Returning to Work – Reflections from a Mother and Business Owner

“I have never felt as energised, motivated or focused as I do now”

Last week I returned to work after taking 18 months off with our new son. Working in my own business I never switched off completely during that time, but I did step back from the majority of our client work. That was an uncomfortable transition at first. I had to learn to let others do things their way and know when to ask questions or offer advice and when to stay quiet. I didn’t always get that right. I had to adjust to feeling valuable in different ways – not judging my value as productivity or output, but in terms of the insight and perspective I could offer. At times work was an escape from the routine of motherhood. Other times I felt conflicted and then work tasks would become more of a chore. I learned that those feelings of conflict were my signal that work and life had become unbalanced. I have become much better at setting boundaries and also respecting them in others.

I am proud that we have built a business that is strong enough for me to be able to feel I could take that time to spend with our son. After 18 months I feel ready to come back to work. I am excited to be here, getting to know our new team members and working with clients on projects that I am passionate about. It gives me energy that I can take to the rest of my life. I’ve become much better at spending my time on the work that I find meaningful and unapologetically letting go of the things (or people) that drag me down.

 I know from experience that companies can lose sight of the value that returning mothers can bring. They might view them as less committed, more easily distracted, or less financially productive. More fool them. I have never felt as energised, motivated or focused as I do now. It’s so good to be back.