just having someone to talk to when things get tough, leaning on others can make all the difference. But again, it’s about hard work—building a strong support system requires effort, too.

It’s not always easy to ask for help, but you’ll be more successful when you do.

Celebrate the Wins, Big and Small

Let’s face it—running a business while juggling family life is no easy feat. That’s why it’s important to celebrate every win, no matter how small. Whether you land a new client, finish a big project, or simply make it through a busy week, give yourself credit for what you’ve accomplished. Reflecting on those wins helps you stay motivated and reminds you how far you’ve come. But you won’t get there without putting in a lot of hard work first.

Embrace the Learning Curve

Starting a business or returning to work after time off comes with a learning curve. But that’s a good thing! Embrace it. Every new skill you acquire, whether it’s learning new tech or improving your marketing game, adds to your confidence. The reality is that starting a business or returning to work is hard. But it’s the work you put in that will make all the difference in your success.

Communication Is Key

Even though technology is moving faster than ever, I’m still a firm believer that communication is key. When someone gets in touch with me, I always aim for a phone call. It’s about getting to know each other—not just them learning about me, but me learning about them, too. In our industry, where you’re meeting new people all the time, first impressions count. Taking the time to communicate properly is key to building lasting relationships, and that takes effort, focus, and work.

Final Thoughts on my tips for women returning to work

Balancing family life and entrepreneurship isn’t easy. It requires grit, patience, and a whole lot of hard work. But with the right mindset, flexibility, and support, you can make it work. It won’t always be smooth sailing, but the journey is worth it.

Starting Precious Memories wasn’t just about making keepsakes—it was about creating something that allowed me to be present for my family while following my passion. If you’re thinking about returning to work or starting your own business, remember: with determination, hard work, and a little help along the way, you can have the best of both worlds.

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Are you balancing family life and entrepreneurship? Share your tips or experiences in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you manage it all!