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
Warehouse Team Leader
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £26,000 - £28,000 per annum
Location: Earls Colne
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913690
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a well-established and successful business in Earls Colne to recruit a Warehouse Team Leader to join their long-standing team.

You will have previous warehouse experience or proven experience with a leadership position in a similar role.

Duties include:

  • Supervise employees as they undertake their activities related to order fulfilment
  • Ensure orders are fulfilled in a timely and effective manner
  • Be the first port of contact for employees, escalating problems to the management team when necessary
  • Ensure employees adhere to Health & Safety regulations and relevant laws
  • Monitor employee performance, monitoring their progress towards goals set
  • Monitor the warehouse housekeeping, ensuring a clean and safe work area is maintained
  • Picking accurately from locations and notifying the front-line manager of any shortages
  • Packing customer orders
  • Supervision of container loading and unloading

Ideal role requirements include:

  • Hold a valid Forklift Licence
  • Have good communication skills
  • Have proven leadership and employee management skills
  • Have knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS)

 

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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New job
Shift Production Operator
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Witham, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913691
About the role

Just Recruitment seeks a responsible and proactive Shift Production Operator for a manufacturer, based in Witham, Essex.

This is a shift-based role across seven days, involving:

  • Operating food manufacturing machinery
  • Updating paper records and entering data into IT systems
  • Performing cleaning duties to maintain hygiene standards
  • Working independently for the majority of the shift

Role responsibilities will include:

  • Operating filling equipment, a cooler and a product storage plant
  • Liaison with staff to determine availability of raw materials
  • Movement of product to the final store
  • Sampling of the product
  • General cleanliness of production areas, conveying equipment, coolers, etc.
  • Record keeping in line with quality procedures

Experience in production line operation in the food and beverage sector and knowledge of HACCP would be advantageous.

This role offers excellent company benefits, a competitive salary and shift allowance.

 

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
New job
Weighbridge Operator
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £33,042 per annum
Location: Witham, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913692
About the role

Just Recruitment seeks a Weighbridge Operator for a manufacturer based in Witham, Essex.

This role has a rotating day shift pattern - Monday to Friday, 6.00am to 2.30pm and 9.30am to 6.00pm.

Please note that during busy periods this role will also support production areas of the business that will cover working lates, earlies and weekends. (Shift allowance and full training will be provided.)

Duties will include:

  • Checking certificates of analysis
  • Completing bulk vehicle and container inspection reports
  • Ensure that samples are collected and delivered to the laboratory
  • Liaise with hauliers to ensure the efficient operation of the weighbridge
  • Weigh in and out of bulk lorries and containers
  • Use of computerised systems to include stock transfers, production orders
  • Completing all associated paperwork accurately and clearly

This role offers excellent company benefits.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
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
New job
Warehouse Assistant
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: Competitive
Location: Haverhill
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913686
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation, based in Haverhill, looking to recruit a Warehouse Assistant to their growing team.

The key purpose of this role is to support the wider warehouse team with all of the day-to-day warehouse duties, including picking, packing, forklift duties and handballing.

Requirements for this role:

  • Able to carry out all general warehouse duties while maintaining a clean and safe environment.
  • Physically fit and active – the role is 80% manual handling (handballing), including:
  • Picking and packing
  • Loading and unloading
  • A team player with a flexible attitude to support smooth operations and help meet daily targets.

The working hours for this role are from 10am to 7pm, Monday to Friday with lots of overtime on offer if wanted.

To be considered for this role, you must have a valid forklift licence, and in-house licences can be considered.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business that is offering further development.

 

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