“That picture-perfect, balanced work and family life might just be a myth…”

With that, I think this might be the most challenging question I’ve been asked in this column so far. My hunch is that this conundrum needs some pure, honest practicality to progress.

You are good, you’ve proven it. You’ve made things work for many years and enjoyed your career. Something so many never achieve – so you clearly have talent and can provide value to an organisation – never doubt that.

The core of your challenge lies in understanding what the market needs from creative talent in 2024. Ask people, speak to recruiters, try and get in touch with hiring managers and really find out where you think you can be most valuable. When you have that data (rather than assumptions), if you don’t think you can provide that value without developing or broadening your skills – that’s what you’ll have to do (however hard it is with the juggle).

In the meantime, I’d encourage you to keep going, keep the faith and don’t lose heart. If you stop applying or looking for that next job, you can guarantee the chances of finding that position you crave will diminish. If you can find the energy and resilience to keep going something will always turn up. Hard work always pays off.

On that journey you could also try and get more clarity from the applications that don’t go your way. Get sharper in asking for feedback from unsuccessful applications. Be honest when you apply for more junior roles – level with the people reading your application. Explain the context and reassure them why you’re the right fit.

And through it all, remember it only takes one opportunity for everything to look different. Believe it’s out there, and most importantly try and enjoy the precious time and beauty that comes from spending time with your family as they grow. Wherever you find yourself next, they will always be the most important thing.