A working mum’s guide to getting back to work post pregnancy
For previously-working new mums,
post –delivery of our bundle of joy, we are often faced with the dilemma of
whether we should continue holding on to our 9-to-6 job or quit and stay at
home with our newfound love interest for which we can lay down our lives!
This spot is not an easy one
to be in especially with our world already in topsy-turvy mode. Our whole lives
we’ve been working and have always found great satisfaction and passion in our
careers. So why is returning to it so hard? The strong-headed mums who can
easily take decisions and have clarity in their minds are strongly envied but
those of us who are constantly on the fence go crazy trying to decide and end
up in a bigger mental mess than ever before!
Well, being a returned-to-work
mum myself, I can share a few tips to bear in mind that may facilitate your
decision in favour of work:
- First of
all, think of how badly you need the money!
It is brutal but the truth. Seriously!
You are lucky if you can handle the double whammy on your home finances –
single income, triple heads with the third head taking up most of the budget.
But for those who need a good dose of income infusion in order to be able to
deliver the best to the baby, work is very, very important.
- How good is your previous organization?
Sometimes,
we just assume that our previous company will not allow us flexi-work timings
but you will be surprised. In this case, I love the Tata Sky tag line “Poochhne
mein kya jata hai?” At most they’ll say no for which you were already prepared.
But other times you may be surprised at what can work out in your favour. It
happened with me.
- Focus on getting to work instead of debating
Instead of
wasting time on your inner conflict, use that time on enlisting resources that
can help you to organize your baby’s routine in your absence. You can ‘maska
lagao’ your ‘saasu maa’ or your mum or if you are lucky get a good nanny for
your child. Dads are also not allowed to go scot-free. Try and get a commitment
out of him. See if he can also get some sort of flexi-time. Keep your ears and
eyes open for a good day-care centre near your house or place of work. Keep an
open mind. Do not be over possessive of your child. You’ll be doing the baby
more harm than good. There are thousands of parents who leave their children at
day care centres and the children do well for themselves. They develop
immunity, become social, develop good eating habits, are on a time-table, etc.
- Once at work, behave professional
Please do
not go around wearing the ‘new mother’ tag. Be as professional as you were
before. I know you won’t be the employee you once were – and that’s OK. There
are different aspects of ‘professionalism’. Sure – you’re not the first one in
the office and the last one to leave anymore – but you’re a better leader,
coworker and employee now because you’re a mum. Your multitasking skills have
gone through the roof. Your compassion and empathy are higher than ever before
and time management skills are better than ever. It might take you a few weeks
to realize your new attributes, and it might take your employer a few weeks to
recognize the value that the new-you brings to the table. But please do not go
pleading around that you have a baby at home, you need to leave early, you
can’t do this and you can’t do that. You will command a new respect among your
co-workers.
- Think five years down the line!
Yes.. If you
think long-term, you’ll immediately want to decide in favour of work. It is
just the initial phase that weighs you down. Once your baby is on a schedule
and once s/he starts school, it gets a lot easier to work.
- Being away from your child is good for her/him
You heard
that right. Being away from your child helps you to care for her/ him much
better than being there 24/7. If you are in a good frame of mind, you bring the
same positivity in your love and care for your LO. It also helps your LO to
develop her/ his own personality, develop social skills, learn to become more
independent and bond better with other members of the family.
- Be a bit selfish
Eeks. Yes.
Think of your mental well-being as well. Ultimately a happy mum nurtures and
nourishes a happy bub. If working makes you a happy, independent,
self-respecting individual, go for it. Don’t give second thoughts. Instead work
towards making it happen.
- Switch
Alas, there
are many instances where mums cannot get back to work owing to the
circumstances. But do not despair and give up. Instead switch to something new.
Try your hand at flexi-work from home options. Take up a new course. Brainstorm
to start a small business of your own using your skills and potential. BUT DO
NOT GIVE UP!
- Snehal Agrawal Sharma
