It's working for Sara H
Santa Rosa, California
1 child
"My job was more flexible so we were hoping my employer would be open to at least a partial telecommuting schedule. Unfortunately my husband got laid off on his first day back from parental leave so now we're both home most of the time."
What is one piece of advice you wish you could offer your former expectant self?
Look into all of your options before the baby is born and talk to your employer about flexible schedules.
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?
I exclusively pump, but wanted to breastfeed. My baby was unable to breastfeed.
How much leave did you take, and how comfortable were you taking it?
My leave was 8 weeks, a combination of sick leave, vacation, and California Paid Family Leave. Even though I only went into the office twice a week for three hours and worked the rest of the time for home, I did not look forward to my return to work.
What was your biggest challenge going back to work?
Balancing financial worries with seeing my child enough during a typical workday.