Ep 4 - Childcare Real Talk: What No One Talks About When You're Going Back to Work

In this episode of Back to Work, Carrie and Angie dive into what happens after you land the job — the messy, beautiful, complicated logistics of actually being back at work. From finding childcare to juggling schedules, sick days, and the emotional load of it all, this conversation is here to name and normalize the very real challenges that come with re-entering the workforce as a mom.

What We Talk About:

• The emotional and logistical shift from being home full-time to working outside the home

• Real-life childcare stories: home daycares, family help, and the rising costs of care

• Split schedules and how they affect relationships and mental load

• The ripple effect of sick days and school closures

• Why having a “school-age” child doesn’t automatically make things easier

• The power of naming your challenges and normalizing the chaos

Key Takeaways:
💡 There’s no “perfect” childcare situation — only what works best for your family right now.
💡 Split shifts may save on daycare costs but can strain relationships and energy.
💡 Even with school-aged kids, expect interruptions — sick days, breaks, and random closures are part of the deal.
💡 You’re not failing — it’s just hard. Naming it helps you breathe easier.
💡 You are a badass for showing up in all of this.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• ChildCare.gov – National resource for finding licensed childcare providers and learning about financial assistance options

• NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) – Guidance on choosing quality early childhood programs

• Care.com – Platform for finding local childcare providers, nannies, and babysitters

Quote of the Episode:

“Name it and normalize it. There’s nothing wrong with you — you’re doing great.”

Connect:

• Download Back to Work in 3 Steps!

• Subscribe to Back to Work wherever you listen to podcasts, and leave a review to help other moms find the show.

• Visit Carrie McFarland Coaching

Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Returning to Work

Returning to work after being a stay-at-home mom is a huge transition—and it comes with emotions that are rarely talked about. In this episode, Carrie and Angie dive into the guilt, grief, anxiety, and even excitement that accompany stepping back into the workforce.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Why guilt is often the first emotion moms feel when returning to work—and how it can sneak into every part of your day.

• The role of grief in the transition and why not feeling sad can sometimes trigger guilt.

• How anxiety and catastrophizing can make the adjustment harder, and strategies to recognize and manage these feelings.

• The split-attention effect: balancing work responsibilities with family life without losing your mind.

• Why excitement about returning to work is normal—and why it can sometimes trigger guilt too.

• Practical tips for self-compassion, patience, and processing big emotions.

• A teaser for tools and questions to help distinguish justified guilt from unnecessary mental overload (see show notes for links).

Key Takeaways:

• All emotions you’re feeling are normal and expected.

• There’s no “one right way” to navigate this transition.

• Allowing yourself to feel these emotions without judgment is critical for moving forward successfully.

• Support systems matter—find someone you can talk to about these big feelings.

Resources & Links:

• Free Guide: Are you feeling unnecessary guilt?

• Carrie McFarland Coaching

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