Back to work after a pretty short maternity leave

I can’t believe how fast the past five months flee but yes, just like that I’m back to work. In fact, I’ve been back to work since the start October. I work in a really forward thinking, collaborative, young company and as such, so much has happened whilst I’ve been on maternity leave that it feels like at least a year has gone by.

I did use up quite a few keep in touch days so I wasn’t completely out of the loop, but still, it feels like I’ve stepped into a brand new job but with the same people. Strange yet conforringly familiar all at the same time.

I always knew I was going to go back to work, that I wouldn’t quit and become a stay at home mum. It’s not what I’ve ever wanted, nor something we could afford to do. That being said, I do wish we’d have been on a better financial position so I could have stayed a few more months at home. Because the first few months are just a blur aren’t they? I feel it’s only in the last two months that we’d created enough of a rhythm to feel like things were accomplished daily.

Trying to hide how excited I was to be back in the office..

It’s lovely being back at work though. I enjoy the commute. I enjoy the alone time walking from the train station to work with only Spotify for company. I enjoy adult conversation and being able to drink an entire cup if tea whilst it’s still hot. I enjoy my work. I’m so happy I’m able to say that I actually like what I do and being away from it has given me time to come up with ideas that will hopefully benefit everyone. Exciting times.

I have a great team in a brilliant company. The founder actually came round when Bob was newborn, as in less than a couple of days old, and chilled for an afternoon along with my parents and brother. How many people can say that about their companies? It was so heartwarming and really touched me to my heart. Want to make someone a loyal, long term employee? Turn up at their door and hug their newborn. Be the kind of boss who you feel comfortable sharing the fact you can’t sit down because it’s too painful. The kind of business founder who will bring it up during a company get together and make you burst out laughing as half the staff squirm in their seats at the thought of your sore vagina!

Colour /pattern clashes on the commute

I admit, I had big hopes for the blog during maternity leave. My dream was to blog regularly. To produce loads of cutting edge, meaningful content that everyone would love. To suddenly ‘get noticed’ and be offered paid opportunities to supplement my income. Who knows, maybe become Insta-famous too, because why not.

The reality of what went on is very different. I don’t know how other people do it but looking after a newborn saw me go days without even opening my laptop let alone blog. There are some posts I’m really proud of though including the one I wrote on life lessons. It came to me during a night feed and I just went with it.

So I’m back to work. The same old Tinuke. Though maybe a more confident, serene Tinuke. Not Insta-famous or a few stone lighter as I’d hoped but feeling seriously happy nonetheless.

weaning baby bob during a shared lunch working from home

I hate jinxing things but I’m feeling so happy. Happy at work and home for once at the same time lol! I work for a very flexible, transparent company where everyone can see the difference they make. Where working from home isn’t met with an eye roll but fully encouraged and embraced. I can’t tell you how exciting the prospect of working from an Air BNB during half terms without having to take time off can be to a new mum of two! I’ve not booked anything yet but have my eyes on Easter… will keep you posted. But other companies take note, flexible working is brilliant and really should be the norm.