This is something I hear a lot from women recovering from breast cancer.
They’re told by their surgeon that four weeks post-surgery, they’ll be ready to return to work. And physically, they might be.
But emotionally and psychologically?
That healing often takes far longer.
In fact, for many, it’s only just beginning.
When I’m coaching women after breast cancer, this is what they tell me:
👉 “I don’t feel ready to go back.”
👉 “I thought I’d be fine by now.”
👉 “I feel guilty for needing more time.”
👉 “Am I failing at recovery?”
Let me be clear: you’re not failing.
You’re adjusting; processing; healing in ways that aren’t always visible.
Going back to work is a big step and it’s okay if you’re not quite there yet.
And it’s also okay if you are, but you feel anxious about it.
😳 “Is it the right time?”
😳 “What if I go back and I can’t cope?”
😳 “If I go back to work and then realise it’s too soon, I can’t go off sick again – that would look really bad.”
If this sounds familiar, perhaps you need to talk it through.
Book a 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫 with me – a one-off session to talk through what you’re feeling, explore your readiness, and get clear on what you need.
Whether you decide to return to work or take some more time, we’ll work out how to communicate what you need, clearly, confidently, and without guilt.
