After welcoming my son into the world, I faced the daunting task of returning to work just three months later. The following six months were filled with joy and a deep sense of fulfillment, but also left me pondering career changes and other possibilities on a daily basis. Recently, I stumbled upon a job opening that felt like a perfect fit, prompting me to secure an interview. While I was thrilled, I was also gripped by a wave of anxiety.
To prepare, I dedicated time to research the company and familiarized myself with their values and objectives. I ensured I was well-rested, eating healthily, and exercising. I even treated myself to a fresh haircut and highlights. My investment in my appearance was significant, albeit temporarily stretching our budget—next week would consist mostly of cereal dinners! I meticulously planned my outfit, seeking the advice of my most fashionable friends to ensure it was absolutely perfect.
However, the day of the interview brought its own set of challenges, and I would like to share my valuable lessons from this experience. If even one new mother finds these insights helpful, my trials will not have been in vain.
1. Utilize Childcare Wisely
Ensure that your baby is at their preferred childcare before starting your preparations. I made the mistake of keeping my little one at home with me, which led to a chaotic morning of juggling her needs while trying to get myself ready. Unfortunately, this involved a near mishap as she attempted to leap off the bed and a subsequent nap that went awry. Alone time is crucial for clarity and focus.
2. Prioritize Your Prep Work
Don’t underestimate the importance of completing your makeup and other tasks well before the interview. I foolishly decided to wait until I was at a café to freshen up, only to spill my concealer everywhere. This left me in a frantic state, applying makeup and reviewing notes in the parking lot of an Office Depot with only minutes to spare.
3. Breastfeeding Considerations
For those who are nursing, it’s essential to pump before leaving home and ensure you have all necessary equipment. Leaving the power cord at work resulted in a rather unexpected situation where I had to pump in my kitchen sink while dressed for the interview. It was a stark reminder that life can be unpredictable.
4. Plan Your Route Ahead of Time
Don’t rely solely on GPS technology; it can fail you at the worst possible moment. I learned this the hard way, finding myself lost and late due to a malfunctioning app. Planning your route the night before can save you much frustration.
5. Keep Perspective
It’s easy to become overwhelmed and feel that this interview is your only chance. Remember, there are always more opportunities on the horizon. You are capable, valuable, and more than just a caregiver. Embrace your strengths and approach each interview as a stepping stone rather than the end-all.
In closing, as Florence and the Machine aptly put it, “Shake It Off” and embrace your unique, intelligent, and spirited self—one interview at a time, one breath at a time. For further insights on pregnancy and self-insemination, this resource can be quite enlightening, and if you’re looking for more information on home insemination, consider checking out Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit. For additional guidance, take a look at this other blog post as well.
Summary
Returning to work after having a baby can be challenging, especially when preparing for an interview. Key takeaways include utilizing childcare effectively, prioritizing preparation, planning routes in advance, and maintaining perspective. Embrace the journey with confidence and grace.