Mom to Evelyn
Corporate Accountant
Length of maternity leave: 6-weeks
Childcare: Daycare
What did you struggle with most about returning to work after having your kids?
When it was time to go back to work I expected to feel sad about leaving my baby. The first day back at work I felt guilty that I was happy to be back. I had truly missed my work and the routine. I had begun to feel like something was wrong with me that I wasn’t as sad as others had described about leaving my baby to go back to work. On my second day back a coworker gave me some advice about returning; that during leave you learn you are one of two types of moms. You are either a stay at home kind of mom or a working mom. And guess what? Both are fantastic options to be.
What do you find difficult about being a working parent?
Even six months in I still feel guilt. Guilt about my baby being the first dropped off at daycare. Guilt about being one of the first to leave the office each day. But I’m learning that my routine is just that, it’s my routine.
What do you enjoy about being a working parent?
I enjoy getting to use my degrees. I worked hard to get my Bachelors and Masters and I want to use them to the fullest extent. I also love that I’m giving my daughter an example to look up to.
After being back at work for some time, have your views about career and family changed?
I once thought that having a family meant putting my career on the back burner. But I’ve learned that I can have both. I’ve learned to be picky about the companies I want to invest my time and skills in. Because at the end of the day, I’m going to play with my daughter at home and she’s what matters.
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?
It’s ok to be excited about going back to work. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is wrong with that. Your baby will not love you any less, and you don’t love your baby any less either.
What did you choose for childcare, and how has it been for your family?
Daycare
I love our daycare. It’s just down the road from my office so she is never far away. The staff are so loving to the children and they keep me informed throughout the day about Evelyn.