Back to Work: For Stay At Home Moms Ready To Return To Work But Feel Doubt, Guilt, Overwhelm, Fear

If you’ve been working on your resume and second-guessing every little detail, this episode is going to give you a clear place to start.

I walk through real resumes and break down exactly what stands out right away and what immediately creates friction. Before even reading a single word, there are things that can make a resume easier to move forward… or easier to skip.

We talk about what actually matters when someone is reviewing your resume:

• Why readability is more important than trying to fit everything in

• What to cut when your resume starts getting too long

• Where your skills should go (and why placement matters more than you think)

• How to structure your experience so it’s easy to scan

• What to do if you don’t have a lot of experience yet

• How to use job descriptions to your advantage

I also call out common mistakes I see all the time that don’t help you get the job and can actually work against you.

This episode isn’t about having a “perfect” resume. It’s about making it simple, clear, and easy for someone to quickly see that you’re a fit.

Because your resume doesn’t need to tell your whole story, it just needs to get you the first conversation.

If you want more support as you’re figuring this out, grab my START HERE guide. Its a simple plan to help you make your first four decisions when you go back to work

You can also check out my resources inside Skool where I walk you through how to get started step by step.

If you’ve been feeling off lately, like you should be doing more, but just can’t seem to get it together then this episode is for you.

I'll unpack what’s actually going on beneath that constant, low-level frustration and why trying to “fix” it with more routines or better time management hasn’t worked.

Your days are full, but they don’t feel productive. We break down the hidden mental load that keeps you moving all day without ever feeling finished and why your brain hates that.

You used to complete things, solve problems, and see clear results. Now? Your wins reset every 24 hours. This section explores why that disconnect creates restlessness, irritation, and that nagging feeling that something’s missing.

When the idea of wanting something more shows up, it quickly spirals into stress and “what ifs.”

Starting smaller helps.

That's where the Start Here Guide can help.

It's a simple, 10-minute tool to help you get clear on what direction makes sense for you, how to translate what you’ve been doing at home into real experience, and how to talk about your time away from work without overthinking it.

Just take the first step. No pressure. No overwhelm.

Going back to work feels harder than it should—and it’s not because you’re doing it wrong. In this episode, we break down why the process feels so overwhelming and what’s actually keeping you stuck before you even start.

What this helps you solve:

• Why you keep overthinking instead of taking action

• The real reason your job search feels confusing

• What step you’re actually on (and why you feel behind)

• How to stop spinning and start moving forward

Start with my free Start Here guide. It gives you a clear, simple first step so you can stop overthinking and actually begin.

In this episode, I explain why I created the Back to Work Community and how it helps stay-at-home moms move from “I don’t know where to start” to taking clear steps toward returning to work.

If you’ve been thinking about going back to work but feel overwhelmed by the process, this episode breaks down some of the most common challenges I see and how having structure and support can make the transition easier.

In this episode we talk about:

• Feeling stuck because you don’t know where to start in the job search

• Uncertainty about how to explain a career gap to employers

• Second-guessing whether your resume, applications, and strategy are actually working

These are exactly the kinds of problems the Back to Work Community is designed to help solve. Instead of trying to piece everything together on your own, the community gives you practical training, guidance, and support as you move through the process of finding, landing, and succeeding in your next role.

If you’re ready to stop overthinking and start moving forward, you’re invited to join us.

👉 ⁠Join the Back to Work Community⁠:

If you’ve been putting off the job search, it doesn’t mean you’re lazy. In this episode, Carrie explains why avoidance is actually your brain trying to protect you from discomfort. The challenge is that confidence doesn’t come before action, it’s built by taking action. Learn why the job search feels so intimidating and how to start building momentum even when you don’t feel ready.
Get your free 10-minute “START HERE” strategic plan that walks you through the first steps to go back to work.

Get it inside the Back to Work Community w⁠here you can get tools, feedback, strategy, and guidance all designed to help you go back to work.

How many jobs should you apply to per week when returning to work?

In this episode, I break down why applying to 15–25 jobs per week can dramatically shift your momentum, confidence, and results — especially if you’ve been out of the workforce for years.

You’ll learn:

• Why momentum matters more than perfection

• How volume builds interview skill and confidence

• Why applying more actually reduces overthinking

• How to normalize rejection and stop personalizing silence

• What “reasonable fit” really means (hint: 60–70% is enough)

If your job search feels slow, discouraging, or overly personal, this episode will help you shift from waiting… to structured action.

Ready to stop overthinking and start building momentum?

Join the free Back to Work community for resume strategy, positioning guidance, and consistent next steps.

In this episode, I introduce something new I’ve been building behind the scenes: a Back to Work community created specifically for stay-at-home moms who are thinking about returning to work or already in the middle of that process.

Going back to work is about more than just resumes and interviews. Moms need support.

If you’re feeling unsure about your next steps or wondering if you’re the only one feeling this way, this episode is for you.

Check out my Skool Community here:

https://www.skool.com/carrie-mcfarland-coaching-6529/about

In this episode I introduce the idea of a “right now role” and explain how it can help you rebuild confidence, gain current experience, and create momentum without putting unnecessary pressure on yourself.

This episode is about easing back in, trusting the season you’re in, and using smart stepping stones to move forward instead of staying stuck.

If this resonated with you, you can sign up for my newsletter for weekly insights or request a free resume audit on my website at https://www.carriemcfarland.com/

In this episode, I talk about one of the hardest parts of the job search: rejection.

I share why not getting callbacks or hearing “no” can start to feel personal, even when you know logically it isn’t, and how your nervous system plays a bigger role than you might realize.

I walk through the patterns I see show up after repeated rejection like pulling back, second-guessing yourself, and that inner voice getting louder and harsher.

I also share practical ways to regulate your nervous system, protect your confidence, and keep moving forward without forcing positivity or burning out.

If the job search has started to shake your confidence, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening and how to stay in the game.

RESOURCES:

Resume Audit

Your Guide To Get The Job You Want

Carrie McFarland Coaching

In this episode of Back to Work, Angie shares how she uses intuitive coaching tools like tarot, oracle cards, astrology, and numerology to create a personalized “blueprint” that helps women understand how they think, what they value, and what environments truly support them.

We explore how clarity around values, energy, and alignment can guide better decisions, including going back to work.

We talk about recognizing patterns that no longer serve you and understanding what kind of job, company, and environment will actually feel good.

Angie also shares how her six-session Alignment Journey supports lasting transformation and introduces her upcoming Align Life Circle, a community space designed for women who want growth, reflection, and support.

Resources Mentioned:

• Aligned Tarot
  
• 
  Upcoming Align Life Circle community (hosted on SKOOL)