Anxiety, self-doubt, the booster phenomenon, and mental overload are challenges I face in my professional daily life.

For many women, the moment when returning to work becomes a concrete reality is marked by conflicting emotions. A spirit of new beginnings clashes with uncertainty, and motivation with quiet doubts. After periods such as parental leave, caregiving responsibilities, illness, or a deliberate break, the question arises not only of how to successfully return to work, but also where that return should lead. It is precisely here that an underestimated opportunity lies. Those who strategically leverage this phase can not only build on past successes but also consciously realign their own careers.

Between Experience and Reorientation

Returning to the workforce can be much more than simply resuming a former role. It represents a transitional phase in which professional qualifications are complemented by transferable skills. Especially during a career break, you develop so-called future skills, such as adaptability, self-organization, resilience, or the ability to manage complex situations. These skills are just as crucial in modern work contexts as technical expertise and are becoming increasingly important for successful career repositioning. So it’s not just about what you can do, but also how clearly you communicate it. In a work environment shaped by transformation, digitalization, and new forms of collaboration, skills that go beyond traditional qualifications are gaining importance. Adaptability, self-reflective capacity, and creative problemsolving are criticall.

Invisible Barriers and How to Overcome Them

Despite noticeable progress on gender equality issues, the reality remains complex. On average, women in Germany still earn less than men, and differences persist even among those with comparable qualifications and positions. These differences cannot be explained solely by individual factors; they are often the result of structural barriers such as limited access to informal networks, reduced visibility at critical junctures, or the proverbial “glass ceiling.” These factors often have an amplified effect, particularly when women are re-entering the workforce. Those who have been out of the professional context for a longer period of time not only have to catch up professionally but also have to re-establish themselves within existing networks of relationships . Networks play a key role here. Many career opportunities arise not exclusively through formal application processes but through contacts, recommendations, and visibility.

In addition to these external factors, there are internal dynamics at play. After taking a career break, many women tend to evaluate their skills more critically and set the bar particularly high for themselves. This tension can lead to opportunities being missed altogether. This makes it all the more important to actively address both levels the structural and the personal. This involves purposefully (re)building networks, positioning oneself visibly, and at the same time reflecting realistically and confidently on one’s own skill set.

Specific questions can be helpful here:

An example from my professional practice

“When Potential Becomes Apparent”

Julia, a recent law graduate, came to me for coaching right after finishing her studies. She was exceptionally well-trained professionally but felt internally blocked. She was convinced she “couldn’t do anything,” doubted her value in the job market, and was deeply afraid of the job application process. The sheer number of options overwhelmed her rather than providing her with direction.

During the coaching sessions, her skill set was first brought into focus, not only her legal knowledge, but also her analytical skills, her structured thinking, and her sense of responsibility. Step by step, she learned to identify and categorize her strengths. A decisive turning point came when she worked on her self-presentation. Instead of focusing on perceived shortcomings, she developed a clear picture of the value she could offer. At the end of the process, Julia applied to a major insurance company and was hired as a lawyer. Today, she cites one thing above all as crucial: the shift in perspective, moving away from the question “What can’t I do?” toward “What do I bring to the table, and where is that needed?”

Your (re)entry into the workforce is a process you can shape

A successful fresh start begins with a decision, clarity, inner stability, and concrete action. You make sustainable decisions by developing inner clarity, which you do by becoming aware of your values, strengths, and goals. Then you can identify which transferable skills you have developed. Periods outside of professional life often foster skills such as resilience, organizational skills, and conflict resolution skills, which are highly relevant in many industries.

You can systematically build self-confidence, for example, by consciously reflecting on your own successes or documenting personal milestones. These methods help you sharpen your focus on your own abilities, allowing you to continuously build your self-assurance.

You can also actively increase your visibility, whether through networking, professional events, or a digital presence. Those who are seen make an impact. Platforms like LinkedIn, regular blog posts, or professional articles offer the opportunity to showcase your expertise in a targeted way and position yourself.

Another example from my professional practice illustrates how significantly self-perception can change through targeted coaching and how profound the impact of such a process can be.

The story of Britta*, an experienced electrical engineer:

Before taking her leave, she had been involved in technologically demanding projects, including the development of algorithms for the Galileo satellite system, for autonomous driving functions, and for automated landing procedures in aviation.

After five years of parental leave, however, her self-image had changed fundamentally. Despite her impressive expertise, she doubted her ability to return to her previous level of performance. Over the course of several months of coaching, her competency profile was reconstructed step by step. This process focused not only on technical skills but, above all, on reassessing her own capabilities.

Through targeted reflection, feedback, and strategic planning, she managed to regain confidence in her own competence. Ultimately, she decided to apply for a position at a renowned company in the field of explosion protection.

A step she would not have believed herself capable of taking before the coaching. After a successful internship, she took the position. She has since successfully completed her advanced training there and reports a significantly strengthened professional self-image.

This example illustrates that career paths are not linear, but they remain malleable.

Show initiative instead of waiting

A clearly articulated elevator pitch helps you get your point across concisely. The key is to use concrete examples. What challenges have you overcome? What contribution (added value) do you bring to the company? Where do you want to go? Paint a picture in your listener’s mind.

Use communication strategically as a tool for your career. Visibility also comes from conversations with colleagues and within your network. Those who articulate their own ideas and achievements clearly are perceived as competent.

The expectation that you must master everything perfectly is no longer relevant. What is needed is the ability to quickly familiarize yourself with new topics, continuously develop your skills, and devise creative solutions.

Key future skills include:

In times of constant change, these very skills are among the key factors for success, because they enable you to remain capable of taking action even in uncertain situations.

You can also make targeted use of your mental resources. In addition to technical and strategic considerations, the mental aspect plays a crucial role. Many women shoulder significant responsibilities and mental load in their personal lives; consciously channel this energy toward your professional success.

Small but effective routines can help:

These practices not only enhance personal well-being but also improve your ability to perform effectively at work.