The ‘F’ Word October 14, 2009

The ‘F’ word being ‘flexibility’ rather than fornication or floozy or F*%$. Come now ladies this is not that kind of site, there are other places for that. I’m 998 words into the book and I’ve begun by discussing how to put the case of flexible working to your existing or would-be-boss. I’m fortunate in that I work for myself and have done since 2004, two years before my first child, and so get to juggle my workload pretty much as I see fit (it has its downsides, particularly when too many good opportunities come along at once and things go a bit Pete Tong crazy mental on the domestic front for a few days. I just have to rememember to think “frozen ready meals” and “mess doesn’t matter” – two very effective coping strategies).

Most back-to-work-mothers do not have the luxury of organising themselves and their workload how they see fit, even though I’m sure organisations would get so much more from their workers, experience less absenteeism and a whole plethora of other benefits if they could. It just makes sense doesn’t it? Trusting people to do a good job makes sense and I’ve only ever experienced trust leading to go outcomes in the longrun. I know there are good tales of flexible working out there and one that comes to mind is the lady who worked for a bank (non-financey role) full time with two kids (baby girl and nursery-school age boy) and worked one day from home. She was contactable by phone, did conference calls during her daughter’s lunchtime nap and did most of her ‘work’ in the evening 6-11pm. This worked brilliantly for her as she couldn’t afford 5 days childcare for two children and everyone back in the office was cool with it too.

What are your positive stories of flexible working? How did you pitch it to your boss? How do you make it work? What’s your advice to other women?

What should be in Mothers Work? October 11, 2009

What’s on your mind about going back to work? What concerns are spinning round your head? How to approach your boss about flexible working? How to get hubbie involved in domestic affairs? What’s the best childcare option for your child(ren)?

Join the women who’ve already said what they’d want to read in my book by leaving a comment here or mailing me offline at mums@beyoubutbetter.co.uk

Introducing Mothers Work October 11, 2009

Hi there, welcome to Mothers Work. How are you? I’m well, bit tired (awake in the night seeing to three year old wanting a wee) and to be honest a bit bored of the weekend now. Time was we could slink off to the cinema this time on a Sunday afternoon or get lost in one of our many ‘projects.’ Not since we had children. Love them to bits – bit odd if I didn’t really – but have been itching to crack on with my Mothers Work project. Why is it kids never fall alseep in the back of the car when you want them to?

Anyway, anyway, enough of my wistful thinking, we could talk about wonderful pre-child memories all day!  Let me tell you about Mothers Work. Instead of having a third child (honestly, the first thing I said after delivering Artemis was “I don’t have to do it again, do I?” and now look at me) I’ve decided to write a book. Similar challenge in many ways: have been thinking about doing it for ages, was waiting for the right time ’til realised there’s no such thing, started with too much wine, nine months ’til completion, will get harder towards the end, not sure what’s happening in the beginning, will swear I’ll never do it again (then probably will), need support from others (good job I have pals Karen, Allison, Grace, Caroline and Mindy in my team) and hope I meet lots of fab people in the process.

So here’s the goal. A practical, sometimes witty, always supportive book to help mothers have the smoothest journey back to work after having children. I’ve got Wednesday 30th June 2010 marked in my diary as manuscript completion date and am already dreaming about what colour helium balloons to have at the launch party. Get me! Well you’ve got to make the goal vivid haven’t you? Make it motivating, exciting, worth the struggle and all that. All I need now is 70-80,000 words minus the 998 I’ve already written and we’re there. Obviously to make this a book you want to read I’m looking for a plethora of case studies, stories, tips and advice from women that know. I am but one and I think this needs many. Will you be part of it?

I’ll be posting regularly on issues relevant to work-outside-the-home mothers and women thinking about going back to work so please swing by for those. It’ll be great if you feel inspired to leave a comment or share your experiences on the subject. Remember, I NEED YOU. I’ll let you know how the writing is going too.

This is me then.