Brittni

Mom to Julian

Senior Web Support Specialist

Maternity leave: 3.5 months

Childcare: Husband and Best Friend

What did you struggle with most about returning to work after having your kids?

Separation anxiety! I was exhausted being with him 24/7 but I struggled to leave him. I felt like he would miss me as much as I missed him and I wouldn’t know so I wouldn’t be able to help him through it.

What do you find difficult about being a working parent?

The balance of hours in my day. I sit in traffic 1-1.5 hours each way so I waste at least 3 or more hours a day in traffic. By the time I see my son he has 3 hours before bed time so that’s all I get with him 5 days a week. The balance doesn’t seem very balanced.

What do you enjoy about being a working parent?

I enjoy knowing I’m good at what I do, I can contribute to the lifestyle we live, and the moments I have without having to worry about my son even though I miss him.

After being back at work for some time, have your views about career and family changed?

Yes. I always thought “of course I’m going back to work, why wouldn’t I?” But I can now see why people don’t. I have to really consider if time with my son is most important or working and living a more comfortable lifestyle is more important.

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?

To have grace on myself. My body has been through a lot and becoming a mom and being a working mom is A LOT! I wish I gave myself more credit.

What did you choose for childcare, and how has it been for your family?

My husband is home in the morning and my best friend watches my son in the afternoon. He is in a safe and happy place. But I sit in so much traffic to pick him up that I don’t get a lot of time with him after work.

Being a mom is hard enough but being a working mom adds more stress/anxiety to it. Groups like this keeps mom’s going! We all need to support and encourage each other so that we know we’re not alone!