You CAN Have a Baby and a Career, But Some Thing's Gotta Give
Well, the time has come. After 10 weeks, I head back to the office tomorrow after having my little Liljana. I've been asked how I'm feeling and if it seems odd to go back to work already. Yes, it's going to be interesting being away from my little girl for a hefty majority of the day. Will working again seem odd? Not really. Since being on leave, I've kept up with my RSS feeds here and there, since I'm in love with the web. I actually enjoy my job and looking forward to going back to the grind of thinking about digital strategy.
I'm also feeling good going back to work full time because I did my corporate homework. Another perk that me and the hubby decided on pre-birth? One of us would try to work from home during the day and watch our little one. Since the hubby can consult from home, this set-up worked for us.
Many of you ask me about keeping a full-time corporate job, while wanting a child. As you think about this amazing life decision, it's important to do your homework. Yes, homework. Before I went back to work full-time, I wanted to find a place that was family friendly. At my company, I learned that two women held Executive level positions - good signs. In addition, the office was full of working moms with flexible schedules - another good sign. I knew that if I wanted a family, my position would be respected, both as a mother, but also as a working corporate gal.
If you work for a company whose top brass has little to no women and those women that DO have kids seem stressed out all the time, this may not be the environment for you. You have to choose what's important for you and your family.
I had no idea I'd get pregnant so darn quick. My Manager and HR were more than wonderful during the whole process. I also got approval to work from home one day a week and if the little one is sick, I know I'll be able to work from home and see about her care.
On the flip side, I will be away from my little girl during the day. I may travel overnight on business and not get a chance to kiss her good night all the time. These are the pieces of motherhood and corporate life that will give. This is OK for what me and the hubby decided months ago - it works for us.
If you ladies EVER have questions about getting ready to have a baby when the time is right, you know who to ask!:)
Gals' Guide
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Reader Comments (3)
First of all, she is adorable. I can't say it enough.
You bring up some very good points. Glad that you are able to enjoy both being a career woman and a Mom.
Good luck on your first day back! Your baby is adorable, too. So animated!
I'm glad that you're having such a positive attitude, and also have good data in your workplace to back-up your confidence!!! I am pregnant now (11 weeks), and I also intend to go back to work after a 6-18 week leave (still deciding what's best for me)!!! I think that in addition to having a good and supportive corporate environment, personal perspective is hugely important. Previously I considered having children to be inconvenient and logistically impossible! Now that I'm in a happy relationship and comfortable with myself and my career aspirations, my priorities have shifted, which really makes this whole process easier! I, too, have a good environment at work with several mothers who love their jobs and can adjust their schedules to do what's best for their families (it's impressive given that I work in a male-dominated organization). Thanks for a great blog!!! I hope that your transition back to the corporate world is smooth!!!