In this episode of The Fertility Podcast, I’m joined by Jen Elworthy, fertility career coach and Director of Engagement at Fertility Matters at Work, to explore how career coaching can support you while going through fertility treatment.

Jen joined our team in July 2025, and since then I’ve had the joy of learning from her insight, empathy and real-world experience. She has lived through the impact of ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage while working in high-pressure environments, and she shares how these experiences shaped her approach to coaching.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your job because of your treatment, uncertain how to talk to work, or unable to see a career path that aligns with what you’re going through, this episode is for you.

What we discuss in this episode:

1. Jen’s personal fertility journey, including multiple losses and the emotional toll on her mental health and career
2. How she moved from ambitious and confident to experiencing panic attacks at work
3. The challenges of opening up to colleagues and managers during early treatment
4. The power of having just one supportive person at work who gets it
5. Her IVF survival kit and practical tips for managing during a workday
6. Why “career coaching” isn’t just for high-flyers or executives
7. Examples of how she’s helped clients through job changes, promotions, sabbaticals, and re-aligning their work-life balance
8. Her approach to resilience coaching and “bounce back ability” during treatment
9. Why therapy helped her heal, but coaching helped her move forward
10. Misconceptions about who coaching is for, and why it can be more accessible than you think
11. How Jen structured her coaching offers to meet people at different financial entry points

Jen’s support offerings include:

1. Jen is now offering Group Coaching
2. One-to-one coaching (short-term or long-term packages)
3. One-off coaching conversations
4. Employer-sponsored coaching (some clients have had it covered as part of redundancy packages)
5. Low-cost workshops (around £20–£25)
6. Free resources and templates on her website
7. Free newsletter + insights via LinkedIn and Instagram

If you're considering career coaching but aren't sure it's “for you”, this is your reminder that it’s absolutely okay to ask for help, and there are options at every level.

This episode is sponsored by Access Fertility

Worried about the financial pressure of treatment? Access Fertility offers funding programmes and 0% interest finance to help ease the burden of self-funding IVF.

Their services include:

1. Loans of up to £12,000 with no interest over 12 months
2. Multi-cycle packages that can save you up to 30%
3. Refund programmes offering up to 100% back if treatment is unsuccessful
4. Partnerships with over 60 top clinics in the UK
5. Personalised advice based on your age and treatment plan

Visit accessfertility.com/thefp to learn more.

Let’s keep the conversation going:

1. Follow me on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy
2. Explore career coaching and free resources at: jenniferelworthy.com
3. Learn more about workplace support at: fertilitymattersatwork.com
4. Want coaching in your workplace? Reach out to us or speak to your HR team

Whether you’re holding it all together or feel like you're about to break, know this — there are people who get it, and support that fits where you are. Thank you for your ears, and until next time.