Volume 2 - Returning to Work as a Working Mum


Following on from my first day back to work after maternity leave and the apprehension this bought I thought it would be good to update you on how work and motherhood is going.


I returned to work in October on a part-time basis, working 9am-2pm each day, up until Christmas. My rationale was to ease myself back in and ensure I could cope with the juggling of balls that any working mum contends with on a day to day basis. This did work well, however, part of me felt I could do neither role, Recruitment Consultant or Mother, justice. I felt I was leaving in the mist of getting stuck into work to then pick up a grumpy tired baby where there was not much to do before dinner and bath routine. On reflection, I can see this routine working better for those mums with older children - when school runs are required. One friend from my NCT group returned to work on a part-time basis by doing afternoons rather than mornings which I thought was a really good idea as in the mornings there are so many baby/toddler classes that are run around the island making your time with little one more valuable. And whilst you would be playing catch up at work when you get in, from the morning activities, you wouldn’t be leaving anything outstanding for colleagues to be picking up on your behalf. It was part of me that always felt guilty when leaving the office although I was so excited to see my daughter.


So whilst the part-time hours to ease back in went well I increased my hours after Christmas and now complete 4 full days with a day off in the week. I am finding this works really well as does my employer. I have increased my hours with shortened lunch breaks thus providing more resource to be in the office during core hours. We tend to find busy time is lunch hours between 12noon-2pm with registrations. It has also meant there is less pressure on my colleagues as they do not have to cover my workload in addition to their own in the afternoons when I was off. Personally it has meant that I get to spend a whole day off with my daughter in the week. This is a very special day that I dedicate to her. We do lots of activities whether it is swimming, meeting friends at the Indoor Cricket centre, going to the park and for walks. And I am sure as she gets older this will become more action filled and in the summer we will be found on the beach. I made a rule that it wouldn’t be a chore day…..although won’t lie we have done quite a few Waitrose trips!


Working and being a mum is always going to be a juggle and I especially found this when my daughter was ill. It is so hard knowing what to do for your child for the best when they are ill. It is also hard to stay at home to look after them when you are well and fully capable of carrying out your role but not whilst attending to them!


The essence of this is an understanding employer who is flexible to your requirements for hours and childcare. But as an employee, knowing that this is not a given right and therefore, being flexible to your employer too.

 Check out Nadine first blog here- http://bit.ly/2nvQ8l9

 

 

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