Returning from Parental Leave? Here’s Why It Might Be Time to Rethink Your Role — and How Woopjobs Can Help

Whether you've been away for months or over a year, returning to work after parental leave can feel overwhelming. You’re not the same person you were before, and your priorities might have shifted. That’s completely normal. In fact, it’s one of the best reasons to pause, reflect, and decide what you really want next.

At Woopjobs, we speak to professionals every week who are stepping back into their careers after parental leave. Many are from highly skilled sectors like AV, Broadcast, Digital Signage, Workplace Technology, and Systems Integration. And they’re not looking to go “back” - they’re ready to go forward.

Why returners are rethinking the 9–5

Let’s face it - the working world wasn’t always built with parents in mind. But the tide is turning. Companies are realising that flexibility, empathy, and work-life balance aren’t perks, they’re essential.

Here’s what many of the returners we work with are looking for:

• Roles that align with their values and lifestyle

• Flexible or hybrid working arrangements

• A change of direction or fresh challenge

• Opportunities to grow, without sacrificing family time

You're incredibly valuable

We often hear people worry that taking time out will hold them back. But here's the truth: your skills haven’t disappeared. If anything, becoming a parent sharpens soft skills like time management, negotiation, empathy, and resilience - all of which are highly valued in today’s workplace.

Plus, the AV and tech industries are evolving rapidly. That creates space for fresh thinking, transferable skills, and candidates who can bring real-world perspective to technical roles.

How Woopjobs can support you

We don’t just match CVs to jobs. We’re here to listen, understand your situation, and help you find opportunities that actually work for you - not just your employer.

Whether you’re looking to:

• Rejoin your previous sector or try something new

• Find companies that truly support working parents

We’ll work with you to find the right path forward.

Ready to start a new chapter?

You don’t have to jump back in overnight. But if the idea of going back to the same job no longer fits, maybe it’s time to explore what’s next.

Reach out to the Woopjobs team today. We’ll help you return to work with confidence — and on your own terms.

Want to chat with a recruiter who understands your journey? Get in touch or browse current roles at www.woopjobs.com