Insights & tips into returning to work with a baby

www.eduserv.org.uk

Insights & tips into returning to

work after a breakWomen in Technology

Louise Eagle

Marketing Manager, OpenAthens

Eduserv

www.eduserv.org.uk

Content

• My story: back-to-work with a baby

• Back-to-work fears

• Quashing fears: insights from my journey so far

at Eduserv

• 20 back-to-work tips

• Questions - get in touch

www.eduserv.org.uk

My story

Long-term career in B2B tech

marketing including UK’s largest

independent software company

Freelanced around pregnancy

Marketing Manager for OpenAthens

since September 2015

Part-time now full-time

Seven month son now two years

Three childcare settings so far

Breastfed until 19 months

Husband is a Head of IT – not

househusband!

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www.eduserv.org.uk

www.eduserv.org.uk

www.eduserv.org.uk

Quashing fears

Insights from my

journey at Eduserv

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Acted quickly – planned afterwards!

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New website delivered on time, in budget

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Five day conference in Canada with family to continue breastfeeding

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Overcame childcare challenges as they arose

Our wonderful everyday

nursery closed unexpectedly

Two new childcare settings:

Nursery three days a week: City-based, all day, all year care

Pre-school two days a week: Home village with local friends, term-time

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Renewed career seeing investment in me with management training course

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Unplanned time off has been limited

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My back-to-work tipsEveryone will have their own experiences, challenges, tips and insights.

These are just mine. I hope some may be of interest.

Not just for women in technology.

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1. Look out for employers offering

Childcare Vouchers (until April 2018).

New Tax Free Childcare Scheme has

launched (for self-employed also)

2. Consider location as much as

OFSTED ratings

3. Ask for recommendations from

working friends

4. Share down-days with your partner

– share diaries

5. Save some holiday days in case

of sickness

6. Choose new settings quickly if needed

Tips for childcare

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Tips

7. Dismiss ‘baby-brain’ and self-doubt

– avoid self-fulfilling prophecy

8. Act quickly

9. Don’t rule our part-time roles initially

10. Consider freelance

11. Look for companies with flexible working

12. Look for companies that reveal an element

‘family-friendliness’ in their HR collateral or

internal marketing

Tips for finding work

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TipsTips for being great at work!

13. Cut a ribbon as you walk through the door

14. Ramp up childcare around big projects

15. Make lunch breaks your time

16. Snap up and absorb training

17. Keep your mobile with you at all times

(in case child carer calls, for peace of mind)

18. Create a new image for your different body

19. Build back up to where you were

20. Take on new adventures!

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www.eduserv.org.uk

Questions?

Get in touch:

uk.linkedin.com/in/louiseeagle

@louiseeagle