I may not be a stay-at-home mother, but I understand how challenging it can be to step away from a career and focus entirely on family, and sometimes, finding the best books for stay at home moms can help you get through this season of life. The never-ending to-do list, the pressure of social media, and the shift in daily routines can feel overwhelming. I’ve seen how a good book can be a great way to find encouragement, gain perspective, and make sense of this transition.
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Whether you’re a new mom navigating maternity leave or a stay-at-home mother trying to find time for yourself, the right book can make all the difference. Books like Habits of Happy Mothers provide a wealth of advice on balancing family life, personal growth, and future career goals. Learning from the experiences of others can help bring clarity and confidence to this unique stage of life.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of 11 great books for stay-at-home moms taking a career break. These books offer practical insights on everything from time management to reentering the workforce. No matter where you are in your journey, there’s a book here to support and inspire you.
How to Get a Job When You Have Been a Stay-at-Home Mom for Years?
Getting back into the workforce after years at home with your own children can feel overwhelming. Finding time to update your resume, learn new skills, and network takes effort, but it’s possible. Great books like Fair Play and Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up offer helpful strategies to manage responsibilities while focusing on your career goals.
A good place to start is by reconnecting with former colleagues and updating your LinkedIn profile. Many stay-at-home moms find job opportunities through networking rather than traditional applications. Reading time spent on career-related books can also help you feel more confident in interviews.
If you need to refresh your skills, consider online courses or volunteering in your field. The best books on career reentry, including some New York Times Best Sellers, provide guidance on making this transition easier. Building confidence and showing employers how your time as a stay-at-home mother has strengthened your abilities can set you apart.
Is It Hard to Go Back to Work After Being a Stay-at-Home Mom?
Going back to work after years at home is challenging, but it’s not impossible. Many moms experience imposter syndrome, struggling to see their value after time away. The right list of books, including Fair Play and The Best Books on Time Management, can help shift your mindset.
One of the biggest struggles is balancing work with home life, especially if you have a second child. Boomer parents often had a more traditional career path, making today’s career pauses feel even more difficult to navigate. Finding time to prepare, whether through networking or reading a great book, can make the transition smoother.
The key is to take small, consistent steps. Start with a part-time role or freelance work if jumping into a full-time job feels overwhelming. New York Times Best Sellers on career transitions offer real stories and strategies to help moms reenter the workforce with confidence.
How to Get Back Into the Job Market After a Long Absence?
After years in survival mode, getting back into the job market requires patience and strategy. Many stay-at-home moms benefit from a time management guide to help structure their job search. Some of my favorite books, including Fair Play, provide insights into balancing work, home, and personal growth.
Start by identifying what kind of job you want and researching industry trends. A new book on career reentry can help you understand how the job market has changed since you left. Having a solid plan, updating your resume, and brushing up on skills are key steps to making your return easier.
Confidence is crucial. Employers value skills like multitasking, problem-solving, and organization, all of which parenting strengthens. Reading an easy read on career transitions, networking, and practicing interviews can help you feel prepared for this next chapter.
11 Best Books for Stay-at-Home Moms Taking a Career Break (Must-Read!)
A lot of people don’t realize how much work goes into being a stay-at-home mom. Between household chores, quality time with our kids, and managing daily lives, finding time to think about a future career can feel overwhelming. The last thing we want is to make the wrong choice when stepping back into the workforce. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 11 great books, including Free Mama, that offer simple strategies and real experiences to help make the right choice for your next step.
1. The Empowered Mama by Lisa Druxman
Lisa Druxman’s The Empowered Mama is a game-changer for stay-at-home moms who want to feel fulfilled and confident in their career break. This book offers a practical guide to managing time, setting goals, and finding balance between motherhood and personal ambitions. If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or unsure about your next steps, this book will help you reclaim your sense of purpose.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn time management strategies that work for busy moms.
- Discover how to prioritize self-care and mental health.
- Find clarity in your goals, whether you plan to return to work or start something new.
2. The Miracle Morning for Parents and Families by Hal Elrod & Lindsay McCarthy
The Miracle Morning is a powerful book about transforming your life by changing your daily routine. For stay-at-home moms on a career break, The Miracle Morning for Parents and Families offers a structured way to start each day with intention. By carving out time for personal growth before the kids wake up, you’ll feel more focused, energized, and ready for anything.
Key Takeaways:
- Establish a morning routine that includes mindfulness, exercise, and goal-setting.
- Learn how small habits create big results over time.
- Feel more in control of your day, even with young kids at home.
3. Work Pause Thrive by Lisen Stromberg
Many women worry that a career break will hurt their long-term success. In Work Pause Thrive, Lisen Stromberg challenges that fear by sharing real-life stories of women who took career pauses and came back stronger. This book is filled with insights on navigating career transitions while staying true to yourself.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how to use a career break as a strategic advantage.
- Discover networking and reentry strategies that keep you connected.
- Gain confidence in taking time off without sacrificing future career success.
4. The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
If you’re struggling with motivation, The 5 AM Club will change the way you think about time. Robin Sharma teaches a powerful morning routine that can help stay-at-home moms use their career break for self-improvement and future planning. This book is about maximizing productivity while also prioritizing mental health and personal growth.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn why successful people wake up early.
- Discover a daily routine that builds discipline and focus.
- Use your mornings to plan your next career move.
5. Career Comeback by Lisa Johnson Mandell
When the time comes to return to work, Career Comeback is a must-read. Lisa Johnson Mandell provides a step-by-step guide to reentering the workforce after a career break. From updating your résumé to building confidence in interviews, this book is a fantastic resource for moms preparing for their next move.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how to refresh your skills and résumé.
- Get practical advice on acing job interviews after a break.
- Find out how to position yourself for career success after time away.
6. Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu
Many moms struggle with guilt when balancing family life and career goals. Drop the Ball teaches moms how to let go of unrealistic expectations and focus on what truly matters. If you’re feeling overwhelmed during your career break, this book will help you shift your mindset and create a more sustainable balance.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn to let go of perfectionism and unnecessary stress.
- Set priorities that align with your values.
- Gain confidence in making decisions that work for your family.
7. The Second Shift by Arlie Hochschild & Anne Machung
If you’re considering returning to work, The Second Shift is a must-read. This book explores the challenges working moms face and how they balance career and family life. Understanding these dynamics can help you prepare for a smoother transition when the time comes.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how modern moms manage work and home life.
- Understand how gender roles impact career decisions.
- Gain insights into setting boundaries and asking for support.
8. Your Turn: Careers, Kids & Comebacks by Jennifer Gefsky & Stacey Delo
Your Turn is a career reentry guide specifically for moms. Whether you’re looking to reenter the workforce, switch careers, or start a new venture, this book has practical advice for every step of the journey.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how to rebuild professional confidence after a career break.
- Discover networking strategies and job-search tips.
- Find inspiration from real stories of moms returning to work.
9. What Works for Women at Work by Joan C. Williams & Rachel Dempsey
If you’re planning your return to work, What Works for Women at Work provides valuable insights on overcoming workplace challenges. This book is based on research and real-life experiences of women navigating their careers.
Key Takeaways:
- Identify common workplace biases and how to handle them.
- Develop strategies for professional growth.
- Gain confidence in advocating for yourself at work.
10. The Confidence Code by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman
Confidence is key when transitioning from stay-at-home mom to working mom. The Confidence Code explores how confidence affects success and how women can develop it. If fear or self-doubt is holding you back, this book will give you the tools to move forward.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand how confidence impacts career success.
- Learn practical ways to build confidence.
- Apply mindset shifts to overcome self-doubt.
11. Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans
Career breaks are a great time to reflect on what truly makes you happy. Designing Your Life helps stay-at-home moms create a meaningful career path based on their values and strengths. This book provides exercises and frameworks to help you shape your future with clarity.
Key Takeaways:
- Use design-thinking principles to build a fulfilling career.
- Explore multiple career possibilities.
- Gain tools for making intentional life and work decisions.
Taking a career break as a stay-at-home mom doesn’t mean putting your goals on hold—it’s an opportunity for growth, reflection, and new possibilities. Whether you’re focusing on family life, exploring new passions, or preparing for a career comeback, the right book can be a powerful tool.
These 11 books offer wisdom, encouragement, and practical guidance to help you navigate this chapter with confidence. No matter where you are in your journey, remember that you are capable, strong, and in control of your future. Pick up a book, invest in yourself, and embrace this season of life with purpose!
