Returning To Work After Having a Baby: A Guide For Business Women

By Editor1SYS | August 1, 2019 0 Comments

If you’re a hardworking businesswoman who is eagerly awaiting your return to work after giving birth, then this article is for you. Deciding to start a family can be one of the most exciting times in your life, but it can also be one of the most uncertain. It can be a mixed bag of emotions, and you might feel as though you’ve had to make great sacrifices to start a family. With this said, however, leaving work temporarily needn’t spell disaster and setback for your career plans and hope for professional progression. 

You can have both if you’re determined enough, level-headed, motivated, and practical. There will be challenges along the way, but you’ll be well adept to tackling issues and problem-solving. Know that you’ve got this. 

Request Flexibility 

Now, you’re not asking for special treatment but instead requesting that your company be accommodating. You will have consistently shown your worth and commitment to your business over the years, so now it’s their time to give something back and to be understanding. You’re not asking much to insist that they allow you to work flexible hours and even from home when necessary. You should tell your managers, colleagues, and employees that you will be working to a slightly different schedule for the next few weeks, or months as you juggle supporting a home life alongside a professional one. 

With the help of cloud services, you should be able to work remotely for a portion of the week and attend to other engagements you might have at home. 

Sort Childcare Early 

Do not waste time in deliberating over childcare and whether or not you’re going to employ the service of childminders and nurseries. Sort these particulars before your child is even born as this way you can relax as to the logistics of care, and focus on your career path ahead. Of course, you want your child to attend the best possible nursery available to you, which is precisely why it’s paramount to begin the process at your very earliest convenience. 

Read reviews, compare prices, visit different establishments, and get a feel for each place that you go to. Begin putting money aside to cover the costs of nursery fees, or look around in search of bursaries if you work for the NHS, for example, or if your company offers subsidised childcare as part of a working scheme. 

Further Your Education 

Of course, maternity leave isn’t a holiday in any way, shape, or form. It’s hard work, and it often encompasses little sleep, illness, stress, anxiety, poorer diet than you’re used to, and hectic day-to-day life existence. In the seemingly rare instances of peace and quiet, try to catch up on getting sleep, but also consider the possibility of enrolling onto a course held online. When you’re away from work, it can feel as though you’re falling behind or losing relevance in your particular field, and although this is simply untrue as long as you’re committed, furthering your education only stands to better your career and open more doors to you. Think about getting ahead and gaining an online masters in supply chain management, so that you’re better equipped to understand the global market in fine detail, as well as to interpret and analyse data and the supply of materials, for example. 

If you worry that you’ll stagnate or fall behind at home, then researching and placing onto an online masters course could be just the ticket you’re looking for. 

Learn To Say “No”

You don’t have to please everyone, and remember that you have nothing to prove. You’re a dedicated, motivated, and highly-skilled business person and you do not have to prove your worth after taking a short break to start a family. 

Learn to say “no” when you’re asked to take too much on or if you’re concerned that you‘re doing too much too soon. You need to establish a healthy balance so as not to inhibit your own development, happiness, and mental health. Delegate tasks when you feel as though your attention and expertise could be put to better use in other business areas. Say “no” to extra tasks and challenges if you know that they’d be better suited to someone else or if you’ve currently got too much on your plate.  

Be Practical About Your Return 

Before heading back through the office doors, you will have to sort practicalities out so that you’re in a better footing to nurture both your personal life and your professional one at the same time. Make your life as easy as it can possibly be by accepting and seeking assistance in areas where it is most required. So, consider hiring a cleaner to help you and your family out, as well as preparing large batches of healthy and nutritious food at the weekend with the intention of making your way through it during the week. This will save you time, effort, and money. Win-win.

Use babysitters as regularly as you need them, and don’t feel guilty about desiring to have regular evenings out with your partner to indulge, relax, and enjoy some time out to focus on your relationship. Prepare your uniform so that it’s ready in wait for you in the morning, and execute an exercise routine to stay supple, focused, and positive. 

Know Your Rights 

Do some in-depth research of your rights concerning returning to work, maternity leave, and promotion. You don’t want to be left guessing or in the dark at this time, so be sure to know where you stand when it comes to business and family law. Before returning to work, ensure that it is right for you, and resist the urge to return too soon if you’re not quite ready. What’s important is that you feel able to best tackle the business challenges soon to be coming your way and that you’re prepared to get stuck back in, to strive forward, and advance your career in whichever way you see is the most rewarding and lucrative.