This time last year…

I was about to embark on a new journey of my own. A new work journey.

Finally I had found a flexible employer. I won’t lie, it wasn’t a decision I took lightly. Commuting to Manchester rather than driving less than a mile to the office. Meeting new people, settling in to a new routine, settling Lil G into a new routine. Will they like me? Will I like them? I remember thinking, should I just put up with it? Is it really that bad? No and yes it was. Honestly, should we ever have to put up with a situation that makes you want to cry?

You see, before the 1st of September 2013 I worked on my doorstep. Literally 1-mile from our home and 1-mile from Lil G’s nursery. Heaven. So I thought, at the beginning any how. Part of me took the job because of the closeness. The role was a side step which I accepted, I was returning from maternity leave so I guess some things have to take a hit right? Sadly the closeness didn’t out way the difficulties I was facing. The ignorance to the pressures of a working parent. The micro management. The lack of flexibility. The team who really just were not me, except for one little lady, who really was my saviour. I couldn’t socialise with them. I didn’t enjoy their company. They were different.

As you know most days and week’s go by without a ‘mummy’ complication however some things just can’t be helped. Chicken pox. A sickness bug meaning exclusion for 48-hours. My baby boy not wanting anyone other than his mummy. As nice as that type of neediness is, it isn’t so much fun when you have a boss that didn’t understand. I dreaded making that phone call… ‘I can’t make it in today’. She (there is your problem) showed no understanding or empathy what so ever. She didn’t have children. It makes a difference.

Well, on a sunny day back in July 2013 I plucked up the courage to write the little letter known as my resignation. I am so glad that I did. For the month of August I enjoyed doing nothing but lazy days, spending time with my boy and being the housewife I struggle to be when working full-time. I remember thinking, you can breathe. Relax. There is now light at the end of the tunnel. A new beginning awaits you.

So, the start of September arrived and so had my new journey. I can breathe. I can be me. I can talk about my little boy and my family without thinking I was being judged or tutted at. I now work for and around people who not only have children themselves but who also understand that for the most part being a parent comes before anything else. I had agreed flexible working which meant I was able to work from home on a Monday and Friday and then commute into Manchester the remaining 3-days. The best part about working from home is the flexibility I have to do the Kindergarten run.

12-months on and I haven’t looked back once. I work for two male Directors who just get it. I am happy. More importantly Lil G is happy. I am so glad that I plucked up the courage and followed my heart.

Being a full-time working parent is tough at times, however knowing I have the flexibility to be a success at both makes a HUGE difference.