It's Working Project

"You have to live your own life – your kids are along for the ride. Having your children watch you go after what you want and work hard to achieve it is a strong lesson for them. "

What is one piece of advice you wish you could offer your former expectant self?

That I should continue to view life as a big picture and not get caught up in the weeds.

What was your primary motivation for deciding to return (or not) to work? How early did you tell your employer?

I was given a job offer and delayed that offer for 6 months so I could have and raise my newborn child. The woman who gave me that flexibility with a new baby laid the groundwork for the rest of my career.

FOR MOMS: If you breastfed, was there a place for you to pump that met your needs and was conducive to your success? If you breastfed, how did you decide to continue? FOR DADS: What, if any, adjustments did you (or your workplace) make to your schedule after having a baby? Was it specific to your manager or larger, whole work culture?

With my first child I did pump and was able to breastfeed for an entire year as a result. I wanted to breastfeed as long as possible.

How much leave did you take, and how comfortable were you taking it?

I was pregnant while interviewing for jobs and had to ask for a 6-month deferment before taking an employment opportunity. I was fortunate to be granted that time to raise my child outside the usual 6–8 weeks of paid leave.

I was given a job offer and delayed that offer for 6 months so I could have and raise my newborn child. The woman who gave me that flexibility with a new baby laid the groundwork for the rest of my career.

Later, when I was leading a foundation as Executive Director, I took no time off because the organization was small and there was no capability if I left for a maternity leave. Also, finding affordable, quality childcare was a major stress factor when balancing work and my growing family.

 

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