How to Build a Business or Relaunch Your Career After Motherhood
This photo captures MOB member Lynn Harris Clark, founder of Oolo London, presenting her unique, sculptural jewellery collection at the Build, Scale & Thrive event, the headline Networking Event hosted by Mums Who Build in partnership with Baby2Body, NatWest Accelerator, and Mettle Bank. Her designs, inspired by the bold essence of Brutalism and handmade in small batches in East London, reflect a commitment to sustainability and originality. Image captured by MOB member and brand photographer Nicole Saunders
Motherhood changes everything—but your ambitions don’t have to shrink. For many mums, the end of maternity leave sparks big questions:
Do I want to go back to my old job?
Can I find a role that fits around my family?
Is now the time to start that business I’ve been dreaming about?
The truth? Whether you’re relaunching your career or building a business, you can do it on your own terms. Here’s how.
Step 1: Get Clarity on Your Goals
Before jumping back into work, take time to ask yourself:
✔ Do I want flexibility, or a clear progression path?
✔ Am I motivated by stability or creative freedom?
✔ Would I feel more fulfilled building something of my own?
Career Pivot: If you loved your field but need flexibility, look for employers who truly embrace flexible working or part-time leadership roles.
Business Building: If autonomy is your top priority, consider starting small, consulting, freelancing, or a side hustle that can grow over time.
Step 2: Find Your Support System
One of the hardest parts about returning to work or launching a business after maternity is doing it alone. You don’t have to.
Surrounding yourself with like-minded mums can make all the difference. Communities like Mums Who Build offer:
✔ Networking for women
✔ Business workshops
✔ Career confidence sessions
✔ A safe space to share wins (and challenges!)
💡 Tip: Join groups that offer both business and career support, because your path might evolve.
Step 3: Upskill for Success
The working world moves fast. Whether you’re going back into a corporate role or starting your own business, investing in education for women can give you an edge.
Think:
✔ Workshops on pitching, pricing, and branding
✔ Financial fitness sessions to manage money and cash flow
✔ Career skills like CV updates, LinkedIn optimisation, and confidence in interviews
MOB+ members get access to resources, expert sessions, and skill-sharing opportunities to help you stay ahead.
Step 4: Network Smart
Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards, it’s about building relationships that open doors.
Here’s how to make it work for you:
✔ Attend mum-friendly networking events (yes, we run them weekly in London!)
✔ Be clear about what you do and what you’re looking for
✔ Follow up within 48 hours to keep momentum going
💡 Tip: Start with one event or join an online community like MOB+ for 24/7 networking from your phone.
Step 5: Build Confidence Through Action
Confidence doesn’t magically appear, it grows when you take small, consistent steps.
✔ Apply for that role.
✔ Post on LinkedIn.
✔ Launch your first service or product.
And if accountability helps? MOB+ MOB Pods, our peer accountability groups, are designed to keep you moving forward with encouragement every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Your career or business journey after motherhood doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right support, strategy, and confidence, you can build a life that works for you, not just the one society expects.
💡 Ready to feel supported?
Join MOB+, our online membership for ambitious mums. Get 24/7 access to a community of 200+ mums, expert-led sessions, and accountability that works.
👉 Become a MOB+ Member Here
About Mums Who Build
Mums Who Build is the UK’s thriving community for mums in business, female founders, and ambitious women who want to grow without burning out. We host free weekly meetups in Walthamstow and monthly sessions in Crouch End and Stoke Newington, with Notting Hill launching in September. For deeper support, join our online membership, MOB+, for 24/7 access to networking, accountability, and expert-led resources. Learn more at www.mumswhobuild.com.
