“Take the first step of faith, you do not have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

- Dr. Martin Luther King

Return to work brilliantly

Returning to work after maternity or paternity leave, ill-health, or even after a sabbatical, can be a big step. I have experience helping mothers return to work and those who have had extended career breaks.

I had some time out after having kids and changing careers so can identify with the issues that make us worried about going back to work, namely:

  • Lack of knowledge

  • Feeling out of date

  • Feeling guilty

  • Worries about lack of flexibility in the job market

  • Lacking in confidence

But it’s not all doom and gloom! Through one to one sessions I will coach you to re-enter the workforce with confidence and focus by helping you:

  • Allay anxiety about returning to work

  • Identify transferable skills and reconnect with strengths

  • Feel empowered and understand what you want

  • Find a better work life balance

  • Explore the options including advice on landing part-time work

  • Network to find opportunities that suit your needs

  • Maximise your job search by tapping into the hidden jobs market

  • Take a proactive and positive approach that works

Top tips for successfully returning to work

Know what you’re looking for – do a life and career audit

Similar job in a similar organisation or something completely different?

Are you looking for compressed hours, part-time, shorter commute, stretch and challenge, opportunities for development and promotion? Do the work on yourself. Ask the questions. This will make you more focused about returning to work.

Be realistic

It is not a wish list. Compromise is undoubtedly around the corner.

Be your own recruitment consultant

Go direct to market. Use your network to sound out people for opportunities.

Start by asking for people’s time and advice, you’ll be surprised how willing they are to help. Know your story – what are you telling and selling?

Remember you’ve done it before

From first day at a new school, starting University, or starting a new job, you have the tools to make the leap and succeed. Have faith!

  • “Helen is a fantastic leadership coach who has helped my transition to a portfolio NED. It’s been hugely beneficial to have her helping me – a sounding board, collaborator, supporter, mentor, coach, truth teller. I recommend everyone has someone like her on their side.”

    Tina, NED and Strategic COO Advisor (Jan 2024)

  • “My coach, Helen Slingsby, has been wonderful! She is quick to respond, easy to set up meetings with (even last minute when things come up), flexible, and takes a very professional yet friendly and empathetic approach to meetings. She asks all the right probing questions, provides great resources, and has my best interests in mind.”

    Anastasia, ex-schoolteacher, landed a job in the Ed-Tech sector (Jan 2024)

  • “I turned to Helen when I knew I needed a career change after twenty years working in an area I wasn’t really connecting with any more. I had no idea what else I might do, and my confidence was low. Helen worked with me to identify my transferable skills, and believe in my abilities, and I was able not only to shape what I wanted out of my next career but successfully move into a new field, all within a few months.”

    Charlotte, ex-civil servant, now a Deloitte consultant (2022)

  • “After a spell of unsuccessful job hunting I made the decision to get help from a professional career coach and booked in a course of five sessions with Helen. I found a job even before my fifth session and don't doubt for a moment that this was the result of my increased confidence and better job seeking skills resulting from these sessions.”

    IT Specialist (Jan 2024)

  • “Having come to a career crossroads in my life, I felt I needed some support in defining what my real vocational passion was and in finding the best way to put it into practice. Helen was fantastic in this regard: throughout our sessions I found her encouraging manner, broad business experience and practical insights extremely valuable in helping me to refocus and achieve my goals.”

    Director of Government Affairs, pharma sector (Dec 2023)

  • “Helen’s individualised approach boosted my confidence and helped me to completely re-evaluate my achievements and to see my potential in a much more positive light, so that I was able to reposition myself and secure my ideal job.”

    Cindy, Reading, Berkshire

  • “The subtle changes you made to my CV and Linkedin profile made a big difference - with me no longer chasing jobs, but agents chasing me.”

    Jeremy, Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

  • “It’s been a year since our meeting and I just wanted to thank you for helping me to focus on my key strengths and interests. I’ve just been promoted to a Business Critical Account Manager responsible for building and maintaining relationships with customers, and I couldn’t be happier.”

    Wassim, Maidenhead, Berkshire

  • “Helen acted as my career coach after I was made redundant from a large blue-chip organisation. Through our sessions I learned a lot about myself, gained a huge amount of confidence, plus the ability to sell myself better and I have now secured a new role in marketing.”

    Alison, Basingstoke, Hampshire

  • “At times I felt a bit lost, and a little despondent – Helen was a really great coach in keeping my spirits up.”

    Andrew, Oxford

  • “I’ve been successful in my job hunting and will be starting in the New Year. Salary is excellent. As you’d suggested, I found the job through someone I used to work with – so networking wins again.”

    Jane, Tadley, Hampshire

  • “Helen has been a fantastic help in enabling me to progress through a big change in my career. I now have much more clarity on my skills and what I want from my career.”

    Hannah, Pangbourne, Berkshire

  • “Thank you for the coaching and advice – I start on Monday as Chief Product Marketing Officer. The visualisation of walking into the new office did really help, and just having some of those structured approaches to answering questions kept me going.”

    Steven, Reading, Berkshire

  • “Your guidance through the interview process and pointers toward proper preparation gave me, if results are considered, a confident and winning approach in a very competitive first move into industry from a Big Four accountancy firm.”

    James, London

  • “I have worked with Helen for six years. She has been very effective in helping me through a change in career, and through ensuing regular executive coaching sessions that keep me on track.”

    Ross, Reading, Berkshire

  • “From the start I was impressed with Helen’s energy, professionalism and the way that she dealt with me as an individual, this support has been invaluable, thank you.”

    Liam, Marlborough, Wiltshire

  • “I was facing an important life transition after 35 years in the corporate world so finding renewed purpose and re-inventing my identity was essential. With Helen’s coaching and encouragement I have secured voluntary work and am in the process of identifying further options by using my network.”

    Gill, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

  • “I am finally out the other side now and feel like a new person. I have accepted a finance role, which will hopefully free up some time for family and exploring my new love of interior design. Couldn’t have got there without you!”

    Amanda, Hook, Hampshire

  • “I was made redundant from a senior executive role in a global publishing company. I have now landed a job that really excites me, and I am extremely grateful to Helen for her support and expertise.”

    Andrew, Oxford

Get started with your own career breakthrough, today.