Over the weekend I reflected on how my first couple of weeks back at work have been. I am thrilled (and somewhat relieved) that there have been significantly more ups than downs. Overall, getting back into the swing of things as a working parent has been positive so far… and I am reconnecting with aspects of my work that I do love. I feel inspired. I have all kinds of ideas. I am making a positive contribution to my working life again.
That said, I recently cried on my way into work.
Yup. Cried. Shed tears. Genuinely… felt quite sh*tty.
Why you say? Why when by all accounts I am reporting a positive reintegration back into work so far?
Simple really. I got a little bit teary because on Friday, on Naila’s first birthday, after some of our very early morning cuddles, I snuck out of the house when she woke up far earlier than she needed to. Y’see, it was too late for me to continue the cuddles (as I had to go if I was going to get to work on time) and too early for her to get up with her dad and get ready for the childminder. What that meant was that I quickly exited so she didn’t spot me… and it was just at that moment that I heard R quietly singing “Happy Birthday” to her.
Cue waterworks as I left the house. Mummy / working parent guilt alert. Does this make me a bad mama? Is it wrong to admit I felt a touch resentful of my hubby in that moment? Am I making the right decisions within this whole working parent journey?
From a rocky start, the day turned into one of the best since I’ve been back at work (seriously!)… and if you CHECK OUT AND SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW “CREATIVE CAREER SOLUTIONS FOR PARENTS” PODCAST! – you will come across a podcast (episode 6 – also available below) which tells you why and how I went from feeling meh to feeling like I was back in my zone of genius (and being a good mama at the same time). Understanding more about this experience can also help you apply some of these lessons in your own life as a parent with a career / biz, if relevant.
Remember, the Creative Career Solutions for Parents podcast is available via this link on iTunes. If you like what you hear (and I sincerely hope you do) please do leave a review. It makes the world of difference to the rank of a new podcast (and as I’m keen to connect with as many parents like you as possible, reviews / sharing / subscribing etc all helps). Thanks lovely.
Now your turn…
As we move into a new week… I wanted to set you a challenge. A challenge to do something out of the ordinary. Something which will help you get closer to one of your important current goals. Mine for this week? I am going to pop onto the Limitless Coaching page on Facebook and do a Facebook Live for you. (Eeeeps! Bring it…)
Over to you. What (ideally new and different) action will you take this week? (Looking forward to hearing all about it)