As a working mum, balancing family life and your career in recruitment can sometimes be tricky. However, there are things you can do to help you make it work without having to sacrifice one or the other. Becoming a mother can also bring out some skills and experience that you can use to elevate your career in recruitment.

We spoke to some of the amazing mothers we have here at Niyaa about their experience as working moms in recruitment. 

Creating a flexible schedule that works.

As a working mum, you don’t have to sacrifice your career in recruitment. Instead, look for ways that you can create a flexible schedule that works for you and your family. Consider taking advantage of flexi time, if your employer offers it, or discuss work from home options a few times a week. Creating a flexible schedule can feel difficult and hard, and that's because it is, but it is possible to find success as a working mum while still managing everything else in life. You got this!

We spoke to our Learning and Development Manager, Sally, about how she juggles a working schedule alongside being a mum, and what it's taught her.

"I've recently started back at Niyaa after another maternity leave, and I've been absolutely loving it. I think the main thing that's helped me is dropping my days to 4, allowing me more time to get everything done.

There's never enough hours in the day, and although I have Thursdays off, it's never really 'a day off', it’s a day to go and do ‘my other job’ basically. Being a mom is essentially another job you have, alongside your 'career', at least that's how I view it, but it's definitely forced me to use skills I never knew I had.

Being able to organise your schedule, days, weeks and months in advance is a valuable skill. You'll come to know exactly what's going on and when, and everything will be meticulously planned out in advanced. You'll become the queen of organisation."

Finding your support systems.

Having a good support system is ideal for balancing the demands of being a working mum. Professionally, building relationships with colleagues and employers who understand your unique challenges means you'll get the emotional and practical support you need.

On the personal side, look for people — including friends, and family members  — who can help out with childcare or help you manage your home when you’re juggling work. If you're lucky enough to have a close support system around you, definitely use it, as not all parents are this lucky.

It's also so important to make sure you're looking after your own well being, and making time for things you enjoy. We spoke to our lovely Recruitment Consultant, Mae, about how she finds working in recruitment and being a mum.

"I think the biggest struggle for me is not knowing if you are making the right decision by letting them go to nursery, or their grandparents, instead of being with them - there’s always a bit of what we call 'mom guilt'. There's always that sinking feeling of disappointment when I'm a few minutes late home, and some days I feel distracted at work from just wondering what they're up to.

What I would say is that becoming a mum has given me all the motivation I need to push forward every single day. My daughter is my drive to get up, and work as hard as possible so I can achieve my goals.

Dealing with ‘mum guilt’ and advice to working mums in recruitment.

Many mothers, especially those balancing parenting and working, experience what is known as 'mom guilt'. This feeling of being inadequate or not doing enough can be devastating and often prevents mothers from enjoying all the wonderful moments of motherhood. 

“My advice would be to stop the mum guilt, because you’re only one person. You feel guilt that you’re not with your kids enough, but when you are, you’re feeling guilt that you’re not working hard enough or spending enough time at work. You need to remember that you can’t be everywhere all of the time.

Your best is enough, remember that. Also remember to enjoy a hot cuppa tea and the time in the car that you haven’t got children!'

So what's the take away?

What we're trying to say is that becoming a mom can give you an array of skills and emotions that could help you day to day at work. You come to realise how precious time is, so you manage and value your time better at work. Those maternal instincts can also help when it comes to training and mentoring in the workplace; you build stronger relationships and you really care about the people you train.

If you're a mum that's looking at a career in recruitment and you'd like a casual chat about how it could work for you, you can give Cheryl a call on 07940 401667.