Meet Sarah, a 34-year-old woman who took a break from work to parent her child after undergoing IVF treatment. After four years of being a full-time parent, Sarah is now returning to work and navigating the challenges of balancing work and motherhood. In this interview, Sarah shares her experience of IVF, motherhood, and returning to work.
Interviewer: Can you tell us about your IVF journey and how it impacted your decision to take a break from work?
Sarah: My husband and I struggled with fertility issues for a few years before deciding to undergo IVF treatment. It was a tough journey, emotionally and physically, but we were lucky to have a successful pregnancy. After giving birth, I decided to take a break from work to focus on being a parent.
Interviewer: How did you feel about returning to work after four years of being a full-time parent?
Sarah: I was both nervous and excited. On one hand, I missed working and having a career, but on the other hand, I was worried about balancing work and motherhood. I didn't want to miss out on any milestones with my child, but I also didn't want to lose touch with my career.
Interviewer: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when returning to work?
Sarah: One of the biggest challenges was adjusting to a new routine. As a full-time parent, my days revolved around my child's schedule, but now I had to fit work into the mix. It was also challenging to juggle work responsibilities and parenting, especially when my child was sick or had school events.
Interviewer: How did you overcome those challenges?
Sarah: I had to learn to be flexible and prioritise my time. I also had to learn to ask for help, whether it was from my husband, family, or friends. I also made sure to take care of myself, whether it was getting enough sleep, exercise, or taking breaks when needed.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to other women who are returning to work after having a child?
Sarah: My advice would be to take it one day at a time and be kind to yourself. It's not easy balancing work and motherhood, and there will be good days and bad days. But if you prioritise your time and take care of yourself, you can find a balance that works for you.
Interviewer: How do you balance self-care with work and motherhood?
Sarah: It's definitely a work in progress, but I make sure to prioritise self-care in my schedule. Whether it's a yoga class, a walk outside, or a night out with friends, I try to make time for activities that bring me joy and help me recharge.
Interviewer: Do you feel that having gone through IVF and being a new mother has impacted your career aspirations or goals in any way?
Sarah: Yes, I think it has. Going through IVF and becoming a mother has shifted my priorities and given me a new perspective on life. While my career is important to me, my family will always come first. I think it's important to find a balance between work and family, and to make sure that your career aligns with your values and priorities.
Interviewer: How did you manage to balance your work and parenting duties as a new mother?
Sarah: It was definitely challenging in the beginning, but I had a lot of support from my husband and family. I also made sure to communicate with my employer about my needs as a new mother and we worked together to come up with a flexible schedule that allowed me to take care of my baby while also fulfilling my work responsibilities.
Interviewer: Did you experience any guilt or anxiety leaving your baby at home and returning to work?
Sarah: Absolutely, I think it's common for new mothers to feel this way. But I also knew that returning to work was important for my mental health and personal fulfillment, as well as for providing for my family. So, while it was difficult to leave my baby, I found comfort in knowing that I was doing what was best for everyone.
Interviewer: What challenges did you face upon returning to work after four years off work?
Sarah: It was definitely an adjustment getting back into the swing of things, especially since my industry had undergone some significant changes during my time away. I also had to get used to being in an office environment again after being out of it for so long. But I was determined to succeed and worked hard to get up to speed as quickly as possible.
Interviewer: Did you face any discrimination or judgment as a working mother?
Sarah: I wouldn't say I faced discrimination per se, but there were definitely some people who didn't understand my situation or made assumptions about my abilities or commitment to my job as a mother. But I didn't let that affect me and instead used it as motivation to prove them wrong.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to other new mothers returning to work?
Sarah: I would say to give yourself some grace and not expect everything to go perfectly from the start. It's okay to ask for help and take time to adjust to your new routine. It's also important to communicate with your employer about your needs as a working mother and work together to come up with a plan that works for everyone.
Interviewer: How has motherhood changed your perspective on your career and life goals?
Sarah: Motherhood has definitely given me a new perspective and sense of purpose. It's made me more focused on the things that really matter in life and motivated me to work harder to provide for my family. At the same time, it's also made me realize the importance of self-care and not sacrificing my own well-being for the sake of my job.
Interviewer: What do you think employers can do to better support new mothers returning to work?
Sarah: I think offering flexible work arrangements and understanding that each mother's situation is unique and requires individual attention is key. Employers should also make it clear that motherhood is not a hindrance to a woman's career advancement and provide opportunities for professional growth and development.
Interviewer: What are your future career aspirations?
Sarah: I'm definitely looking forward to growing and advancing in my current role, but I'm also open to exploring new opportunities and challenges as they come. Ultimately, my goal is to continue to learn and develop my skills and contribute to my industry in a meaningful way while also being present for my family.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your story with us, Sarah. Your experience and insight will undoubtedly inspire and empower many other working mothers out there.
Sarah: Thank you for having me. It's been a pleasure.