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...
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...
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...
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...
The Balance Collective Ask Me Anything: What is the 100 rejections challenge? How could it work for you?
This month’s AMA is answering the question I’ve been asked since I announced I was trying the “100 rejections challenge”. Simply, how does that work? On the 14th January 2026, I declared publicly that I was giving it a go. In case you missed that post, I’ll...
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...
The Balance Collective 2025 Blog Round-up
I have a few annual traditions in my business. The “Round-Up” is one of them. Each year I take the time to reflect on the blogs that I am most proud of. These are the ones that felt like they made an impact, had some great feedback and, in places, felt like a...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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