August Plans – I’m quieter, but I’m not disappearing.
“Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.” We are now officially in a birthday month, for both family members and me. That, along with annual leave, means work will be a little quieter. In fact, I only have two of my working weeks over...
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...
What are the risks of not offering return-to-work coaching to parents?
I imagine I am not the only return-to-work and career coach you are paying attention to. You may be scoping me out alongside my talented peers until you are ready to start the coaching process. You will be looking at my work, my values, my results and my pricing. But...
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 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...
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,...
Book Review: Futureproof (9 Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation) by Kevin Roose
In 2021, when this book was published, I hadn’t even given automation much thought. I was aware that it existed in the systems I used personally and professionally, but I was just about recovering from lockdown and the pandemic to think about it much more! However, as...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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