Embracing Change for New Parents Returning to Work

Returning to work after welcoming a child into your life is a significant transition which can be filled with a mix of emotions, challenges, and opportunities. As a new parent, you're not just going back to your job; you're navigating a completely new life balance.

This blog post explores the journey of returning to work and introduces a powerful coaching tool, the Change Compass, to help you navigate this transition with confidence and positivity.

Anticipation and Preparation

The anticipation of returning to work often begins long before your actual return date. You might find yourself wondering how you'll manage your new responsibilities at home alongside your professional duties. This period of anticipation is an excellent time for preparation.

Start by having open conversations with your partner, if applicable, about how you'll share responsibilities. Reach out to your employer to discuss your return-to-work plan, including any flexible arrangements that might be available. Begin establishing a routine at home that can accommodate your work schedule, and consider doing trial runs of your new morning routine.

Remember, preparation isn't just about logistics; it's also about mental and emotional readiness. Take time to reflect on your career goals and how they align with your new role as a parent.

Intense Emotions

As your return to work approaches, you may experience a whirlwind of emotions. It's common to feel excitement about reconnecting with colleagues and regaining a sense of professional identity. At the same time, you might feel anxiety about leaving your child, guilt about enjoying work, or fear about managing it all.

These conflicting emotions are entirely normal. Acknowledge them without judgment. Remember that having a career and being a devoted parent are not mutually exclusive. 

Potential Challenges 

Returning to work as a new parent comes with its unique set of challenges. Here are some common ones:

1. Time Management: Balancing the demands of work and home can feel overwhelming. You may struggle to find time for everything, including self-care.

2. Sleep Deprivation: Nights might still be unpredictable, affecting your energy levels at work and home. 

3. Shifting Priorities: Your perspective on work may change, requiring a reassessment of your goals and boundaries.

4. Overwhelm and decision making: With a full schedule, strong emotions and new responsibilities, you may feel overwhelmed, leaving you with less capacity to make decisions. 

5. Childcare Concerns: Trusting others with your child's care can be emotionally difficult and logistically complex.

6. Keeping Up with Changes: You and your workplace will have changed since the beginning of your leave, requiring a period of adjustment.  

The Change Compass

To help navigate these challenges and embrace the changes in your life, consider using the Change Compass coaching activity, which I regularly use with my clients. 

The Change Compass is a visual tool that helps you map out the changes you're experiencing across four key areas of your life: Work Life (North), Home Life (South), Personal Growth (East), and Relationships (West). Here's how you can use it:

1. Mapping Changes: Start by identifying the changes you're experiencing or anticipating in each area. For instance, in Work Life, you might note "adjusted work hours" or "new project responsibilities."

2. Exploring Emotions: For each change, identify the emotions associated with it. This step helps you acknowledge and understand your feelings about the transition. If you struggle with this, use an emotions wheel, you’ll find lots of options if you google. 

3. Shifting Perspectives: Look at each change from different angles. How might returning to work positively impact your child's life? What opportunities for personal growth does it present?

4. Identifying Support: Brainstorm the resources and support systems available to you in each area. This could include supportive colleagues, family members or friends willing to help with childcare, or employee assistance or coaching programs.

5. Setting Goals: Based on your reflections, set concrete goals for adapting to these changes. For example, "I will schedule weekly check-ins with my manager for the first month to ensure a smooth transition."

6. Creating an Action Plan: Develop specific steps to achieve each goal, anticipating potential obstacles and how to overcome them.

By going through this process, you create a comprehensive view of your transition back to work. It allows you to approach changes proactively, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and positive change.

Embracing the Journey

Returning to work as a new parent is a journey of growth, adaptation, and discovery. It's about finding a new normal that works for you and your family. Remember that this transition takes time, and it's okay to adjust your approach as you go.

Be kind to yourself throughout this process. Celebrate small victories, whether it's successfully getting everyone out the door on time, completing a work project or finding that all important time for yourself.

My colleague Sarah Turner and I have been busy creating content highlighting the importance of organisations providing support for working parents. As part of this, we created this video series exploring the entire journey of maternity leave, from before the leave starts, through to preparing to return and then the first few months back at work. If you or your organisation would like to understand more about how to support your employees as they take parental leave, please get in touch.  

This blog post is a collaboration between Maternity Coaches Laura Duggal and Sarah Turner. They are working together, sharing their experiences and bringing the best of their joint advice and knowledge to you.