Returning to the workforce after a career pause is somewhat common in midlife but we tend to doubt ourselves. We often carry insecurities around our employment gaps and falsely believe our past experiences and accomplishments no longer matter.
In this episode, I welcome Dr. Ann Marie Peters, an executive coach, leadership strategist, and organizational psychologist. Ann Marie is the author of the brand new book We'll Be Right Back, which focuses on helping women re-enter the workforce after taking a pause. We dive deep into why smart, capable midlife women discount their abilities, the realities of the "part-time myth," and how to translate the hidden skill sets of motherhood and volunteering into a powerful career comeback.
What You’ll Learn:
The Part-Time Myth: Why squeezing a full-time workload into part-time hours often leads to burnout and how it impacts your career advancement.
The Hidden Skill Sets of a Pause: How managing households, resolving conflict, and leading community events translate into highly valuable skills for employers.
The Kaleidoscope Career Model: Why women in midlife naturally shift their professional focus away from just "challenge" and prioritize authenticity and balance.
Links & Resources:
Ann Marie's Book: We'll Be Right Back
Ann Marie's Website: annmariepeters.com and the FREE Reflections Workbook: annmariepeters.com/reflection-workbook
Ann Marie's Instagram @backwithAMP and LinkedIn annmariepeters
Cheryl's Midlife Recharge: cherylpfischer.com/recharge
Episode Chapters:
00:00:00 - Midlife As A Change Window
00:01:06 - Thriving Mindset And Coaching Offer
00:01:53 - Why Returning Feels So Hard
00:03:15 - Anne Marie’s Career Pause Story
00:11:05 - The Part-Time Myth At Work
00:14:48 - Re-Entry Through Entrepreneurship
00:18:18 - Gaps, Penalties, And Ageism
00:21:10 - Reclaiming Experience And Hidden Skills
00:26:35 - Midlife Priorities Shift To Meaning
00:31:45 - Where To Find The Book
00:32:55 - The One Takeaway To Remember
00:36:00 - Host Wrap And Listener Requests
Why This Episode Matters
By acknowledging the incredible skills you've built during your career pause and embracing your desire for balance, you can reclaim your professional identity and step confidently into your next chapter.
Take a little bit better care of yourself in midlife.
🌸 Liked this episode? Share it with fellow Gen X women navigating hormone balance, an empty nest, and/or self-confidence!
🫶 Love this show? Leave a review to help more women over 50 find us.
💡Want menopause advice, mindset shifts, or support with midlife transformation?
Find out more about the Midlife Recharge at cherylpfischer.com/recharge
Let’s talk health after 50, self-talk, and redefining aging for women — without the “midlife crisis” narrative. Every week I'm adding new success strategies for midlife women.
Connect with Cheryl: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
---------------
💡If you are a brand, author, or business wanting to reach an audience of women in their 40s and 50s who are focused on health, success, and taking care of themselves and others well in this stage of life, consider sponsoring Mind Your Midlife podcast. More information here.
00:00 Midlife As A Change Window
01:06 Thriving Mindset And Coaching Offer
01:53 Why Returning Feels So Hard
03:15 Anne Marie’s Career Pause Story
11:05 The Part-Time Myth At Work
14:48 Re-Entry Through Entrepreneurship
18:18 Gaps, Penalties, And Ageism
21:10 Reclaiming Experience And Hidden Skills
26:35 Midlife Priorities Shift To Meaning
31:45 Where To Find The Book
32:55 The One Takeaway To Remember
36:00 Host Wrap And Listener Requests
