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
I’ve worked in retail before and it s so hard with the changing rotas and children – a supportive family is a must x
I went back to work full time after having my eldest (I’m a teacher) but I’m yet to go back after my second and he’s almost two. We moved house which is part of the issue, but I’ve also not been able to find a part time job to fit in with the family. #SharingTheBlogLove
What a great interview! It’s so fascinating to get this insight into Rebecca’s working life – she’s doing an amazing job xx
It must be so hard trying to juggle everything. I hope your blog gets to the point soon where you feel as though you have more choices.
I love reading about how other working mums cope. Being entitled to ask for flexible working hours is great. Anyone can request it now, not just parents, but it doesn’t have to be agreed. Our work used to let anyone take it who asked before the government changed it to all not just parents. Then realised that they basically had about 30 people working on Friday afternoons. So now they’ve moved to flexi-time which isn’t as flexible and essentially new starters don’t get the option, unless it was a part time job to begin with or it’s a role they’re struggling to fill.
It’s so useful to hear about other people’s experience of returning to work after maternity leave.
Great post and lovely to learn more about Rebecca!
I love the idea of interviewing mums… it really helps give an insight into ‘normal life’. It must be so difficult to leave the little one while at work, but it’s important to do things for ourselves as parents too! Finding the right balance is such a tricky thing to do.
It makes me so sad to hear of women being pushed into lower positions after returning from maternity leave. This lady sounds like she’s smashing it though, girl power!
I also returned to work after having little man. He went to full-time nursery as a baby and I think it benefited him socially! 🙂
I worked in retail before I had my boys and I found fitting life in around work hard, can’t imagine doing the same job now with my kids!
Great interview! I honestly don’t know how you do it. I certainly couldn’t juggle a family, home and full time job! x
Great interview. It was really interesting finding out how Rebecca juggles work and her little boy. It sound like she is doing a fabulous job at it all. xx
Lovely interview. I enjoy reading about how mothers juggle careers and families. Great read.
Fab interview, I love reading about other parents experiences of returning to work. I didn’t go back to work after my fifth baby, child care was just to much, but I really admire those who do! Thank you for joining us at #sharingthebloglove
I went back to work for a couple of days a week in between having my girls. But I’m yet to go back since Holly came along. It’s always interesting reading over people’s experiences. Thank you for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove
The weekly changes to rota must be tough, I hope you get enough notice! My work had varying times but I always know well in advance
I love hearing about others peoples experiences of becoming a mum, going back to work and how that changes you. Sounds like you have got it down well and it’s pretty balanced, so glad to see you enjoyed going back to work
Laura x