Seven last-minute ways to feel calmer during the summer juggle
The middle of July always creeps up on me fast. It doesn’t matter that I’ve been sorting the summer break since 2011; I always feel like I have more time. It doesn’t help that a shift in my youngest’s schooling earlier this year has meant that I’ve got to the...
An update on the 100 rejections challenge (and your invitation to join me)
Back in my Project Manager days, it was always important to check in on how things were going. To look at the “scope” of the project, make sure that we aren’t drifting away from the original purpose. Of the many things that I have brought into my coaching career, this...
July Plans – A challenging book, downtime and a summer holiday
“I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self-indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival.” Audre Lorde I have opened the July email with a wonderful quote from Audre Lorde. As 24th July is International Self-Care Day, I think it’s a great...
How to feel more connected when you work remotely
There are so many benefits to working remotely, with no commute being a massive one! However, there is one issue that often gets overlooked. And that is the risk of loneliness. As this week is Loneliness Awareness Week, I thought the perfect time to invite us all to...
How calmism creates rest. Book Review: Calmism (8 habits for complete rest) by Dr Alexis Willett.
Despite the title, a career coach doesn’t just support you in your work. It’s about your life and how your job fits into that. Well, at least, that is how THIS career and return to work coach works! So, when I think about personal development books to support my...
How to support your career when you feel too busy
One of the common complaints people have about their careers is that they “don’t have the time to do anything about it!” Life gets in the way, and carving out space for personal development feels impossible. I get it! I can feel that way when I think about developing...
June Plans – Birthday Celebrations and a desire for calm!
“June is a time when new possibilities unfold, paving the way for personal growth and achievement.” – Sarah Addison Allen I’m now back at my desk after a wonderful half term, and ready for what looks like will be a fun-filled June! This includes a birthday...
How to manage your boundaries when returning to work after illness
Returning to wor Returning to work after any period away deserves coaching support. However, when you have been away due to illness, there is an extra dynamic to consider. As a return-to-work coach, I work with clients looking for a positive transition back into their...
Resources and advice to support parental wellbeing (updated for 2026)
When I am working with a coaching client, it is rare that we only talk about one aspect of their life; we don’t just hyper-focus on their job! To create a career to enjoy, we assess where their work fits into life as a whole. During the coaching process, as they learn...
May Plans – A guide to thriving, more questions and shorter weeks
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” William James In a month of two, four-day workweeks (for many!), there is only one wish I have for you. That you get some R&R with those that matter and continue to create a career to enjoy! As always,...
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 If I had a pound for every time I was told, very confidently, that clients can’t find flexible family-friendly jobs, well, you know how that sentence...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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