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

Episode 2: The Identity Shift

In this episode of Back to Work, Carrie and Angie dive into the messy, emotional, and very real transition from being a stay-at-home mom to stepping back into the workforce.

They talk about the identity shift that happens when you move from being the one who’s always home with the kids to sharing that role with others. It’s not just about finding a job—it’s about redefining who you are, grieving what you’re leaving behind, and learning to see that your value isn’t limited to one role.

Carrie shares her personal story of going back to work after eight years at home, the guilt she felt, and the moments that made her question her decision. Angie reflects on her own career transitions and how identity evolves across different life stages. Together, they normalize the mix of grief, guilt, and control issues moms often face in this process—while also pointing toward confidence, compassion, and a mindset shift that can make it easier.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why the “loss of identity” is a very real part of going back to work

• Carrie’s raw experience of feeling like she was abandoning her kids

• The cultural messages that pile on the guilt (like the dreaded “18 summers” line)

• How control and fear of missing out play into the transition

• The ongoing pressures on moms as primary caregivers, even when working full-time

• How to reframe your role so you don’t feel like you’re “doing it wrong”

This conversation is here to remind you that you’re not alone in the shift—and that your identity is bigger than any one label.

Resources & Next Steps:

• Catch our first episode for a full introduction to who we are and why we started this podcast.

• If you’re curious about self-care for moms, check out our previous podcast, Self Care for Moms.

• Subscribe and follow for more weekly conversations about making the transition back to work with confidence and clarity.

Carrie McFarland Coaching

Episode 1: The Truth About Moms Going Back to Work

When a stay-at-home mom decides to go back to work, it’s never just about getting a job. It’s about navigating identity shifts, family dynamics, emotions, and the logistics no one really talks about. That’s why we created the Back to Work podcast—for moms who are ready (or feel pushed) to re-enter the workforce but aren’t sure where to begin.

In this first episode, hosts Carrie McFarland and Angie Turgeon-Ledoux share their personal journeys of transition:

• Carrie reflects on her unexpected return to work after 8 years at home, balancing motherhood, financial pressures, and identity shifts.

• Angie shares her perspective as an educator, life coach, military spouse, and now retiree, drawing parallels between career changes, identity, and emotional transitions.

Together, they set the stage for what this podcast is about: honest conversations, practical tips, and real stories about finding, getting, and keeping a job that works for you and your family.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why going back to work is more than just “getting a job.”

• The emotional layers of transition that often get overlooked.

• Carrie’s HR and coaching expertise and how it shapes her advice for moms re-entering the workforce.

• Angie’s lived experiences with big life shifts and how tarot and coaching support her process.

• The shared vision behind Back to Work: addressing the in-between—the messy, emotional, real part of transition that often goes unspoken.

Takeaway:Transitions are hard, messy, and complex. You don’t have to rush through them or feel like you’re failing if it doesn’t come easily. This space is for moms like you, walking through the return-to-work journey with honesty, support, and encouragement.

👉 Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode.👉 Share with a mom friend who’s been thinking about going back to work.

Resources & Links:

Hi Moms. I’m Carrie McFarland and if you’ve been with me since Self Care for Moms, you know that podcast was all about helping overwhelmed moms reclaim their time, energy, and well-being. I loved creating that show and seeing how it helped so many of you find confidence, joy, and fulfillment again. That season has wrapped up, but it opened the door to something new.

Because here’s the thing—once you start putting yourself first, the next question often comes up: what’s next for me? For many of us, the answer is going back to work. But that’s when the doubts, guilt, and second-guessing can come flooding in. I know this firsthand. I was a stay-at-home mom for eight years before I returned to work, and I felt torn in every direction. At work, I worried about my kids. At home, I worried about not doing my best at work. I felt like I was failing everywhere—and I know I’m not the only one who’s been there.

That’s why I started Back to Work. Angie and I are here to help stay-at-home moms move past the fear of reentering the workforce—because we all know it’s about so much more than just finding a job. I’ve lived it, and I also bring nearly 20 years in HR and recruiting to share what really makes a difference when you’re ready to step back in.

Each week you’ll hear tips, stories, and honest conversations to help you move forward with confidence. I hope you’ll join us for encouragement, clarity, and a few laughs along the way.

The first episode drops October 8th. We can’t wait to see you there.

In the meantime, checkout the Back To Work website and get your free guide to finding a job.

https://www.carriemcfarland.com/

Becoming a mom can often mean choosing your new identity over your old identity. The person you knew is gone and is replaced with someone who takes care of little humans and doesn't have much time for anything else.

When you're done with the video make sure to click the free resource link to take you to all the free goodies.

Enjoy!

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In this episode, we chat about the stress and overwhelm many moms experience. We talk about how our habits can feel good in the moment but may have long-term downsides.

We lift the curtain into our own lives and talk about all the things

You can find us on Instagram and YouTube.

And don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe!

Welcome to this week’s episode of Self-Care for Moms!

We’re tackling a big issue many moms face: feeling stuck in a rut and overwhelmed by the daily grind. 😓 If you’re finding yourself drained and stuck in the same old routine, you’re definitely not alone. But don’t worry—this episode has some great ideas to help you shake things up and add a little more joy to your life!

Tune in to learn how small, positive changes can make a big difference and help you feel refreshed and fulfilled. You won’t want to miss these easy tips for making your daily routine a bit more exciting! 💪😊

Moms want their babies to grow up into happy productive adults and yet, moms can also feel sad and heartbroken at the realization that their babies aren't little anymore. Yup, it's another one of those "mom" things, but it's real and that's why we're talking about it.

Have you see the video on IG of the mom picking up her kid's toy literally as she is crossing the finish line from a race she just finished.

No celebrations, no congratulations, no acknowledgement of the amazing achievement she just accomplished.

This week we are diving into why moms feel so compelled to be in "mom mode" all the time.

Watch the video here - https://momslovecoaching.ck.page/profile/links

Angie and I have slightly different views on this one.

We're curious. What do you think?

Vote here -

https://sxxf4rk99t5.typeform.com/to/vDb30d6s

Saying no is never easy no matter who you are but especially for moms. Moms are supposed to always be caring, and giving, and selfless. Moms are supposed to put themselves last and do what's best for the family at all times.

Well I have one word for that expectation.

No. And I don't feel guilty about it.

Join us this week while we talk about saying no and why it's so hard for us moms.

Come join us over at Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/momslovecoaching/