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Mums. They’re the hardest working people on the planet.
Today on Sunday, May 12, mums across Australia will be gifted with breakfast in bed, hand-written cards and gifts from the Mother's Day stall at school. And while we shower them with love and appreciation on today, it’s important to remember that many mothers are working hard at their jobs – and at home.
This Mother’s Day, we’re chatting to three mums from PeoplePlus who share their personal perspectives of being a working mum –from managing their time, being a good role model, and tips for new mums looking to return to work.
Working mums are notoriously busy. How do you manage to juggle work and family life? Do you have any tips that make it easier?
Nina Tran: National Youth Jobs PaTH & CTA Manager
I try being very organised. I am fortunate that I have my mother helping me with my three children and they as well as my husband makes sure that everyone pitches in. As they say-‘A Sunday well spent brings a week of content’. If your home and family life is sorted, your work life can be easier to manage. You need to also make sure to draw that fine line when it comes to work and family as well and switch off when needed.
Jade Carroll: NSW State Manager - ParentsNext
Being a working mum isn’t always an easy task. I believe self-care is important, so switching off and making time for the family is great and so is making time for myself. Being both a mum and a manager can be hectic - it’s important to have downtime and to do the things you enjoy.
Alicea Shaw: Area and Business Support Manager
You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do! I like to listen to music (really loudly) on the way home from work to unwind.
What do you like about being a working mum?
AS
I love being able to provide for my children and to be able to provide them with the best life possible.
JC
I enjoy having a sense of direction and goals, and also being grounded by the little guy who follows me around asking all the important how’s and why’s about life. What I really like is ultimately being a good role model to him.
NT
I get the best of both worlds - to be able to work and develop myself for my career and to also be a good example to my children. When work is done and I am clocked out, I go home to my first and most important job, which is to be mum to my children.
Has being a parent changed the way you work?
NT
Absolutely. I believe I have become more focused and more driven being a parent because you need to be working to provide for your children.
AS
I am probably more patient than I was before I became a parent, and definitely more driven to succeed.
JC
Being a parent has driven me more so in my working career - becoming a parent comes with its own challenges and makes you a stronger more resilient person. I have learned that being well-organised helps with being a working mum.
Do you have any advice for new mums looking to return to work?
JC
The anxiety will pass! There is no wrong or right time to return to work, it is hard but try not to put too much pressure on yourself and treat it one day at a time. It does get easier.
AS
Don’t be afraid to reach out to your support networks and ask for help.
NT
It will not be easy at first. There will be tears, guilt and some days you’ll question yourself. But it will get easier as you adjust to the routine, settle into the job and your children settling in as well. It’s about quality time spent with your children and not quantity of time.
How did PeoplePlus support your return to work?
NT
PeoplePlus supported me by understanding my needs as a working mum and by being flexible. My manager is a working mum herself so she is always providing me with guidance and advice.
AS
They provided me with flexible working hours so I was able to continue to feed my child and I had an extended lunch break. They also flew my father and daughter to Melbourne while I had to attend a week-long conference.
NT
PeoplePlus were so understanding and helped to accommodate my needs, I started off returning to work part-time and gradually increased with thanks to the support of PeoplePlus.
WORKING WITH US
PeoplePlus offers flexible working arrangements for mums, as well as paid parental leave and an Employee Assistance Program for employees who may need additional support.
Find out more about working with us today and current roles available with our team.
www.peopleplusaustralia.com.au/working-with-us
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