Last week heralded a new era in the Yummy London Mummy household.
I've been working as a freelance PR consultant for a while, mainly on a part-time basis, sometimes full-time, but always with an end date in sight and often from home. While I've enjoyed the flexibility and autonomy of freelance work, I've also missed many of the things that come with working for a company.
I've always known that when I went back into full-time permanent work it had to be with the right PR agency. And by that I don't mean the biggest international most-soul-sucking spin machine I could find, I mean a company that works to a similar ethos to mine; no-bullshit PR delivered with passion, intelligence and a sense of humour. So I was quite happy to wait, thinking that if it took me six months to find the right role in the right company it wouldn't be much of an issue.
As it turned out, the job hunt picked up speed as soon as I started putting myself out there. The first company I interviewed with asked me back for a second interview but I declined - it didn't feel like a good fit, too staid, too stale. The second company I interviewed with, a start-up with great credentials, offered me a job a couple of days afterwards - I was tempted. The third company impressed the hell out of me, brought in the MD for a second on-the-spot interview, and flattered the hell out of me when they offered me the job thirty minutes after I left their offices. I accepted.
Alpha Male tells me I was unbearable to be around for a couple of weeks, such was the impact on my ego.
And so on Wednesday morning, feeling only vaguely queasy, I offered Firstborn and the Small(er) One bribes if they held back on their plans to torture the nanny, kissed them goodbye and caught the train into Central London. And from that moment, an almost imperceptible but incredibly important shift occured. I became 'me' again.
I would love to hear some of your opinions about work and how you feel about it pre- and post-children. Personally, I am of the opinion that the skills you develop managing a chaotic household of rug-rats prepares you for all but the most complicated workplace challenges. I will expand on this soon.
I've been working as a freelance PR consultant for a while, mainly on a part-time basis, sometimes full-time, but always with an end date in sight and often from home. While I've enjoyed the flexibility and autonomy of freelance work, I've also missed many of the things that come with working for a company.
I've always known that when I went back into full-time permanent work it had to be with the right PR agency. And by that I don't mean the biggest international most-soul-sucking spin machine I could find, I mean a company that works to a similar ethos to mine; no-bullshit PR delivered with passion, intelligence and a sense of humour. So I was quite happy to wait, thinking that if it took me six months to find the right role in the right company it wouldn't be much of an issue.
As it turned out, the job hunt picked up speed as soon as I started putting myself out there. The first company I interviewed with asked me back for a second interview but I declined - it didn't feel like a good fit, too staid, too stale. The second company I interviewed with, a start-up with great credentials, offered me a job a couple of days afterwards - I was tempted. The third company impressed the hell out of me, brought in the MD for a second on-the-spot interview, and flattered the hell out of me when they offered me the job thirty minutes after I left their offices. I accepted.
Alpha Male tells me I was unbearable to be around for a couple of weeks, such was the impact on my ego.
And so on Wednesday morning, feeling only vaguely queasy, I offered Firstborn and the Small(er) One bribes if they held back on their plans to torture the nanny, kissed them goodbye and caught the train into Central London. And from that moment, an almost imperceptible but incredibly important shift occured. I became 'me' again.
I would love to hear some of your opinions about work and how you feel about it pre- and post-children. Personally, I am of the opinion that the skills you develop managing a chaotic household of rug-rats prepares you for all but the most complicated workplace challenges. I will expand on this soon.
Comments
Although I still freelance -- there are the days when I grab the subway off to an interview, off to a place where I am myself again.
I love it.
Still, an office place for me is a difficult choice. It's not one I ever loved even before the rabbit.
But being around my colleagues -- even via email -- around the people who I collaberate with, who value me for my work, ideas, --- wonderful.
As for the personal benefits of being in gainful employment, Manhattan Mama says it well in the comment above...
It's never easy, but for some of us it's the only real option. The biggest thing, in my humble experience, is to have kindred spirits to share the road.
mommygoth - Totally. We can't all Mommy saints, and I think that she is a media creation anyway. Most of the full-time mothers I know are harrassed, bored and desperate for adult interaction. Don't feel guilty - one day you will be an inspiration for your daughter.
But honestly, I think it's different for every woman. I think that's what feminism really should be about- respecting a woman's choice, no matter whether she decides to stay home with her children or go back to work. I'm just glad you have a nanny who can give all of her focus to your kids.
And I often wonder if I wouldn't miss working more if I weren't able to still do at least some freelance from home.
I just know what's right for me.
I'm an adrenaline junkie and whenever I've tried to take lower profile roles I'm bored to tears and making mischief in no time.
How about you? Are you in a consultancy now?
I personally love it but also find it really hard to be at home full time. I think if I could have a little bit of me back, it would be better. Like the ability to freelance or work part time or just do SOME something else would really help.
I admire those moms who can go back to work fairly easily; that would have been hard for me too. Likewise the moms who love it at home; I'm really not there either. Huh! No answers from here.
That said, after the arrival of the New Recruit barely four weeks ago, and 14 weeks left of my maternity leave, the thought of going back to work and putting our newest family member into care is breaking my heart big time.