This much I know: How to succeed as a working mum

How to succeed as a working mum

Just Recruitment Business Manager Bridie James knows a thing or two about the demands of parenthood and work. Here’s the mother-of-two’s inside track on the hardest balancing act of all.

There’s nothing to rival the feeling of returning to work after maternity leave. Even if you know your job inside out, you’re bound to feel a twinge of nervousness as you step back into the office.

Expect the office to feel different from when you left it before having your baby,...  

People come and go, and dynamics change. Expect the office to feel different from when you left it before having your baby, and you won’t be wrong-footed when you return.

You’ll slot in soon enough. And you’ll rapidly remember what you love about your career. I find mine to be stimulating and unpredictable, which is a great combination.

To succeed, you need to be hyper-organised. Each night, I devise a clear plan of what needs doing the next morning if we’re all to get out of the house in time for school, the childminder and work.

Routines are good. They make it easy for everyone in your household to know what to expect on any given day. I don’t think I could fit in everything that I do without having some pretty well-rehearsed routines in place.

Be prepared. I tend to log in to my work emails in the evening and catch up with admin and other tasks. That way, when I arrive in the office the next day, I can send vital emails to clients and candidates, and get on with the business of my job.

I thrive on pressure. At the moment, I’m responsible for our Witham branch. That gives me a clear focus, and means I can’t afford to get distracted. I find that clear sense of purpose really useful in keeping me motivated.

You need to make room for hobbies. As well as my job and my family, I like to run and participate in marathons. I find this time helps to clear my mind and is energising.

How to succeed as a working mumWorking parents should never be afraid to get hired help. There’s nothing that will compensate your kids for your time. So pay someone else to weed your garden or clean your house, and spend those hours catching up with a family.

If you’re earning the money, be sure to spend it on exciting things. We plan a regular trip out with the kids so that they get to enjoy the rewards of our efforts. That’s also a great way of giving them a good work ethic, because they get to experience the benefits of hard graft.

The first thing I tell myself in the morning is: “You have had seven hours’ sleep. Honest.” It’s all about mind over matter.

 

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Published: 25 October 2023
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2023

 

Jobs currently available

New job
Transport Coordinator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: £26,000 - £28,500 per annum
Location: Halstead
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913723
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a well-regarded business based in Halstead who are recruiting for a Transport Coordinator to add to their team.

You will be responsible for planning and coordinating the transportation of goods and materials from one location to another.

Key tasks include:

  • Answering incoming calls, giving product information, lead times, dealing with general enquiries and queries, redirecting calls to relevant departments.
  • Planning and coordinating the movement of goods between locations using various modes of transportation.
  • Communicating with customers, drivers, carriers, and other parties to ensure smooth and timely delivery of shipments.
  • Maintaining records and reports of transportation activities and transactions.
  • Scanning documentation.
  • Arranging couriers and/or carriers as required

Role key requirements include:

  • Strong communication, organisational, problem-solving, and multitasking skills.
  • Excellent computer skills.
  • Good eye for detail.
  • The ability to work well under pressure.
  • Courteous.

Preferred experience includes:

  • Previous Transport Coordinator experience gained within an office environment.
  • Customer Services experience would be desirable.
  • Excellent telephone manner with the ability to communicate at all levels.
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and experience with in-house systems.
  • Ability to multitask and prioritise own workload.

Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.
  • Friday 8.30am to 14.30pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Export Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: £28,000 - £34,000 per annum
Location: Halstead
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913722
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a well-regarded business based in Halstead with the recruitment of an Export Administrator to join their team.

You will be responsible for servicing current and prospective customers by receiving and processing orders, enquiries and general information in a timely and courteous manner.

Key tasks include:

  • Answering incoming calls, giving product information, lead times, dealing with general enquiries and queries, and redirecting calls to relevant departments.
  • Processing and managing export orders, shipments, and documentation in compliance with international regulations and procedures.
  • Providing excellent customer service and handling any queries or complaints related to export operations.
  • Maintaining accurate records and reports of export activities and transactions.

Key requirements include:

  • Excellent computer skills.
  • Good eye for detail.
  • The ability to work well under pressure.
  • Courteous.

Preferred experience includes:

  • Previous Export Administrative experience gained within an office environment.
  • Excellent telephone manner with the ability to communicate at all levels.
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and experience with in-house systems.
  • Ability to multitask and prioritise own workload.
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.

Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.
  • Friday, 8.30am to 2.30pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Bench Joiner
Sector: Property and Construction
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913700
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation, based on the outskirts of Colchester, to recruit a Bench Joiner to join their highly skilled and established team.

You will be working on a variety of bespoke projects — the key purpose of this role is to manage your day-to-day duties, including carpentry using hand and power tools, framing and finish carpentry. This is a team role, working collaboratively across the wider business, to create exceptional joinery pieces.

Key requirements for this role:

  • Own set of tools is a must!
  • Experience in a similar role
  • 3D/2D design experience
  • Joinery background
  • High level of attention to detail
  • Effective analytical skills
  • Systematic approach to tasks

Working hours for this role are Monday to Friday. 07.30 to 16.30.

Over time is available.

Free on-site parking is available, along with a great working environment, opportunities for career progression, and the chance to work with new, automated processes and equipment — full training provided.

This role offers a really competitive package.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Cleaner (part-time)
Sector: Customer Services
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Location: Ipswich
Role: Part Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JT-IPS-C-0725
About the role

Just Temps is supporting a company in Ipswich, seeking an experienced Cleaner to join their team on a temporary basis. This is a great opportunity for someone looking for short-term evening work.

Hours: 5.00pm to 9.00pm (Monday to Friday)

Role responsibilities include:

  • General office cleaning across multiple floors
  • Cleaning of toilets, canteen areas, and communal spaces
  • Lifting and transporting heavy cleaning equipment up and down stairs
  • Ensuring high standards of cleanliness are maintained throughout the building

Requirements:

  • Previous cleaning experience is essential
  • Capable of handling heavy equipment
  • Reliable and punctual with a strong work ethic
  • Comfortable working independently across various areas of the building

Benefits:

  • Competitive hourly rate
  • Evening hours – ideal for fitting around other commitments
  • Supportive team environment

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more