5 famous Aussie mums on returning to work after having kids: their stories and what you can learn from them
Returning to work after starting a family is a big transition.
While juggling family and career is never straightforward, going back after maternity leave brings its own challenges.
You’re adjusting to new routines at home, your priorities may have shifted and you’re trying to work out how everything will fit together.
It’s an emotional transition as much as a practical one, and you’re not alone in navigating this.
Career Coach Jane Jackson, author of Navigating Career Crossroads, says it will be easier if you accept your life may feel in flux after maternity leave. The key is preparing yourself by getting clear on what you really want in your career.
She suggests doing a career assessment before coming back to work, asking yourself how your values and priorities may have changed after becoming a parent.
What’s important to you? What do you want to change? Do you still want to work full-time or are you looking for more flexibility? Are you thinking about a career change overall?
“Going back to work full-time after having a baby can be challenging because there are so many variables, practically and emotionally,” Jackson says.
She also points out that you’ll have developed additional transferable skills after having a baby that can actually benefit you at work. These include empathy, logistics, project management, resilience and effective prioritisation
Just like any return to the workforce after a time away, a flexible schedule and realistic expectations will help you get back on track.
Here’s how to prepare for your return to work:
1. Consider your options
Is it time for a career change? Can you return to work part-time? Is there work-from-home flexibility?
2. Create a structured return-to-work plan
Have a plan in place to prepare yourself for your new daily work routine. Speak to your employer ahead of time if you want to discuss more flexibility.
3. Check ahead for work changes
Speak to your manager to see if any changes have been made to your team, workload or role.
4. Organise your outside work priorities
Organise childcare or school drop-offs ahead of time with your partner or support network. Put key school or childcare dates in your shared calendar.
5. Expect a period of readjustment
It might take some time to get used to being back at work, particularly with your new responsibilities outside of your job.
Here are some well-known Aussie mums who’ve been through this transition and what you can learn from them:
1. Zoë Foster Blake
The author launched her Go-To skincare business in 2014, the same year her son was born, and had her daughter in 2017. She balanced growing her business with the early day s of motherhood with sharing parenting duties with her husband, getting help form a part-time nanny, and working from home. Foster Blake’s story highlights the importance of support and flexible work arrangements. Share responsibilities with your partner, arrange childcare if possible, and negotiate flexibility in your work setup.
2. Candice Warner
Warner transitioned from an elite ironwoman to building a media and TV career after having her 3 daughters in 2014, 2016 and 2019. The career change gave her more flexibility to balance work with family life. If your current career doesn’t offer the flexibility you need, consider whether a career pivot could work for you. Warner’s shift shows that changing fields can give you more control over your schedule and better fit with family life.
3. Jane Hall
The actor trained as a midwife in 1997 before pursuing a career in entertainment. After her daughter was born in 2002, she continued working in TV and radio for years. Eventually, she decided to return to university to complete her midwifery training and now works as a certified midwife.
Hall's story shows it's never too late for a career change. If becoming a parent has shifted your priorities, don't be afraid to pursue a different path, even if it means returning to an earlier interest.
4. Miranda Kerr
The supermodel and KORA Organics beauty owner has raised 4 sons while running her business. She’s open about the struggle of juggling motherhood with business, but she prioritises her family by setting clear work boundaries. Setting work boundaries helps you prioritise family time. Decide what’s non-negotiable for you, whether that’s certain hours, days or commitments, and communicate those limits with your employer or clients.
5. Sonia Kruger
The TV presenter returned to work 3 months after her daughter was born in 2015. She says she faced some criticism for returning to work so soon but encourages women to do what’s best for them. Kruger’s experience shows the importance of doing what’s right for you. Ignore the outside noise about when you “should” return to work. Whether it’s three months or a year, the right timing is whatever works for you and your family.
These examples show there’s no single ‘right’ way to return to work. What matters is finding what works for you.
Use your time before returning to work to reflect on what you want. Is your current role manageable alongside parenthood? Does it need some adjustments? What arrangement best suits you and your family?
Once you’re back at work, stay open to adjusting your approach. See what works for both you and your employer, and set clear boundaries early to make the transition smoother.
