If you’ve ever finally sat down to rest only to find yourself mentally replaying work conversations, planning tomorrow’s to-do list or feeling guilty that you’re not being productive, you’re not alone.

In this solo episode of The Belonging Project Podcast, leadership and career coach for working parents Fiorenza Rossini explores why rest can feel surprisingly uncomfortable for ambitious working parents.

❌ This isn’t an episode about productivity hacks or better time management - sorry!
✅This episode is about understanding the psychology behind why so many of us struggle to switch off, even when we desperately need a break.

Drawing on psychological research, behavioural science and her own experiences as a working parent, Fiorenza unpacks the hidden beliefs that shape our relationship with work, achievement and rest, and shares practical ways to build a healthier, more sustainable approach to being career-driven or ambitious.

🔍 In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why so many working parents struggle to switch off from work
The hidden psychology behind feeling guilty when you rest
Why busyness has become a status symbol, and how it shapes our identity
How ambitious professionals can unknowingly tie their self-worth to productivity
Why rest often feels uncomfortable rather than restorative
The double ledger many working parents carry between work and family
Practical mindset shifts to help you rest without feeling like you’re falling behind

Whether you’re leading a team, navigating career growth, returning from parental leave or simply trying to balance work and family life, this episode offers a fresh perspective on why rest feels so difficult, and why that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

📚 Research and resources mentioned

This episode references research and ideas from:

Mental Health UK’s Burnout Report 2026
Deloitte UK research on working parents
KPMG’s Working Parents survey
Research published in the Journal of Consumer Research on busyness and social status
The concepts of contingent self-worth, hedonic adaptation and loss aversion

☀️ Summer Coaching Intensive

If you’re a working parent who feels you’ve lost momentum on your career goals this year, my Summer Coaching Intensive is designed to help you gain clarity, rebuild confidence and make meaningful progress before September.

The intensive includes:

One 90-minute coaching session to untangle what’s really going on, clarify your priorities and create a roadmap.
One 45-minute follow-up session to review your progress, overcome new challenges and keep your momentum going.

There are only a few places available. 📩 Get in touch via email on fiorenza@growinnow.com to find out more.

The Belonging Project Podcast

Why Rest Feels So Hard for Working Parents