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So, you’ve embarked on the wild adventure of parenthood, and now you’re preparing to dive back into your work life. Balancing a career and a new bundle of joy as a new parent might seem like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube in under 10 seconds, but don’t worry – we’ve got your back! In this blog post, we’ll dish out some invaluable tips and strategies to help you manage work while being an amazing new parent, and have you mastering the art of career and family life like a pro.
The transition to parenthood comes with a whirlwind of emotions and lifestyle adjustments. Don’t underestimate the physical and emotional changes you’re going through. Learning to balance your work and family life might feel like a roller coaster, but you’ve got this! Remember to be kind to yourself, embrace your new role, and set realistic expectations. Give yourself permission to adjust at your own pace. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your new work-life balance.
Keeping your boss in the loop is crucial and clear communication is key to a smooth transition. Be open about your return to work and discuss any flexibility options like remote work, part-time schedules, or flexible hours. By being honest about your needs, you can pave the way for a work situation that suits your new family life. In the weeks and days leading up to your return, reach out to your manager to check-in about the transition back, and the expectations for your first few days. Pro tip: if possible, schedule your first day following parental leave as a Wednesday or Thursday to help ease back in.
Planning ahead is key to maintaining your sanity and crucial for a seamless transition when returning to work. Organize reliable childcare, and familiarize yourself with any changes in your job responsibilities or projects. Consider discussing a gradual transition back to work with your employer. Proactively set meetings with your manager, direct reports, and other team members in the early weeks back at work so that you can feel informed and ready to jump back in. Being prepared will help you feel more confident and in control while transitioning back into the workforce as a working parent.
Time management is your secret weapon. Use time-blocking techniques to allocate specific times of the day to tackle tasks, stack meetings, and prioritize your workload like a pro based on urgency and importance. By staying focused and organized, and being strategic with your time, you can ensure you’re on track to being a superstar parent and employee.
You don’t have to be a superhero – it’s okay to ask for help! Building a solid support network is essential. Lean on family and friends for support, consider childcare options like nannies or daycare to find the best fit for your family, and tap into your personal network for advice or encouragement. Check out the #iwishihadthis databse. Give yourself grace while you work through this new phase. Remember, it really does take a village, and that village is there for you, just as you’ll be for the next set of working parents.
Setting boundaries is vital to avoid burnout. Define clear work boundaries to prevent overworking. For example, communicate with your team if your new schedule requires specific start and end times based on childcare needs, or block off your calendar in the evenings when you will be unavailable. On the flip side, establish family boundaries to protect precious time with your loved ones. Unpopular opinion: you can say no to random visitors stopping by. Make sure to prioritize quality time with your family and maintain open communication to ensure everyone’s needs are being met – first and foremost, your own.
As a new parent, self-care often takes a backseat. Don’t let it! Self-care is not just a trendy buzzword, it’s real. Stay physically active, even when you’re exhausted – a little bit can go a long way. Don’t neglect your mental health. It’s ok to not be ok, and finding resources and supports is crucial. Also crucial? Finding some “me time” amidst the chaos. Maybe it’s as simple as a glass of wine at the end of the day or dancing to your favorite song in your living room. By prioritizing your well-being, you’ll be a more present and balanced parent and employee – and for all the identities you hold close: partner, community member, friend, etc.
Ease back into the workforce with a phased return to work if possible. While not always an option, if your employer offers this definitely consider giving it a try! So much changes when we add the identity of parent to the table – it’s expected that values have shifted, and there may be a lot to unpack. Keep the lines of communication open with your employer and colleagues as you work through it all, and harness the power of technology to stay connected and organized.
Take advantage of productivity apps to stay on top of your schedule and tasks, and consider utilizing the functionality of your professional technologies on your personal devices: email, chat services, video calling, etc. Being organized can greatly benefit your ability to manage the transition. Another amazing use of technology is to stay connected with your family while you’re at work. From daycare apps to at-home cameras, to video calls and digital photo frames, tech can be your secret weapon in mastering the balancing act of parenthood and work, and not feeling like you’re missing out on one while you’re with the other.
Remember, managing work as a new parent is totally achievable with the right strategies, support, and mindset. Be kind to yourself, and embrace the wild, rewarding journey of balancing parenthood and your career. And if you need a trusted partner in navigating the joys and challenges of new parenthood, contact Josie today!
