In this episode of Split Decisions, Amanda Bell and Joanna Harrison are joined by Amy Grilli, founder of The Five Hour Club, to talk about one of the biggest practical and emotional challenges after separation: returning to work after years out of the workforce.

Amy shares her own experience of stepping away from paid work to raise her two sons and the identity crisis she faced when trying to re-enter the workplace. Together, they explore the invisible pressures placed on parents, particularly mothers, the loss of confidence that can come with career breaks, and the reality of trying to rebuild financial independence while managing children, school runs and emotional upheaval after divorce.

Through a dilemma from a mother facing divorce after a 12 year career gap, they unpack the panic, grief and overwhelm so many people feel when they suddenly need to earn again following separation. This episode offers reassurance, practical insight and a powerful reframing of what parents bring to the workforce after years of caregiving.

We explore:

• The confidence crisis that often follows career breaks

• Why caregiving builds valuable workplace skills

• The hidden impact of traditional family roles on identity and relationships

• Returning to work after divorce and financial dependence

• How flexibility can make or break a parent’s career

• Why transparency about flexibility matters with employers

• The emotional toll of feeling “left behind” professionally

• Rebuilding self worth after years out of the workforce

• Why parents should stop undervaluing their experience

• How workplace culture needs to change for modern families

Links:

Learn more about SeparateSpace: https://www.separatespace.co.uk/

Follow Amanda at SeparateSpace on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/separatespace/

Follow Joanna Harrison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannaharrisoncoupletherapy/

Follow The Five Hour Club on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fivehourclub/

Find out more about The Five Hour Club: https://fivehourclub.com/ 

Learn about the Parents Promise HR Initiative: https://theparentspromise.org.uk/hr-initiative