Most mums have a plan of what they want to do work-wise after maternity leave. Unfortunately, not all employers are open to flexible working.
This week Rebecca from Rock and Roses Mama tells us what her return to work was like…
Tell us a bit about yourself…
*waves* I am Rebecca aka. Rock and Roses Mama and I live with my amazing two men; my little dude who is two, and my Mr (soon to be husband!) We live in the sunshiney seaside town of Gosport, Portsmouth and adore taking walks along the beach in the summer (obligatory ice cream in hand obviously!) and rocking out at family friendly festivals.
What line of work are you in?
I am in retail management.
How many hours a week do you work?
I currently work 30-40 ours a week with a different rota each week.
Who looks after your son while you’re at work?
One afternoon a week the little dude goes to nursery, at weekends my partner looks after him and during the week if I need my Momma looks after him. Sometimes my partners Mother and occasionally our friends.
Are you in the same job as before you had your son?
Yes, I was always determined to return to work and keep the same position as prior to my maternity leave. However, this was not possible entirely as I was forced to drop position to the next level down as I didn’t want to work the same 50 hour week that I had been doing previously. I was told by Head Office that it was possible for me to work pro-rata on my salary and less hours but it was up to my District Manager; he said no.
How quickly did you go back to work?
I took the standard 9 months but sandwiched it with a months worth of holiday either side so a total of 10 months.
Did you want to return to work?
Yes I definitely did, I was determined! Initially, I was more than happy to do this but recently I am finding I was to spend more time with the small man and devote more time to my blog.
What are the hardest things about being a working mum?
Leaving the little dude is getting extremely hard to do, he has learning difficulties too that have recently been flagged which means I have so much to fit in around work I am really struggling! And I would love to do something that meant I could spend time with him and work; that is where my blog comes in!
What are your fave things about being a working mum?
I do appreciate the time away from reality a little at times, to be someone other that just Mum or Jude’s Mum. Somewhere to just me ME.
What are your least favourite things about being a working mum?
As mentioned above… leaving my son and juggling our life around my weekly changing rota.
Do you have any tips for other mums thinking about returning to work after maternity leave?
Stand your ground. You are entitled to Flexible Working Hours as a Mother (and Father I believe?) and you should NEVER be made to feel like you are an inconvenience because you have to work around a child and a family.
If you’d like to find out more about Rebecca then head over to her blog!
If you’d like to be a guest poster for this series just drop me an email for more info.
See you next week
Rebecca | AAUBlog
I’ve worked in retail before and it s so hard with the changing rotas and children – a supportive family is a must x