Changing Careers During Infertility: How to Navigate Work, Managers, and Co-Workers After Loss

Introduction

Infertility and pregnancy loss are deeply personal experiences, yet they often overlap with one of the most public parts of our lives: our careers. Balancing treatment, grief and the demands of work can feel impossible. For many, this journey even sparks career changes, whether by necessity or by choice. In this post, we explore what it means to change careers while trying to conceive (TTC), how to communicate with managers and co-workers after loss, and the inspiring work Alice is doing to support others through fertility-aware career coaching.

Changing Careers While TTC

Alice knows firsthand the courage it takes to change jobs during infertility. After experiencing multiple miscarriages and fertility treatments, she realised her career couldn’t be put on hold forever. Instead of waiting for the “perfect time”, which rarely exists, she made bold moves, including applying for jobs while still in IVF treatment.

Her story highlights an important truth: infertility does not mean you have to pause your career goals. In fact, taking steps forward professionally can create a sense of control and purpose during an uncertain and emotional season.

Talking to Managers About Loss

One of the hardest challenges is deciding how much to share at work. Do you tell your boss about a miscarriage? What if you need time off for treatment or recovery? Alice encourages people to have clear, direct conversations with their managers, either verbally or in writing.

She suggests:

Explaining what you are comfortable sharing (or not sharing).
Setting boundaries about how you want colleagues to respond.
Requesting a manager to communicate with your team on your behalf.

For example, you might say: “I’m returning to work after a pregnancy loss. I’d prefer not to discuss it and appreciate being welcomed back with joy and kindness.”

This approach takes away uncertainty for co-workers while protecting your emotional boundaries.

Co-Workers, Shame, and Returning to Work

Returning to work after miscarriage or loss often means facing questions like “Are you okay?” or “Why were you off?” Many feel pressure to brush it off or hide behind “I was ill.” But Alice reminds us that you are allowed to take more time, request a phased return and ask for compassion.

Loss can carry feelings of shame, especially if workplaces lack awareness or policies. Having someone who understands these dynamics, like Alice, can help you advocate for yourself and feel less alone.

The Important Work Alice Does

Alice is now a fertility-aware career coach. Through her practice, she helps people navigate career crossroads while managing infertility and loss. She works with individuals of all genders, ages and career stages, offering:

Confidence building for workplace conversations.
Support in balancing treatment, grief and work demands.
Guidance for career transitions during prolonged fertility journeys.

Her unique empathy comes from lived experience. Unlike a traditional coach, Alice deeply understands the logistics of fertility treatments, from time off for medical appointments to the emotional weight of waiting for results. This makes her coaching especially powerful for those who feel unseen in traditional career spaces.

Finding Joy Amid Heartbreak

Alice’s brand, Head full of Joy, reflects her belief that joy and grief can coexist. She encourages clients to embrace small moments of joy such as a laugh, a walk in the sun or a quiet cup of tea as acts of healing and resilience. These “pockets of joy” are not about ignoring pain but about allowing light to enter even in dark seasons.

Conclusion

Changing careers while going through infertility and loss is challenging, but it’s also possible and sometimes transformative. With the right support, you can advocate for your needs, honour your grief, and still pursue a fulfilling career.

Alice’s work proves that empathy, advocacy and practical coaching can help individuals not only survive but thrive in both their professional and personal lives.

✨ If you’re navigating infertility or loss while working, know that you’re not alone. Support exists, and you deserve both career growth and compassionate space for healing.

Read Alice's story here: https://healingafterinfantloss.com/alice-draper/

Read about what is a Balanced Translocation Carrier and what that means for pregnancy: https://healingafterinfantloss.com/what-is-a-balanced-translocation-and-how-does-it-affect-pregnancy/

Follow Alice on Instagram: www.instagram.com/headfullofjoy