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...
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...
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...
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,...
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,...
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...
February plans – slowing down and (still) trying to get rejected!
It seemed poetic to open this month’s “what’s on” blog with the author of last week’s Book Review! When I think of February, I think of more … More light, more life More hope, more faith Nature has no fear That spring will return That...
How can you find purpose in your work, in a world that feels unpredictable?
I’m drawn to research. I think it’s because I’ve never quite satisfied the student in me. The fact that my job is made a little better by new insight, tools and techniques means that there is always value in reading the next report or book that shares new...
The Balance Collective Ask Me Anything Round Up: All of 2025’s Questions and Answers
“A window into the hopes and fears of the community”. That’s what I feel the Ask Me Anything sessions are. While they have been running for many years, I started converting them into blogs in December 2023. Two years on, I regularly offer up my twenty-plus...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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