1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 This episode explores how to navigate a career pause after widowhood, divorce, caregiving, or another major life transition—and how to return to work with clarity and confidence. Donna speaks with Dr. Ann Marie Peters, an executive coach, leadership strategist, organizational psychologist, and author who combines research and lived experience to help people relaunch professionally. Together, they discuss the emotional side of career breaks, the practical steps for re-entering the workforce, and why networking, mindset, and self-reflection matter just as much as updating a resume.In this episode, you’ll hear about: Dr. Ann Marie Peters’ personal journey from corporate work to staying home with her children, entrepreneurship, consulting, and earning her PhD later in life Why a career pause can be a deliberate choice rather than a failure How to determine whether you truly want to return to work—or are responding to guilt and outside expectations The inspiration behind Dr. Peters’ book about career pauses and returning to the workplace Identity loss and imposter syndrome after stepping away from a career Why confidence is like a muscle that can be strengthened through small, consistent steps The hidden skills people develop during a career pause, including caregiving, resilience, organization, and problem-solving How to align your next career move with your values, purpose, and need for balance The importance of networking when returning to the workforce How volunteering can help rebuild professional confidence and sharpen skills The 90-day plan featured in Dr. Peters’ book Why you should ask people for advice—not necessarily a job How to create a resume, LinkedIn profile, and professional presence that reflect your full experience Why it’s okay to test a new direction, “dip your toes in the water,” and pivot when something doesn’t feel right &amp;nbsp; Key timestamps 00:00 – Why this conversation matters for people facing career transitions 01:00 – Meet Dr. Ann Marie Peters 02:42 – Giving yourself permission to pause after loss or family change 03:05 – Asking, “Why do I want to return?” 05:15 – Creating a flexible work arrangement in 1995 07:13 – Leaving work to raise children and returning as an entrepreneur 08:36 – Going back to school and earning a PhD later in life 09:22 – How dissertation research inspired Dr. Peters’ book 11:14 – The joys, challenges, and hidden skills of a career pause 13:40 – Turning a pause into a reset and relaunch point 14:49 – Identity loss, imposter syndrome, and rebuilding confidence 15:19 – Why confidence grows through baby steps 17:58 – Balancing work and family after the loss of a spouse 18:27 – Creating a proposal when your current role no longer works 19:54 – The importance of balance, authenticity, and purpose 21:16 – Inside the book’s 90-day plan 22:43 – Using LinkedIn and career platforms effectively 24:59 – Rebuilding professional skills through volunteering 25:42 – The top three priorities for returning to work 27:34 – Where to find Dr. Ann Marie Peters and her book 28:30 – Final thoughts for widows, widowers, and people navigating career pivotsThree key&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; Connect with Dr. Ann Marie: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annmariepeters Facebook: We’ll Be Right Back TikTok: @amp_is_back Instagram: backwithamp &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; Widow, Wisdom &amp; Wealth™: Thriving in Career and Parenthood After Loss https://widowwisdomwealth.com <iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/42978863/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/88AA3C/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe> https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/item/42978863