Sindie

Mom to Kalilah and Malcolm

Life Science Recruiter

Length of maternity leave: 4 months and 12 months

Childcare: Daycare

What did you struggle with most about returning to work after having your kids? I was very young when I had my daughter and returned back to work after 4 months. I remember several weeks of crying in the bathroom and seriously thinking she would forget who I was - serious mom guilt! With my son I was able to stay home with him for a year and when I returned back to work I was still breastfeeding and pumping every two hours at work. In addition to the feelings of missing him, it was challenging getting used to being back in the workplace and pumping. I kept that up for 4 months and am very proud I was able to do so!

What do you find difficult about being a working parent? I find it challenging to be my best self every single day at work and give it my all when some days are harder then others and I just miss my babies and want to be with them. It’s also challenging working a 9 hour day and then getting home and being nonstop with my children because they deserve that attention. But I remind myself that it’s ok to have bad days!

What do you enjoy about being a working parent? I enjoy knowing I’m working towards being able to support my children financially and provide everything they could ever need, as well as show them responsibility and what a good work ethic looks like and being someone they can look up to.

After being back at work for some time, have your views about career and family changed? Yes! Before kids work and social activities always can first. Now I find myself having hard cut off times from work and when I’m around my kids I try to be as present as possible. Saving work related tasks for when they are in bed! I’m a mom first and a career woman second!

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 tell myself that my kids WILL remember me and that our bond will never be broken based on the amount of time I'm able to spend with them during the work week.

What did you choose for childcare, and how has it been for your family? Both my babies are/ were in a home daycare

Pros- our childcare is right around the corner from my parents house if anything were to happen and my son needed to be picked up early.

Cons- He is is childcare and not with me all day!

Anything else to share? It takes a village to raise children and I am so thankful for my little tribe. I commend every single mother out there for being ever so important in their child’s life and embracing all of the tears, smiles, cuddles, and messes that come with motherhood!