Navigating Challenges and Finding Balance

Returning to work after maternity or paternity leave is a significant transition that often coincides with another milestone—your child starting childcare. For us, this meant my son's settling-in period aligned perfectly with my first week back at work. Each child reacts differently, but my son struggled. He cried and clung to me daily for a full month. It was emotionally draining, and the separation anxiety weighed heavily on me.

One morning, my husband dropped him off instead. Later, I received a text: "He didn’t cry today." The sense of relief was overwhelming. The tension and anxiety I carried with me every morning began to lift. Even though his childcare team regularly sent photos of him smiling, enjoying nursery rhymes, and chasing bubbles, the reality of those tearful drop-offs was hard to reconcile. Over time, as I saw how happy he was, and how much he was developing with his peers and teachers, I began to feel more confident that this was the right environment for him.

This realization allowed me to refocus on myself and the adjustments I needed to make. Here are the steps that helped me regain my footing during this transition:

1. Leveraging Support: Back-to-Work Coaching

I was fortunate to have access to a back-to-work coaching program through my company. After reviewing several profiles, I trusted my gut and chose the first coach I came across—and I couldn’t have made a better decision.

My coach was empathetic, experienced, and inspiring—a perfect match. Finding the right coach or therapist can feel like matchmaking, but when it works, the impact is profound. Her guidance and encouragement helped me build confidence and develop strategies for balancing my personal and professional priorities. Although our formal coaching sessions ended, we remain in touch, and I am so grateful for her influence during this pivotal time.

2. Setting and Protecting Boundaries

Establishing firm boundaries has been critical for my well-being. One non-negotiable for me is being present for my children’s bedtime routine. Reading stories with my son is his favorite part of the day, and it’s mine too. While there’s flexibility for occasional work commitments or evenings out, I prioritize being there 99% of the time. This balance ensures I’m creating cherished memories and living without regret.

3. Realigning Career Ambitions

Returning to work doesn’t mean putting aside your professional aspirations. For me, it was essential to revisit my career goals and align them with my current priorities. Thankfully, I have a supportive management team, and with a new manager—someone I already knew from our team—we quickly got to work on mapping out areas for my growth.

While some may find their ambitions shift after parental leave, I’ve taken time to reflect and realised my goals remain the same. This clarity has reinvigorated my drive to pursue them, with a renewed understanding of how to balance my career with family life.

4. Building a Support Network

Having a strong support network is invaluable. Over the years, I’ve developed friendships with colleagues from past roles who continue to be trusted allies. Additionally, LinkedIn has been an unexpected source of connection, introducing me to wonderful people who’ve become friends and mentors. These relationships contribute to both professional success and personal happiness.

Transitioning back to work after parental leave is undeniably challenging, but with the right support, clear priorities, and a commitment to balance, it can also be a deeply fulfilling experience. I hope sharing my journey helps others feel less alone and encourages you to take steps that work best for you.

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