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
Forklift Driver - Counterbalance (10am - 8pm)
Sector: Transport, Logistics and Shipping
Location: Earls Colne
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC5
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a transport and logistics business in Earls Colne with the recruitment of a Forklift Driver, due to increased workload.

This is a permanent opportunity!

To be considered for this role, you must have a Counterbalance licence that is valid and up-to-date — previous experience operating these trucks is required.

This is a busy and varied role where you could be working in the yard, moving goods, stock checking, or loading and unloading trucks throughout the day.

This is a great company to be part of — offering further progression and development.

Hours: 10am to 8pm.

Overtime is also available (subject to business requirements).

Free parking is available on site, as well as further company benefits.

Please note that, due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

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

 

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New job
Forklift Driver - Bendi (8am - 6pm)
Sector: Transport, Logistics and Shipping
Location: Earls Colne, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC4
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a transport and logistics business in Earls Colne with the recruitment of a Forklift Driver, due to increased workload.

This is a permanent opportunity!

To be considered for this role, you must have a Bendi/Flexi licence that is valid and in date — previous experience operating these trucks is required.

This is a busy and varied role where you could be working in the yard, moving goods, stock checking, or loading and unloading trucks throughout the day.

This is a great company to be part of — offering further progression and development.

Hours: 8am to 6pm.

Overtime is also available (subject to business requirements).

Free parking is available on site, as well as further company benefits.

Please note that, due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

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
Counterbalance FLT Drivers
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £13.50 per hour
Location: Hadleigh, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JT-HAD-FD-0825
About the role

Just Temps seeks reliable and hardworking Counterbalance FLT Drivers for a hands-on role in a fast-paced environment, within a well-established food manufacturing company, based in Hadleigh, Suffolk.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Heavy lifting – regularly handling up to 50kg
  • Ripping and tipping of raw materials
  • Maintaining a clean and safe working environment
  • Working in a dusty environment with appropriate PPE
  • Supporting general production and manufacturing tasks

Role requirements include:

  • Comfortable with heavy lifting on a continuous basis
  • Previous experience in a factory setting is desirable
  • Good attention to detail and strong work ethic
  • Reliable and punctual

What’s on offer:

  • Competitive hourly rate
  • Consistent Monday to Friday hours
  • Long-term opportunity with a reputable local employer

If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into a vital role in the food production industry, we want to hear from you.

 

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.

 

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Secretary/Office Support Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Sudbury
Role: Part Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JRG0102015
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded and long-standing business based in Sudbury to recruit a Secretary/Office Support Administrator.

This role is available on a part-time basis for a minimum of 20 hours per week – those hours must include Wednesdays and Fridays.

Key duties include:

  • Supporting the Director with diary management, correspondence, minute-taking, audio typing of various documents and travel arrangements
  • Managing office admin, including filing
  • Answering the phone and handling queries in a confident and professional manner
  • Meeting and greeting visitors to the office in a friendly manner
  • Maintaining and updating the company database
  • Producing reports and other documents as required
  • Assisting other secretaries and receptionists as needed
  • Attending meetings and ensuring accurate documentation
  • Upholding company policies and contributing to a flexible, team-oriented environment

What you'll need to succeed:

  • Previous experience in an administration/secretary-based role
  • Audio typing experience
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Highly organised with the ability to manage your own time effectively, meeting any deadlines set
  • Computer literate with proficiency in Excel, Word and database packages
  • Ability to work well under pressure
  • High levels of accuracy with good attention to detail

This is an excellent opportunity to join a local business in an exciting period of growth. This role is being offered on a permanent, office-based basis.

 

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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