Returning to Work After Kids: How to Rebuild Confidence as a Working Mom

Returning to work after having kids is one of the most underdiscussed challenges working moms face and the confidence gap is real.Philippa Geard, founder of RecruitMyMom, joins Madge Booth to talk honestly about what happens to women's careers after motherhood, the confidence dip, the CV gap, the mental load of managing it all. Philippa's company was born from this exact problem, and she's helped thousands of moms successfully return to work on their own terms.In this episode you'll discover:The difference between "work-life balance" and "work-life integration" (and why it matters)The "glass balls vs rubber balls" framework for knowing what you can drop and what you can'tHow to reframe a career break on your CV as a strength, not a weaknessWhy 43% of mothers take a career break and what that costs the economyPractical strategies for setting boundaries when working from homeHow to rebuild confidence after stepping away from your careerIf you've ever felt like motherhood derailed your career, or worried it would, this conversation is exactly what you need to hear.⏱️ CHAPTERS:0:00 Introduction2:55 Identifying the roles that are hurting you4:10 Work-life integration vs. balance — reframing the conversation5:10 How to set real boundaries at home and with employers8:23 Planning your support structure before you need it11:17 Why 43% of moms leave the workforce — and RecruitMyMom's origin story14:05 How to list a career break on your CV15:42 The confidence gap: imposter syndrome and societal pressure17:29 Returning to work after maternity leave — Madge's personal story18:55 The "diamond" analogy: your many facets as a woman21:13 Glass balls vs. rubber balls — the prioritisation framework that changes everything28:23 The best parenting advice Philippa ever gave her kids🎙️ ABOUT THE GUEST:Philippa Geard is the founder of RecruitMyMom, a specialist recruitment agency that places skilled, experienced mothers in flexible and part-time roles across South Africa.🎧 ABOUT THE MOMENTS PODCAST:The MOMents Podcast is for ambitious working moms building a life that works for both family AND career. Hosted by Madge Booth, we talk honestly about the challenges and triumphs of motherhood, without the filters.📲 FOLLOW US:Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/moments_omnimedia/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572218987263&locale=mt_MT# LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/moments-omnimedia Website: https://www.momentsmedia.co.za/#WorkingMoms #WorkLifeBalance #RecruitMyMom #MomPodcast #FlexibleWork #CareerBreaks #MOMentsPodcast