How old was your child / children when you returned to work? 10 weeks

How hard was it for you to find child care? Not hard. I was able to find a casual nanny.

How did you cope with the combined challenge of your child going to child care and you returning to work? The nature of my work means I have the flexibility to organise my workload around my family commitments.  At times it has been challenging to slip from ‘mum mode’ to ‘work mode’. However by planning and organising my day each week, it means that I can slot in quality time with the kids around the important work demands.

Did you return to the same job? If no, why? Yes, I freelance and own my own business which I had established 2 years before I had children.

Are you part time, full time, job share or contract? I’m part time

What industry do you work in? What do you do? Human Resources

Is your employer understanding of the work/family balancing act? If yes, can you give an example? Not applicable

Now that you are a mum, have your expectations of work changed? Yes, I used to ‘sweat the small stuff’ about work before children.  Having twins, it put things into perspective. What’s important is their health and happiness foremost.  However, for me it’s been essential to have something that interests and defines me outside being a ‘mum’.  That’s where work comes in. It gives me a well earned break from the children and keeps me challenged and mentally stimulated.

As a mum, what positive attributes do you think you have brought back into the workplace? Proof that women can manage to work and raise a family without having to sacrifice the important things in life.  Also, a strong sense of identify – I’m a mum and a small business owner!

How do you benefit personally from returning to work? I feel more balanced personally. Too much of anything isn’t a good thing, so work provides a respite to the sometimes groundhog day of motherhood!  I am able to keep with the latest developments in my industry, keeping my knowledge and skills up to date.  Not to mention the social benefits of being back at work. 

Do you have any time-saving tips and hints for other mums juggling work and family? Plan your week in advance from a family and work perspective. Write a to do list of things ahead of you.  Organise how you’re going to divide your time. Delegate jobs that don’t have to be done by you, like cooking dinner every night! Have takeaway once a week!  Cross synchronise you diary and ‘to do’ list with you hubby - share the load!  Allocate a least one hour a week to yourself, to do whatever you like – mum timeout.   

What are your top 3 tips for other mums returning to work?  Think about your life, work and family aspirations, and think about how your work will contribute to these goals.  Don’t be afraid to think laterally and negotiate with employers on better ways to arrange your workload so both of you can benefit (some employers lack imagination about how jobs can be done, but once given the idea, they can at least consider your suggestions).  Be organised as possible, weekly to do lists on your fridge!