Mom to Antonio and Alice
Global Marketing Manager
Length of Maternity Leave: 4 months
Childcare: Daycare
What did you struggle with most about returning to work after having your kids?
My career it was always a big and important part of my life. I love to work and I don't see myself stopping at any point. After I became a mom my priorities changed but my pleasure of being challenged/developed and my ambitious were maintained. I just needed to reorganize my routine, prioritize differently and find room for everything. I missed work during my maternity leave. I missed the office, the adults conversation, the interaction with smart people and the feeling of being productive. Going back to the office was a truly joy and the opportunity to reconnect with myself again, even missing my baby dearly.
What do you find difficult about being a working parent?
I'm always tired and feeling behind. When I put kids to bed I wish I could go with them, but I need to catch up on emails and sometimes even find somehow creativity and energy to create campaigns/strategies. It's also hard to miss happy hours, offsites, out of the clock gatherings. Having coworkers that aren't parents yet makes things harder to explain sometimes.
What do you enjoy about being a working parent?
I love my financial independence. I'm happier when I'm working and when I'm happy I'm a better mom. I value time with my kids. I want to teach autonomy, leadership, commitment, responsibilities by example. My kids are my world but being a corporate professional is a part of my personality that I won't let go.
After being back at work for some time, have your views about career and family changed?
I come from a big traditional family. And my parents always put us in first place. So, for me, family comes first. Always. I used to say that before and I keep saying that to my team nowadays. I truly respect personal time, medical appointments, families celebrations, special occasions. I encourage them to have work like balance and I try to lead by example, because it's the most effective lesson you can give. Work will always be there.
Knowing what you know now, what’s one thing you wish you could go back in time and tell yourself as you were preparing to return to work or getting ramped up in your role?
I would say to myself to simply stop worrying and getting anxious. You won't be fired. Your baby will be fine. Don't listen to people, they aren't interested in genuinely help. And don't compare yourself to celebrities on social media.
What did you choose for childcare, and how has it been for your family?
Daycare
The pros are kids socializing, learning to share toys, being stimulated in a proper environment. My only cons is the amount of time kids get sick, it's simple inevitable.
I never had a nanny and always worked full time. I've moved from Brazil to Boston 6 months ago. My husband and I were transferred to work and moving overseas with 2 kids isn't easy, because you can't take out pizza for weeks in a row and sleep in a air mattress until you organize your new life. We managed everything in a few weeks and we have a new routine now, still being adjusted but working in full speed. I don't have time for drama. I don't compare myself with others anymore. Once you deeply know you're giving your best, the inner peace works miracles. I know I'm doing my best in every field of my life. I sacrifice sleep and 'me time' to keep the majority of balls in the air. Some balls will fall. Fine. I have the privilege of choosing which one is hitting the floor every day. Marriage and kids stays in the air no matter what. All the rest (laundry, workout exercises, organic meal prep, dream vacations, being there for friends, that late night email from an angry boss, etc) can fall and I will deal with you tomorrow. Looking forward more kids in the near future and I will keep climbing my career staircase. No drama. No regrets. Just priorities.
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