Sep '25 • General discussion
The Problem With “Are You Ready?”
When you return to work after maternity leave, there’s usually one question that comes up: “Are you ready?”
On the surface, it sounds supportive. But let’s pause for a moment.
Being “ready” isn’t the same as being okay.
🌿 The Pressure of Readiness
Workplaces often expect mums to come back and pick up exactly where they left off. Ready to perform. Ready to meet deadlines. Ready to give their best.
But what about the woman behind that readiness?
👉 You might still be navigating sleepless nights.
👉 You might be carrying the invisible mental load of running a household and raising a child.
👉 You might be dealing with a quiet loss of confidence, wondering if you can still perform at the level she once did.
Being “ready” in the workplace sense often means masking how you actually feel so you don’t look weak, distracted, or less committed.
💼 Why “Okay” Matters More
The harder, deeper question is: “Are you okay?”
Are you okay with the balance between work and home?
Are you okay with the shift in your identity?
Are you okay with the expectations you’re putting on yourself?
Too often, these conversations never happen. And so women return, “ready” on the outside but silently struggling on the inside.
That gap — between what workplaces see and what women actually experience — is where burnout, guilt, and disconnection live.
✨ A Different Way Forward
This is why I created the HERA Coaching community. Because ambitious mums deserve a space where “okay” matters more than “ready.”
Here, we talk openly about:
🌿 Harmony — how to balance work, family, and self without guilt.
💼 Empowerment — how to rebuild confidence and reclaim your voice.
🔥 Resilience — how to handle challenges without burning out.
✨ Aspiration — how to redefine success in this new season.
You don’t just need to be ready. You deserve to feel supported, confident, and whole.
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💬 Over to You
When you returned to work (or if you’re preparing to), did anyone ask if you were okay — or just if you were ready?
What difference would it have made to be asked that question?
Let’s talk about it. This is your space to share what workplaces often overlook — and to remind yourself that you don’t have to carry this transition alone.
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The Problem With “Are You Ready?”
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HERA Coaching is a supportive community for ambitious mums returning to work after maternity leave.
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