Working Mumma

Career vs Motherhood - Why we can't do it all and that's ok

Ever feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions trying to navigate motherhood and a career - between work, kids, home, family, relationships, and everything in between? You’re not alone. The pressure to "do it all" is real, but here’s the truth: you don’t have to.
In this episode, I dive into the myth of having it all, why it’s okay to let things go, and how redefining success on your own terms can help you navigating the juggle.
Join me as I share:
Why trying to do it all leaves us exhausted and overwhelmed
How to let go of the guilt and focus on what truly matters
Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness
Why it's ok to be like Elsa and 'let it go' 
If you’ve ever asked yourself, 'Can I be a mum and still have a career?' this episode is for you.
Let me know your thoughts—DM me on Instagram or share your biggest takeaway!
 
Links and resources
Follow on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Sign up for the Working Mumma newsletter 
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/
Connect with Carina on LinkedIn

Raising an autistic child and rebuilding your career - Porscia Lam's story

Returning to work after a career break is challenging for any parent, but what happens when that break is dedicated to being a full-time carer for a child with autism? In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Carina sits down with Porscia Lam—former corporate lawyer, mother of two, and author of The Unlocking: An Autism Story—to discuss her journey of parenting an autistic child, navigating therapy for autism, and re-entering the workforce after a three-year career break.
In This Episode, we chat about:
Early signs of autism and the diagnosis journey (during Melbourne's record lockdown)
The impact of early intervention therapy 
The emotional and financial realities of taking a career break as a full-time carer
Returning to work after a long career gap—what worked, what didn’t
The stigma around career breaks and how to position yourself when re-entering the workforce
How to support parents of neurodivergent children
Whether you’re a working mum, a parent of a neurodivergent child, or someone navigating a career break, Porscia’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and advocacy. Her insights provide not only hope, but practical strategies for navigating work and family life.
 
Links & Resources
Connect with Porscia 
Buy Porscia’s book, The Unlocking: An Autism StoryConnect with Porscia: porscialam.com or @porscialam
 
Connect with Carina and Working Mumma 
Follow on @workingmummacommunity or LinkedIn 
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/
Connect with Carina on LinkedIn
 

How to navigate the transition returning to work after maternity leave

Returning to work after maternity leave is one of the biggest transitions in your working mum journey. Whether you're excited or feeling overwhelmed, those first 90 days back at work can be an emotional rollercoaster. But with the right mindset, preparation, and strategies, you can navigate this phase with confidence.
In this episode, I share:
How to prepare before your first day back
The key conversations to have with your employer
Managing work expectations and setting boundaries
Dealing with mum guilt & adjusting to the emotional ups and downs
Building a sustainable work-life routine without burnout
Whether you're heading back to work soon or in the early days of your return, this episode will give you the tools and mindset shifts you need to navigate this transition with confidence.
 
Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review or share it with another working mum who needs support in her return-to-work journey!
 
Links and resources
Follow on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Sign up for the Working Mumma newsletter 
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/
Connect with Carina on LinkedIn
 

Why flexibility works and is needed for working mums with Dr. Ellen Ford

Return-to-office mandates are making headlines across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and beyond—igniting debate about productivity, flexibility, and the future of work. But what do these policies mean for working mums juggling careers and family life? Do they even have a benefit? 
In this episode, I chat with Dr. Ellen Ford, leadership expert, author, and passionate advocate for workplace flexibility. We explore:
Why companies are enforcing return-to-office mandates and what’s driving this push  
The myth of increased productivity in the office vs. hybrid work models
How forced office work impacts working parents—especially women
The unintended consequences for businesses—from talent loss to employee disengagement
How to have a conversation with your employer if you’re being forced back into the office full-time
Tactics for negotiating a hybrid work arrangement that benefits both you and your employer
If you're navigating a return-to-office mandate, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies to help you advocate for flexibility and protect your work-life balance.
Listen to Dr. Ellen Ford's previous episode on the Working Mumma podcast ep 116 - Removing Barriers to Help Working Mums Thrive
 
Episode Resources & Links
Dr. Ellen Ford’s book: #WorkSchoolHours: A Revolution for Parents, Workplaces & the World
#WorkSchoolHours eBook - 100% discount with code "workingmumma100"
#WorkSchoolHours Online Courses 50% off with code "workingmumma50" check out Parents course or People manager course click here
Dr. Ellen Ford’s Website ellenjoanford.com
 
Connect with Carina on LinkedIn 
Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/
 

How to let go of mum guilt and the pressure to ‘Do It All’

Mum guilt—it’s real, it’s something a majority of mums experience, and it can make us feel like we’re never doing enough. But what if you could manage that guilt and start feeling more confident in your role as both a mum and in your career?
In this episode, I'm tackling the overwhelming pressure on mums to ‘do it all’ and why so many working mums feel guilt about balancing career and family.
I break down:
Why we feel mum guilt (and why it’s not your fault)
How guilt holds us back from thriving at work and at home
5 Practical tips to help you reflect and manage the guilt
Why you need to focus on what really matters to you and your family - it's much simpler than you may think 
Learn how to drop the guilt and reclaim your confidence as a working mum! 
 
Links and resources
Follow on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Sign up for the Working Mumma newsletter 
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/
Connect with Carina on LinkedIn

Tips for job search, resume writing and interviews with HR expert Ash Battye

Returning to work after maternity leave can feel overwhelming—where do you start with updating your resume? How do you explain the gap in a resume? How do you navigate interviews after being out of the workforce for a period of time? What do you do if you’re considering a career change?
In this episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, I’m joined by HR and hiring expert Ash Battye, founder of Career Pursuit. Ash has over a decade of experience in recruitment and HR and is passionate about helping businesses find the right talent while supporting job seekers—especially mums—on their return-to-work journey.
We chat about:
The biggest challenges working mums face when job hunting after maternity leave
How to update your resume to stand out (and address career gaps)
Practical strategies for nailing your job interview
How to change careers and find flexible, family-friendly employers
Whether you’re job hunting, considering a career change, or just want to feel more confident in your career after having children, this episode is packed with practical insights to support your journey.
Listen now and take the next step in your career with confidence!
 
SHOW LINKS
Connect with Ash on Instagram or her website careerpursuit.com.au
 
Connect with Carina on LinkedIn 
Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/
 
Subscribe & Review
Loved this episode? Make sure to hit subscribe so you never miss an empowering conversation. And if you found it helpful, please leave a review—it helps us reach more working mums just like you!

Making Work Work: How We Can Create a Better System for Working Parents with Louise Gilbert

As a working parent, trying to navigate the career/parenting juggle is similar to trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. In this episode, I chat with Louise Gilbert, leadership coach, change consultant, and author of Make Work Work for You.
We dive into the reality of juggling work and family life and why the traditional concept of work-life balance sets working mums up to fail.
Louise shares her journey as a corporate leader turned business owner, her passion for systemic change in the workplace, and why her experience as a neurodivergent mum to two children has shaped her advocacy for more inclusive workplaces. This conversation is packed with practical tips and fresh perspectives that will empower you to rethink how you approach work, wellbeing, and family priorities.
We cover:✨ Why work-life balance is a myth and how to focus on work-life integration instead✨ How systemic issues – like school hours and workplace policies – are failing working parents✨ Simple strategies for aligning your values with your work and family life✨ The power of flexible work and how to advocate for it in your workplace✨ How to avoid burnout by focusing on community care and real support systems
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by the mental load, struggling to make work work for you, or simply looking for fresh insights on how to thrive as a working mum, this episode is for you.
 
SHOW LINKS
Check out Louise's new book louise-gilbert.com/book
Connect with Louise on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/louise-gilbert
 
Connect with Carina on LinkedIn 
Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/
 
Subscribe & Review
Loved this episode? Make sure to hit subscribe so you never miss an empowering conversation. And if you found it helpful, please leave a review—it helps us reach more working mums just like you!
 

How to lighten the mental load and set yourself up for a smoother year

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the endless juggle of work, home, and family life? You’re not alone. Research shows that burnout among working mothers is at an all-time high, with much of the stress coming from the invisible mental load—the ongoing responsibility of managing it all.
In this episode, we take a moment to pause and reflect on your mental load as the year begins. It’s the perfect time to reassess what’s working, what’s not, and how you can make small but impactful changes to lighten the load. From reviewing routines and delegating tasks to having important conversations with your partner, this episode will help you create a more intentional, integrated year ahead.
What we chat about:
What the mental load really is
Why the start of the year is a great time to check in and reset
The benefits of reflecting on your routines and responsibilities
A simple framework: what to continue, outsource, delegate, or discuss
How to design your year with intention, not overwhelm
This episode is packed with practical tips and reflective exercises to help you avoid burnout, reduce stress, and make space for what really matters—both at work and at home.
 
Links and resources
Follow on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/
Connect with Carina on LinkedIn

Navigating Transitions: How to Help Your Kids Starting Childcare or School with Gen Muir

Transitions are part of every parenting journey, but they can often feel overwhelming—for both parents and kids! In this episode, I sit down with parenting expert Gen Muir to discuss navigating these pivotal moments with confidence and connection for both your child and you.
From starting daycare or school to navigating new situations, we dive into the common challenges children face during these transitions. Gen shares her expert tips on managing big emotions, building resilience, and creating a safe space for your little ones during times of change. We also explore how you can stay emotionally grounded as a parent amidst all the chaos (we know this can be challenging!).
This episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt insights that every working mum needs in her toolkit. If you’re navigating or preparing for a big change such as starting daycare or school this conversation will leave you feeling equipped, inspired, and ready to tackle those transitions with a smile.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The emotional impact of transitions on kids and how to support them
Why connection is key and how to strengthen your bond with your child during big changes
Simple strategies to help your kids—and yourself—manage those tricky emotions
How to create "pregame chats" and post-event moments that ease the adjustment process
Hacks for balancing your own emotions while juggling the mental load with your children 
Resources and Links
Connect with Gen Muir on Instagram: @ConnectedParentingAU
Visit Gen’s website: connectedparenting.com.au
Check out Gen’s book: Little People, Big Feelings
 
Connect with Carina on LinkedIn 
Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/
 
Subscribe & Review
Loved this episode? Make sure to hit subscribe so you never miss an empowering conversation. And if you found it helpful, please leave a review—it helps us reach more working mums just like you!

Why Work-Life Balance is a myth and practical strategies to help you navigate work and family

In this episode of the Working Mumma podcast, I challenge the widely accepted idea and myth of work-life balance, explaining why it often sets working mums up for stress, guilt, and burnout.
Balance isn’t a destination; it’s not something you achieve and then check off your list. Life is dynamic and constantly changing, especially as a working mum.
I share strategies including boundaries and work-life integration as more sustainable approaches to navigating the demands of work and family life. Tune in to discover practical strategies for prioritizing what matters most and living with greater intention.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
* Why the concept of work-life balance is unrealistic and unhelpful* The emotional toll of chasing balance and how it contributes to burnout* The power of boundaries and how to set them effectively* What work-life integration looks like and how it differs from balance* Practical strategies to navigate the demands of work and family without guilt
 
 
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Let's connect on LinkedIn 
Let's connect on Instagram @workingmummacommunity
Get your free 'How to share the mental load' checklist workingmumma.com.au/mental-load/