After taking a five-year hiatus to care for my children, I decided it was time to re-enter the workforce. While those years at home were filled with joy, stepping back into a professional environment added new layers of complexity to our family life. The initial weeks and even months were overwhelming, primarily due to organizational hurdles. Here are eight rookie mistakes I made during my transition back to work.
1. I Overlooked the Babysitter’s Independence
In my first month back at work, I found myself inundated with messages from our babysitter asking for guidance on activities for my kids. I was constantly coordinating playdates and juggling communications between sitters and parents. It was exhausting! Eventually, I decided to empower the sitter by providing her with all necessary contact details and a drawer stocked with petty cash for outings and meals. The shift led to a much calmer household.
2. I Micromanaged My Husband
Since I leave for work earlier than my spouse, he takes charge of the kids for the first few hours of the day. After five years of being the primary caregiver, I struggled to let go. I would intervene when he chose breakfast items or dressed the kids in mismatched clothing. However, a few tardy mornings helped me realize that his way was fine, even if it meant my toddler was wearing oversized shorts.
3. I Settled for Boring Lunches
A friend once mentioned that lunch is often the only moment of solace during a workday. Yet, I found myself alternating between lackluster packed lunches and overpriced sandwiches that I didn’t enjoy. Now, I take the time to plan out satisfying meals for my lunch breaks, which have become a highlight of my day.
4. I Didn’t Inquire About Flexible Work Options
Many workplaces offer varying start and end times, but during my first job search, I neglected to ask about flexible hours or the possibility of remote work. I attempted to fit my family life into a rigid 9-to-5 schedule. Now, I always ask about flexible arrangements, and more often than not, supervisors are open to it.
5. I Neglected Self-Care
I genuinely enjoy exercising; it’s a rare chance to have some alone time and positively impacts my mood. However, when life gets hectic, my workout routine was the first thing to go. I’ve learned that prioritizing self-care is essential for maintaining balance in our household. Without it, I feel like a worn-out pack horse trying to keep up.
6. I Tried to Cook from Scratch Every Night
The myth of twenty-minute meals is just that—a myth. I realized it takes me about an hour to prepare dinner after getting home, which was chaos when the kids were hungry. Now, I cook larger batches on weekends, enjoy leftovers, and rely on convenience foods when needed. Some nights, it’s just lentil soup and toast, and that’s perfectly okay.
7. I Didn’t Prepare My Bag the Night Before
This is a tip I learned in middle school, yet I forgot it when I returned to work. On my first few mornings, I would frantically search for my wallet, keys, and work essentials, often while still in my pajamas. Now, I lay out everything the night before—down to my accessories—to ensure smoother mornings.
8. I Ignored the Importance of Comfortable Shoes
During a meeting with a potential client, I wore a pair of stylish but painfully uncomfortable shoes from my pre-kid days. I quickly learned that comfort should always come first, especially for a working mom. If you’re a mom of any kind, you need footwear that allows you to easily navigate both the office and the playground.
While I’m not the epitome of organization, I’ve certainly evolved since my rookie days. Mornings still feel like a race, and evenings often require a second lap through the same chaos, but I’ve gained valuable insights. If you’re interested in more tips on navigating parenthood and work-life balance, check out this insightful blog post on Cervical Insemination. Additionally, for those considering at-home insemination, Make A Mom offers reliable syringe kits. For more information on what to expect during your first IUI, this resource is excellent.
To sum it up, returning to work after being a stay-at-home parent is a journey filled with lessons. By recognizing and overcoming my mistakes, I’ve learned to embrace the chaos and make life a little easier for myself and my family.
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