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Your job is probably the last thing on your mind after having a baby, but you’ll eventually need to start thinking about getting back to work. The average maternity leave lasts just ten weeks, and the United States is one of only two countries that doesn’t provide paid maternity leave.
Most women feel a wide range of emotions when they start working again, and it can be hard to determine when and how to end your leave. Beyond figuring out the basics, like what shapewear tank is appropriate for your first-day-back outfit and which work friends to tell that you’re returning, there are so many other important pieces to consider and that can make returning to work seem overwhelming.
Instead, try these ideas which will help you make a smoother transition back to work and manage both your personal and professional responsibilities.
Come Back Part-time
Working full-time can be incredibly difficult when you’re also taking care of a baby, so it’s best to start on a part-time schedule until you’re ready to take on your previous responsibilities.
Depending on your vacation and scheduling policies, you could also wait until after coming back to use some of your maternity leave. If you have ten weeks of leave, for example, save the last week or two and then give yourself added time off for your first few weeks at work.
Start Later in the Week
It will take some time to fully readjust to work, so avoid coming back on a Monday or Tuesday if possible. Instead, give yourself the chance to come back for one to three days before having another weekend to recharge.
You can also use this first weekend to evaluate how things went and make sure you’re ready. This tip is especially important if you need to start full-time immediately, as that transition is often very challenging.
Work from Home
Working from home is another way to ease yourself back into working, and more businesses allow their employees to work from home than ever before.
Your boss might be skeptical if you ask to work from home indefinitely, so set a timeline in advance and schedule a future meeting to discuss the situation. Since you won’t see your boss or coworkers at the office, make an extra effort to communicate while working from home.
Ask for Help
Being a working mother can be overwhelming, so don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for help. You can also connect to other working moms for support and tips on managing everything in your life.
Coming back to work after pregnancy is challenging and unpredictable, but you can make this transition easier on yourself by asking for help and letting your boss know what you need to succeed. Keep these tips in mind to succeed as a working mother and be your best self at home and at work.
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