Susannah Burns Susannah Burns

Back to Reality: My Summer Holiday Confessions

Ah, September. The leaves are starting to turn, and the sweet sound of silence (mostly) has returned to my house. While I'm incredibly lucky to have been able to take August off with my two boys, ages 4 and 5, it definitely came with a few surprising realities.

I'd initially thought I'd save lots of money by skipping expensive summer camps. Turns out, taking the kids to museums and activities every week adds up fast! It felt like I was constantly shelling out for entrance fees, train tickets, and café treats.

The slower mornings were a dream at first—no frantic rush to get out the door. But by the end of the month, we were all craving the structure of a routine. We packed a lot in, visiting friends and family and exploring new places every week, which was so much fun but also completely exhausting. It felt like a non-stop adventure.

And here’s the most surprising part: I missed the business. It felt like my third child, and I missed spending time with it, nurturing it, and watching it grow.

All in all, it was a wonderful and privileged time with the boys. But if I'm being honest with myself, next year I won't travel as much. I'll be looking for a better balance—finding time to work on the business, not just in it, while still making special memories with my children. Hats off to every parent who survived the summer juggle!

Ready for Your Own Career Reset?

My summer experience is a powerful reminder that our professional and personal lives are deeply intertwined. For so many of us, the long break can highlight the cracks in a job that no longer fits, or reveal a business that isn't truly set up for the flexibility we need.

If my story resonates with you and the return to routine has you thinking about what your next steps could be, The Career Couch is here to help. We understand the unique challenges of balancing a fulfilling career with a thriving family life. Our coaching isn't just about finding a job; it's about helping you build a life that truly works for you.

We can help you:

  • Regain control by designing a work-life blend that feels less like a constant juggle.

  • Explore new possibilities, from finding a flexible role to gaining the confidence to launch your own business.

  • Create a strategy so you can spend time on your business, not just stuck in it.

The summer might be over, but the opportunity to create a more balanced, joyful life is just beginning. Let us help you get there.

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Susannah Burns Susannah Burns

Summer Holiday Survival: Is Your Job Making It Worse?

Ah, the blissful thought of summer! Long days, sunshine, ice cream... and then reality hits. For many parents, particularly mums, the looming six-week school holiday can feel less like a break and more like an impending apocalypse. Juggling work commitments with children who are suddenly home all day can be a monumental task, filled with logistical nightmares, guilt, and the constant feeling of being pulled in a million directions. We get it – it's painful. But what if, on top of all that, you're in a job that makes it even worse? A job with inflexible hours, a demanding boss, or a culture that doesn't understand the realities of family life? That's when the pain truly becomes unbearable. Imagine, though, if you had a career that genuinely worked for you and your family. Perhaps a role with more flexibility, better hours, or even the confidence and support to start your own business, giving you total control over your schedule. That’s where a career coach can be a game-changer.

It's astonishing, isn't it, how little the school day has changed in the last 200 years? We're still largely operating on a model designed for a different era, one where one parent (usually the mother) was typically at home. But the world has evolved, and the traditional 9-to-3 school day often feels completely out of sync with modern working life. Why hasn't it shifted? Perhaps it's a mix of inertia, a focus on academic structures over holistic development, and a lack of creative thinking around how education could better serve both children and families. Imagine a world where school hours were more adaptable, offering options that genuinely supported learning and allowed all parents who want to work the freedom and ability to do so without immense stress. It's a conversation worth having, and a change that could transform the lives of millions.

At The Career Couch, we understand what you're going through. We know the unique pressures and challenges that working women face, especially when the holidays hit. This isn't just another coaching course; we genuinely care. We're here to help you navigate these choppy waters, whether it's finding a job that offers the flexibility you crave, or empowering you to take the leap and build your own business. Investing in yourself with The Career Couch means investing in a future where you have more control, less stress, and more joy. We offer ongoing support in between sessions and a vibrant community of like-minded women who are all on their own journeys. You don't have to face the summer holiday (or your career challenges) alone. Let us help you design a working life that truly works for you and your family.

Book a ‘Coffee Discovery Call’ now through the home page. The call lasts 30 minutes and is an informal call to discuss the challenges you are currently facing. At the end of the call we will advise you on some of the coaches and materials that we think could help you and we will then follow up with a proposal personalised to your unique goals.

Approximate min. cost is £2500 + VAT.

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