Mom to Liam
Maternity leave: 4 months
Childcare: Daycare
What did you struggle with most about returning to work after having your kids?
“It was tough to stomach the thought of not being there for every small moment and every big milestone”
It was difficult coming to terms with "outsourcing" raising my son. Especially after being with him all day, every day for 4 months straight, it was tough to stomach the thought of not being there for every small moment and every big milestone.
What do you find difficult about being a working parent?
Dealing with the mom-guilt; having a healthy work-life balance
What do you enjoy about being a working parent?
I enjoy being a value-add to a company and having a professional identity outside of the home.
Liam has learned to love and trust caregivers who are not his own parents, which will ultimately help shape him into a well-rounded person since we believe that these other caregivers bring experiences and backgrounds to the table that we may not. I also do really like my job. I enjoy being a value-add to a company and having a professional identity outside of the home.
After being back at work for some time, have your views about career and family changed?
I always knew that my family would be my priority, especially after having kids. But I never imagined how true this would become. I still value my career, but I hold my family above all else.
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?
That everything would be okay. That Liam would do great while I was away at work and that we would all settle into our new normal.