Let The Flexible Working Commence!

Back in August I enquired into flexible working in order to weigh up my options and find the right balance between work and play for Leo and I. This week is the start of my new 3 day working week, and I am really looking forward to seeing that beautiful boy of mine.

We may go out and feed the ducks, or meet up with a friend for a play date. I do hope to find a baby group on a Thursday or a Friday so that we can attend a session together again. Now that Leo is getting older we may even try our hand at some arts and crafts!

When I first applied for the flexible working hours, it was to spend those two extra days a week with Leo; I really struggled with everything that I was missing while I was at work, all of the new things Leo was doing and learning. But as the months have progressed I have adapted and you could even say got used to working full time. People always said this would be the case, but I could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. But now I know they were right.

It all comes down to adjusting and settling into your new role as a working mum.

This may sound awful but I now plan on using these two free days to gain work experience in public relations, where ever I can, when ever I can.

And after all the effort I put into going part time, I am actually looking to gain the work experience in order to take on a full time role. It must sound mad, but I need these two days in order to go out there and actively get the work experience that I need. Of course I will still be spending more time with Leo but I will also be following my heart down the career path I am chasing after.

Things at work are not getting any better, if anything I feel like I have been pushed right down to the bottom of the pecking list. I am not saying I am above any of the jobs, I am just saying I want to work my brain and get on with the things I used to. My work load has certainly decreased and I am not given the same level of work I was pre baby.

Although if it wasn’t for my disheartening return to work then I may not have been as pro-active as I have been recently in trying to secure work placements. I am very excited to finally get my teeth stuck into a new challenge that I am passionate about, and I look forward to seeing what is just around the corner.

Leo has been getting really upset these days when I head out of the door to go to work. He clings onto my jumper for dear life, and the tears start to fall as soon as I pass him over to Granny. As I walk out of that door I can hear his crying but I know that as soon as I have gone he is absolutely fine.

So this week Leo and I will be spending my two days off together and we will have some special time with just the two of us, just like we did while I was on maternity leave. I am thinking of all the new things we can do together, and where we can go now he is that bit bigger.

Although I have two very special reasons for my flexible working, one thing is for sure. I am going to have much more time with my beautiful boy.

So if you are reading this and are in a position to offer little old me some work experience, please do get in touch. I am happy to travel and all I ask for at the end of the placement is for a glowing recommendation (I will bring lots of cake!)