Mom to Porter
Occupation: Cardiac Sonographer
Employer: Centennial Medical Center
Length of Mat Leave: 14 weeks
What was your experience like returning to work after having your children?
It was a breath of fresh air, I love my job. Although it was difficult to function for a full day at work after being up at night, it was fun returning home to a smiling baby who was ready for me to snuggle and play. I felt more normal after returning to work and getting into a routine. It gave me time to be away for a bit and to function as I once did before.
What do you find difficult about being a working parent?
Finding the time to also be with my husband. It seems we both work a full day, get home and focus on Porter, then it’s bed time and repeat. It is tough trying to find time to just be together without having to hire a babysitter.
What do you enjoy about being a working parent?
It makes me feel empowering like the jack of all trades. I can get up, work ten hours, come home and be with my boys. Working gives me time to be away from Porter and makes me appreciate and want to be more present during the times I do get to spend with him!
After being back at work for some time, have your views about career and family changed?
Yes. Forty hour work weeks are very difficult, especially when your husband works weekends. There are things we miss out on doing as a family. Priorities do change, but it doesn’t mean I want to stop working. I want to be independent enough, but also spend time with my family. Ideal world for women would be to work 3 days a week!
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?
START SLOW when you go back. It isn’t a marathon! Whether it’s going part time right away, or just not immediately jumping back into things, just do it at an easy, comfortable pace.
What did you choose for childcare, and how has it been for your family?
Nanny. No sickness goes around, Porter gets to stay home. Nanny can take him to do things at the library or the zoo on a nice day. Cons- no social interaction with other children
Anything else you'd like to share?
Don’t feel bad going back to work. If you love your career and love being a mom, you can absolutely do both! Appreciate the time you have with your kids while you can and make the most of it.