There's so much about being a working mother that no-one tells you: I was so overwhelmed when I returned to work, and really struggled to find advice.
It was only when talking to other parents that I realised I was far from alone, and the struggle is very real! (And this was a big part of the motivation behind The Women's Vault - I saw an opportunity to help women with the issues around career and motherhood that so many of us struggle with).
Here are five things I wish I'd known when I returned to work:
Keep reading for details on some special offers below.
The wheels can fall off after the initial honeymoon period
What I also see now (that I wish I knew then) was how the first month of returning to work can be good, but then the wheels start to come off after this point.
So many women don’t realise how tough it’s going to be: many months later they might be burnt out, exhausted and already wishing for another baby, so that they can “take a break” on maternity leave.
We return to work excited to have some sense of independence again - to be able to drink a hot cup of coffee uninterrupted, or see colleagues and share photos of your little one - which, of course, you relish.
I’m not telling you this to scare you, or make you feel anxious. I’m letting you know so that someone tells you - as both a trusted advisor and as another working parent - it’s what I wish someone had shared with me.
In my role as a coach, what I know now is that once the honeymoon period has worn off, as women we face some real challenges, typically in the following areas:
There are further challenges too.
These include: understanding your new identity as a working parent; the challenges of people pleasing, which more commonly affects women and can really become an issue as we become working parents; and carrying a heavier burden as the mother (which includes playing a much more dominant role in looking after our children when they are sick, through to taking them to doctor’s appointments to liaising with your childcare provider or nanny).
If you’ve already returned to work and you’re finding it challenging, there’s lots that can be done to help you, and you don’t need to grin and bear it.
This is why I offer a few different options to help professional new mums:
Topics include:
The Working Mums Toolkit is available now at the launch price of £37: sign up here now.
Or if you want the best results, take advantage of this limited time offer: Two mini coaching sessions with the Toolkit free!
For a limited time, you can purchase two mini coaching sessions for three monthly payments of £49 plus you get access to The Working Mum’s Toolkit for free. The coaching sessions are 30mins via Zoom and can be used at any time over the next six months: click here to sign up now
Once these sessions have been purchased and booked into my diary - these time slots are gone, and I only have a certain amount I can offer between my individual and corporate clients.
Hundreds of women have used the tips and tools in the programme, and it has been endorsed by Psychologist Suzy Reading.
Get in touch!
If you're not sure which option is right for you, but are ready to get my help, please do email me: oliviabath@thewomensvault.com or fill in the application form and I'll be in touch. You can also do a 30min consultation for £120 where we focus on solving 1-2 challenges and can book this directly into my calendar. This consultation is redeemable if you decide to go ahead with one of the coaching programmes.
Here’s some recent feedback from participants:
"New Mama here - I"m heading back to work next week. Thank you so much for the Toolkit, it's saved me so much anxiety. Can't wait to learn more!" - Petra
"I have used Olivia's services numerous times including negotiating flexible work before I went on maternity leave. I have since purchased and started The Working Mum's Toolkit. The tools and tips are invaluable. I highly recommend it." - Jen
"I love dipping in and out of the content, it's already helping me so much both at home and at work. It's like having your own work/life mentor on demand, with all of your challenges answered." - Sarah