Laura’s Return to Work (Post Mat Leave)

Returning to work from mat leave, wow that came around quickly. It’s been almost four months now since I returned to work, and it’s been better than I imagined. I did absolutely LOVE maternity leave, but I was very ready to come back, and luckily I was able to control when that was, which definitely helped. One thing I have noticed, is there’s not many people talking about how they really feel about coming back to work post-baby, so I thought I’d put some of my thoughts into words. For so long I just assumed that parents would find it a struggle to go back to work, missing their little ones, and feeling nothing but guilt. Ok yes, this is true, I certainly shed many tears the day before I came back, and after his first few nursery settling in sessions. How could I possibly leave my little non-walking baby who relied on me every single second of the day for food, comfort and sleep, with complete strangers, with other children bigger and more robust than him?! But the moment I sat back down at my desk and the team started filling me in on all the happenings recently, I found I’d compartmentalised, separated myself from my mummy self for a second, and returned to business owner/recruitment partner. And wow was it refreshing. And you know what? I think I’m a better mum to my son because I have more mental energy to give him, and really really appreciate my time with him, especially when I do miss him a lot when I’m not with him. Everyone looks on maternity leave as the gift of time, a wonderful period where you can just enjoy spending time with your new arrival, making memories and chilling out. Yes, absolutely true, but trust me, by month 9, it’s a little like groundhog day. Getting to finally use my brain for something other than working out when the last bottle was or how long his wake windows should be, was actually quite refreshing. Don’t get me wrong, it was the best gift to be able to spend 9 whole months with my gorgeous son, but there’s not a whole lot of stimulating conversation going on with a 9 month old in tow. I’m grateful to say, my son, husband and I have been able to create amazing memories in the first 9 months of his life and beyond. Ones that I will cherish forever. We have a very happy, healthy little boy, who I adore spending time with. But it has been fun to engage my brain in strategic thinking, get back to talking to a HUGE range of people about their careers, and mostly, to re-connect with clients. It has been like riding a bike, and honestly it doesn’t feel like I’ve ever been away. Except for the fact that I definitely have to set more reminders and write more lists – baby brain and sleep depravity can affect your memory! That and the constant illnesses from nursery, aka, the germ factory! Finally, a huge well done to any parent that is returning to work – no one really articulates quite how tricky it is to navigate and find a balance. And for those who are about to experience it, yes it’s tough, but it’s great in the end.

More from the blog: Job Search Tips for Graduates Top Tips for Telephone & Skype Interviews Looking for a New Job Checklist Get your Interview Head on

Follow us to keep up to date with The South’s Job Market Report, Recruitment in Bournemouth + HR news,  as well as our latest jobs, career tips + everything else related to your working world.  

Written by Laura Miller