Early in 2022, I made the decision to walk away from my corporate career – a role in internal and external communications – and go “all in” on The Women’s Vault. For nine months, I ran The Women’s Vault as a “side hustle”, while my corporate job provided me with a stable income, holiday and sick pay and also fulfilment – I love what I do and I’ve done it for 15 years.
But juggling two full-time jobs,alongside having a young child, has been immensely stressful and challenging. Following many hours deliberating my options, I have decided to join the unstable, but exciting, realm of being a business owner (in the knowledge that one in five UK businesses fail).
I started The Women’s Vault as a passion project; I wanted to see how I could help women to be confident and to juggle motherhood with their careers, and whether I could help corporate companies support their female workforce better, too. Having experienced the immense benefits of flexible working, yet faced the challenges of both negotiating it and adapting to it, I recognised an opportunity to support women looking for change in their working lives through more flexibility.
I didn’t know if it would succeed or fail and I still don’t. Some days that’s really scary, I can tell you!
So having gone through the process of making a huge decision, as well as helping my clients with life-altering choices – such as applying for a new role, having another child, or changing careers – I thought it may help others if I shared a few tips on decision making.
Five things to do when you need to make a big decision:
- Create as many options for yourself as possible, so that you have a “platter” of options. Brainstorm alternatives that you haven’t thought of. For example, you may be keen to change jobs, but are tied to a current role so you can receive mat leave pay – another option could be finding a new job and negotiating higher pay, therefore having a higher income over the entire year. Once you have multiple options, you are then in the strongest position to decide what’s best for you. If you only have limited options, you may be making a decision with scarcity and lack, instead of thinking with an abundant mindset. Read more about abundance mindsets here.
- Be careful who you talk to. Often when we are making decisions, we want to talk to others about it: our family, friends, colleagues, a mentor… the list is endless. The problem is that everyone will give you their advice and won’t always be neutral; you can quickly become overwhelmed by differing views. Ultimately, you have to live with your decision and you want it to be the right one for you. See point 3.
- Deep thinking time is crucial. Spend time on your own, go for walks outside in nature and don’t listen to music or podcasts. This deep thinking can’t be done in front of a computer or phone. Ask yourself questions like, “What’s important to me?”; “Is this decision in alignment with my values and purpose?”; “Am I trying to please anyone else with this decision?”; “Will this make me truly happy?”.
- Give yourself a timeframe. Often we have to make a decision in a specific timeframe, such as accepting or declining a job, but other times we don’t have a set timeframe and it can drag on. In fact, I know people who have been sitting on big decisions for years, and once they make them, they feel much happier, lighter and that the weight of the world is off their shoulders. Set a timeframe and stick to it.
- Listen to your gut. Your gut instinct will often tell you if you’re making the right decision, or the wrong one. If for some reason you’re hesitating, or holding back, then something isn’t quite right for you. If you’re going against your gut instinct and not listening to it, again you will have this “off” feeling in your stomach. When you’ve arrived at the right decision, you will feel incredibly calm, excited and possibly a bit nervous too!
Remember, if you’ve made a decision and a few months down the track it’s not the right one, then you can always go back to exploring other options. You don’t have to save face. If it’s not right, then it’s not right, and life’s too short not to be happy!
If you’re looking to make a big personal or career decision, from whether to take a promotion, change jobs/careers, to relocate with your work – then get in touch with me about the specific process that I can take you through to make the decision that you need to make. I have now helped many women to get unstuck and move forward with their lives, now having made a decision that they are happy with. This process usually takes 90mins and can be done via Zoom – that’s all we need and your decision will be made! You’ll feel lighter and happier – like a weight’s been lifted off your shoulders. If you’re interested to find out more, complete this form to do a complimentary taster session and I can share more about the process.
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There are many things you can do as a Manager supporting your team member/s to return to work after maternity leave. Here are some ones to get you started and reflect the conversations I’ve had with clients on they wish they had been supported, or what they didn’t know like how to organise KiT days…
Right now I’m working with a company to coach all of their returners and at the end of next year, I will have supported 10 of their women to return. If you’re a HR Manager or you’d like to find out more then send me a DM.
I’d also love to hear, if you’re a Manager, what things do you do to support women back into work, or what do you wish your Manager had done…? Let’s chat in the comments ⬇️
Olivia x
There are many things you can do as a Manager supporting your team member/s to return to work after maternity leave. Here are some ones to get you started and reflect the conversations I’ve had with clients on they wish they had been supported, or what they didn’t know like how to organise KiT days…
Right now I’m working with a company to coach all of their returners and at the end of next year, I will have supported 10 of their women to return. If you’re a HR Manager or you’d like to find out more then send me a DM.
I’d also love to hear, if you’re a Manager, what things do you do to support women back into work, or what do you wish your Manager had done…? Let’s chat in the comments ⬇️
Olivia x
What would you like your HR team to focus on in 2024 so that your company is a better place to work…? Sharing my views, and I’d love to hear yours too ⬇️
What would you like your HR team to focus on in 2024 so that your company is a better place to work…? Sharing my views, and I’d love to hear yours too ⬇️
Organisations are working hard to create more leadership diversity and implement better flexible work policies, yet, we are still a long way from every person, including women, no matter what stage they are at in their career being offered these opportunities. Nearly half of working adults have caring responsibilities outside of work with the majority falling to women*. And so we are calling out for organisations that truly offer flexible work – all too often I hear of organisations championing their policies but the employee experience does not reflect this policy or sentiment.
This week I’ve had three separate conversations with clients about flexible working and the same challenges keep coming up – scroll through carousel to read these.
I was however delighted to read this FT article with one of the women I’ve worked with (to help her regain her confidence at work) Megan Gray who has continued to advocate for alternative work models, especially for working mothers since having her daughter Lily and having her request to do set hours (eg 9am-5pm) was declined by a major law firm to meet her caring responsibilities.
Helping women to negotiate flexible working and supporting organisations to better understand how they can create policies that truly support the diversity of workforces is my jam.
To discuss the ways that I can help you including paid-for services: my business case template letter to your Manager and 1:1 session on managing objections that could come up so that your request is accepted, complete the form which is in the link in bio.
For enquiries about my corporate services, you can email me at oliviabath@thewomensvault.com or complete the form in the link in my bio.
Olivia
* Source – Ipsos Report 2021: 44% per cent of working adults, have caring responsibilities and women found they do more even when they are the joint carer.
Organisations are working hard to create more leadership diversity and implement better flexible work policies, yet, we are still a long way from every person, including women, no matter what stage they are at in their career being offered these opportunities. Nearly half of working adults have caring responsibilities outside of work with the majority falling to women*. And so we are calling out for organisations that truly offer flexible work – all too often I hear of organisations championing their policies but the employee experience does not reflect this policy or sentiment.
This week I’ve had three separate conversations with clients about flexible working and the same challenges keep coming up – scroll through carousel to read these.
I was however delighted to read this FT article with one of the women I’ve worked with (to help her regain her confidence at work) Megan Gray who has continued to advocate for alternative work models, especially for working mothers since having her daughter Lily and having her request to do set hours (eg 9am-5pm) was declined by a major law firm to meet her caring responsibilities.
Helping women to negotiate flexible working and supporting organisations to better understand how they can create policies that truly support the diversity of workforces is my jam.
To discuss the ways that I can help you including paid-for services: my business case template letter to your Manager and 1:1 session on managing objections that could come up so that your request is accepted, complete the form which is in the link in bio.
For enquiries about my corporate services, you can email me at oliviabath@thewomensvault.com or complete the form in the link in my bio.
Olivia
* Source – Ipsos Report 2021: 44% per cent of working adults, have caring responsibilities and women found they do more even when they are the joint carer.
Anyone else had a day like I did last week? 👋
You’re rushing around, ready to deliver an important presentation to a bunch of Executives and you have Spag Bol for lunch…and you’re wearing white. I know the world feels a bit heavy right now and there’s a lot going on…This was a very normal moment in my week last week and I hope it resonates with you. Olivia x
Anyone else had a day like I did last week? 👋
You’re rushing around, ready to deliver an important presentation to a bunch of Executives and you have Spag Bol for lunch…and you’re wearing white. I know the world feels a bit heavy right now and there’s a lot going on…This was a very normal moment in my week last week and I hope it resonates with you. Olivia x
I’ve been doing a bit of reflecting on what I love to do, how to make a difference and have the greatest impact…
Here’s some of the ways I do that. I’ve got a some capacity in 2024 and was last night booked for a big project for Jan and Feb 2024 which I’m so excited about!
Please send me a DM or email if you’d like to organise a time to chat about how I can help you or your business.
Olivia x
I’ve been doing a bit of reflecting on what I love to do, how to make a difference and have the greatest impact…
Here’s some of the ways I do that. I’ve got a some capacity in 2024 and was last night booked for a big project for Jan and Feb 2024 which I’m so excited about!
Please send me a DM or email if you’d like to organise a time to chat about how I can help you or your business.
Olivia x
I recently did a speech on Imposter Syndrome to a company and I was struck by how many women and men shared the situations where they don’t feel confident. When they didn’t believe in themselves.
So my message for your today is…you are stronger and more capable than you dare yourself to believe. So keep going! Keep trying! Don’t give up. I believe in you.
I’m taking bookings for 2024 for coaching and my Imposter Syndrome talks and Manager workshop. To find out more, DM me.
Olivia x
I recently did a speech on Imposter Syndrome to a company and I was struck by how many women and men shared the situations where they don’t feel confident. When they didn’t believe in themselves.
So my message for your today is…you are stronger and more capable than you dare yourself to believe. So keep going! Keep trying! Don’t give up. I believe in you.
I’m taking bookings for 2024 for coaching and my Imposter Syndrome talks and Manager workshop. To find out more, DM me.
Olivia x
Happy 5th Birthday to my darling boy who made me a Mummy. I couldn’t have imagined how much fun (or exhausting) it would be 💕
Happy 5th Birthday to my darling boy who made me a Mummy. I couldn’t have imagined how much fun (or exhausting) it would be 💕
Are any nodding at any of these?
If you are being overlooked at work, very likely you need to work on boosting your own visibility.
Never fear of coming across arrogant or too big for your boots. Learn to articulate your strengths and share the work you do. Loudly.
The Working Mum`s toolkit is full of confidence boosting, imposter busting, boundary setting tools – and it`s only £37. Download your kit today.
Olivia
#workfromhomemum #workfromhomeonline #workfromwhereever #PersonalBrandingTips #PersonalBrandingExpert #PersonalBranding101 #LifeOfAWorkingMum #MumInBusiness #WorkingMumLife #UKMums #MumsBossUK #HerBusiness #MotherhoodGoals #UKMumSquad #MoreThanAMum
Are any nodding at any of these?
If you are being overlooked at work, very likely you need to work on boosting your own visibility.
Never fear of coming across arrogant or too big for your boots. Learn to articulate your strengths and share the work you do. Loudly.
The Working Mum`s toolkit is full of confidence boosting, imposter busting, boundary setting tools – and it`s only £37. Download your kit today.
Olivia
#workfromhomemum #workfromhomeonline #workfromwhereever #PersonalBrandingTips #PersonalBrandingExpert #PersonalBranding101 #LifeOfAWorkingMum #MumInBusiness #WorkingMumLife #UKMums #MumsBossUK #HerBusiness #MotherhoodGoals #UKMumSquad #MoreThanAMum
