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

Carrie McFarland | Resume and Job Search Help for Moms
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You’ve been home with your kids and something feels off. You’re feeling bored, irritated, restless, and wondering when you stopped feeling like yourself. You think about going back to work, but you're not sure what jobs would fit your life, or how to explain your resume gap. Back to Work helps you make sense of what comes next, whether you’re looking for full time, part time, remote, or flexible work. Hosted by HR professional and former stay at home mom Carrie McFarland, you’ll learn what employers look for, how to talk about your experience, and how to take the next step back to work.

  1. May 6

    Why Your Resume Isn’t Getting You Interviews

    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.

    24 min

  2. Apr 15

    You’re Not Unmotivated - You’re Overwhelmed

    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.

    8 min

  3. Apr 1

    Why Going Back to Work Feels Harder Than It Should

    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.

    7 min

  4. Mar 18

    Stop Second Guessing About Going Back to Work

    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:

    8 min

  5. Mar 4

    The Real Reason You're Avoiding the Job Search

    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.

    9 min

  6. Feb 18

    How Many Jobs to Apply to Per Week During a Job Search

    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.

    9 min

  7. Feb 4

    Support for Moms Going Back to Work

    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

    7 min

  8. Jan 21

    The "Right Now Role" Strategy

    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/

    9 min
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You’ve been home with your kids and something feels off. You’re feeling bored, irritated, restless, and wondering when you stopped feeling like yourself. You think about going back to work, but you're not sure what jobs would fit your life, or how to explain your resume gap. Back to Work helps you make sense of what comes next, whether you’re looking for full time, part time, remote, or flexible work. Hosted by HR professional and former stay at home mom Carrie McFarland, you’ll learn what employers look for, how to talk about your experience, and how to take the next step back to work.

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