From Career Pause to Change Leader: Julie Stokes’ 15-Year Return to Work
“Hello, my name is Julie Stokes and I’m a Change Management Practitioner in ESB.”
Today, Julie works in a fast-paced transformation programme, guiding people and organisations through complex change. But her path back to corporate life wasn’t linear — and it certainly wasn’t easy.
It was intentional. Courageous. And built on rediscovering the value of skills she had all along.
A Successful Career — And a 15-Year Pause
Before her career break, Julie built a strong professional track record.
She worked in IT sales and business development before moving into technical lighting sales — demanding, high-commitment roles that often required 5am departures, long site days, and late-night returns home.
She was ambitious. Successful. Driven.
Then, like many women, she made the decision to step away and focus on raising her four children. That pause lasted 15 years.
But it wasn’t a pause in growth.
During that time, Julie managed a household, raised her children, volunteered, organised, negotiated, solved problems daily — and developed what she now calls her “power skills.”
At the time, she didn’t fully recognise their value. Now, she absolutely does.
The Skills That Never Disappeared
One of Julie’s greatest strengths is her ability to be an empathetic, active listener.
Those skills — sharpened through parenting, community involvement, and everyday life — are exactly what make her effective today as a change management practitioner.
In a transformation environment, where people are navigating uncertainty, resistance, and pressure, those human skills are critical.
Technology evolves. Industries shift. But the ability to connect with people? That remains powerful. And Julie proves it daily.
The Decision to Return: Terrifying and Exciting
When Julie decided to return to work, she felt two emotions at once: fear and excitement. She knew she wanted to contribute professionally again. But she wasn’t sure where she would fit after 15 years away.
She also knew one thing with certainty — she couldn’t return at the same pace and intensity she had left. The 5am starts and 11pm finishes were no longer aligned with her life.
Her biggest fears were familiar to many returners:
- Loss of confidence
- Imposter syndrome
- Doubts about relevance
Even opening her old CV felt overwhelming.
Rewriting it? Putting herself forward again? That required a major mindset shift and deep personal work.
But then she reframed something crucial:
- She wasn’t starting from scratch.
- She was returning with experience, resilience, adaptability — and grit.
The Turning Point: Support and Structure
A pivotal moment in Julie’s journey was joining the Women Reboot programme.
It refreshed her technical skills.
- It rebuilt her confidence.
- It connected her with other women navigating the same transition.
Being surrounded by others who understood the internal doubts and external challenges created momentum.
Julie also leaned into LinkedIn networking, continuous upskilling, and proactive outreach. She didn’t wait for opportunity — she prepared for it. And when the opportunity came, she pivoted.
She joined ESB and transitioned into an entirely new area: change management.
Starting Again — And Remembering Who She Was
Beginning her new role was nerve-wracking. But something interesting happened once she settled in. Her confidence grew rapidly. She realised the skills she once questioned had never disappeared. They just needed to be reactivated.
That insight is powerful for every returner, you are not beginning again from zero. You are reigniting capability that already exists.
The Impact of Returning
Returning to work has had a profound impact on Julie — professionally and personally. She feels fulfilled.
Inspired.
Energised.
And financially independent — something she values deeply after years of unpaid contributions through school and community involvement.
Now, she is rewarded for the skills she brings.
And she uses her experience to support other women regaining confidence and returning to the workforce. Because she knows what that first step feels like.
A Message to Employers
Julie is clear: returners represent an incredible, and often untapped, talent pool.
They are:
- Highly skilled
- Adaptable
- Resilient
- Experienced in juggling multiple responsibilities
- Natural problem solvers
Managing households. Coordinating schedules. Leading community initiatives. Handling competing priorities daily. That is leadership in action.
Employers who want to attract and retain returners should:
- Offer structured returnship programmes
- Provide flexible working options
- Build in mentorship
- Create supportive onboarding environments
A little support goes a long way.
And in return, organisations gain dedicated, motivated, determined professionals who truly want to make an impact.
Julie’s Advice to Women Considering a Return
If you’re thinking about returning to work, Julie’s message is simple:
It’s never too late. Start small. Build confidence step by step. Surround yourself with the right support.
And remember — you are not behind.
You are returning with depth, perspective, and power skills that the workplace needs more than ever.
At Back to Work Connect, we are committed to supporting midlife Returners not just with practical tools, but with the confidence and community needed to take that next step.
And if you’re considering your own return-to-work journey — know this: you are not alone, and you are more ready than you think.
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If you would like to take part in this survey you can do so via the link below. The survey is anonymous, only takes a couple of minutes, and your insights will directly shape resources and opportunities for future Returners. There are no right or wrong answers — we’re simply interested in your perspective.
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