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Where to find flexible jobs for parents (updated for 2026)
BLOG UPDATED FOR 2026: Recommended family-friendly and flexible job sites, and Facebook Groups, for parents. From Career & Return to Work Coach, Clara Wilcox. If I had a pound for every time I was told, very confidently, that clients can't find flexible...
Book Review: Choose Joy (relieve burnout, focus on your happiness and infuse more joy into your everyday life) By Sophie Cliff
It’s about time I revived a book with joy at its core, bearing in mind I work with my clients to find joy in their work. At a time when the world and work feels heavy, “Chose Joy (relieve burnout, focus on your happiness and infuse more joy into your everyday life) ...
April Plans – No fools, downing tools and more coaching?
“You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously.” Sophia Bush It may be the 1st of April, but I’m not bringing you any fools! Just my monthly update on what is planned, and a hope that you will join me! “Easter” Break I am...
The Balance Collective Ask Me Anything: What are your must-read books for parenting advice?
If you have spent any time with me, personally or professionally, there is a 97% chance I’ve recommended and/or lent a book to you. I think some of you know that, so it’s no surprise that this month’s Ask Me Anything Question is about book recommendations. In the...
Six ways small businesses will benefit from return-to-work coaching
A recent report by Working Families has made one thing clear. Smaller businesses still feel underprepared and under-resourced when it comes to supporting parents. The backbone of my two-decade career has been helping SMEs (if you didn't already know, an SME has...
What advice would you give your younger self?
If I could wave my magic coaching wand, I'd like to be able to create a time travel machine. One that can reassure my clients that the decisions and choices they make now will work out in the future; I think it would be quite useful to me, too. Or just an ever-present...
It’s time for another must-have conversation about IWD
My blogs about International Women’s Day are unapologetically repetitive. They have moved from a celebration to a commitment; an annual reminder to follow the UN Women theme for International Women's Day, rather than the highly commercialised version. This year, it's...
March Plans – more joy, values, IWD Giveaway, reflection and (maybe) some chocolate!
“The world’s favourite season is spring because now all things seem possible.” – Unknown The third month of 2026 already. How has that happened? I’d love you to join me this month, maybe in the Q&A, or the read along, or maybe as a new client to help you...
The Balance Collective Ask Me Anything: How to have an ethical career
This month's Ask Me Anything is a question that seems relevant for the current times we live in. But it may surprise you to learn it’s come up in a variety of forms throughout my time as a coach, and even before, as a recruiter. When I am working with people, aiming...
Book Review: Pace Yourself by Amy Arthur
How to have energy in an exhausting world. It had me at “hello”. If you have been a long-term follower of the personal development book club, you will know how multifaceted the topics are. Life is not siloed, and health and wellbeing are a massive element of creating...
Do you only need coaching when you are miserable?
You don't have to be at the end of your tether for coaching to make a massive impact. After over ten years of running The Balance Collective, I still encounter a range of misconceptions about coaching. One is that coaching is a plaster for a problem. A salve to solve...
Why I am harnessing “more” in 2026
As we enter the second month of the year, I must ask. “How are you?” The world feels especially heavy right now. We are attempting to balance day-to-day life, career, business, and family amid an increasingly dystopian news feed. It can feel intolerable and...
About
Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
Isn't it time to have career to enjoy not endure?
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