I doubled my salary after returning full-time after children, AMA

[Careeringaftermumming]

I over doubled my salary in a year, after only 1 year back to full time work after kids.

See so many questions around salary and career changing so thought I’d love to offer some advice based on what worked for me! AMA!

How? I’m genuinely interested
could do with a cash injection myself!

I did the same. As a single mum with a disability. It took me a couple of years mind but then I didn't work full time

I took a bit of a risk and moved roles after only 12m tenure at my last one. Remote, but US company means salaries are quite generous. I then got a pay rise after the 10-11 month mark!

I only started working in this industry post kids, around 4 years ago. Self employed part time to begin with and then got into an actual London based company despite relatively low experience by sheer tenacity (private messaging the CEO on LinkedIn! lol) and then yeah a year there led me to where I am currently.

That’s amazing, well done! It’s definitely possible 🥰

Well done to you!

Can I ask what industry? Is there any flexibility?

I’m struggling to balance kids and a career with very long, inflexible hours and no WFH option.

Thank you.

I’m a marketer, in fintech, which pays significantly higher than more consumer facing industries such as beauty etc.

Yes total flexibility. I WFH and have a few calls a week that I need to join but otherwise no core hours, I can work when I want as long as my job is done. I do need to travel 2-3x a year, mostly to the US. Luckily my husband is self employed and able to accommodate this around the kids etc.

A lot of it felt like the sheer good fortune of being in the right place at the right time to be honest.

Although I did also do a lot of long hours when the children were in bed

I think there’s an element of that, mixed with decisions/work etc.

I feel very fortunate to be where I am after a rocky few years for sure.

How much was your salary (and hours) and what is it now?

Doubled your salary from £12k to £24k or from £50k to £100k or ?

I did the same. Interviewed for a promotion on mat leave. Offered the job so when my mat leave finished, returned to new job and double the salary. Also double the stress and responsibility.....I didn't think that part through 🤣

£45k - full time with occasional London travel to the office.

Now - £97k plus extra benefits and 30% annual bonus. Technically full time but I can do my job in around 4 hours per day, remotely.

I’ve answered this is the reply above 😊

Well done!

I’m hearing a lot about fintech - do you need to be financial or techy or is it your marketing skills that have taken you there?

I’m a marketer, definitely not tech or finance! I fell into the industry really. It’s very evolving and honestly a good marketing (or other departments) background and just a ‘hobby’ or interest in finance / tech can get you in certain places. It’s an emerging industry so there’s not that much ‘niche’ talent if that makes sense. Similar to AI!

Are they hiring? 😂

I’m a doctor so I’m not sure I have the transferable skills, but it sounds like you’ve done a great job.

Haha!

Ah a doctor is a great job though. You’re doing good and probably much more stable.

Trouble with emerging industries is they do tend to be quite high risk!

It’s definitely a great job. I’ve always loved it. But it’s almost impossible if you’re married to another doctor and you have young children, sadly.

Yes I can imagine. A good friend of mine is a surgeon, luckily her husband and parents can flex more and sort out the children as her job is so demanding!

US companies tend to have much longer and more difficult interview processes than in many other countries. How was yours?

First with the hiring manager (C level), then again with another member of the C suite, then I can’t remember the order but a ‘paid trial’ (I got paid to do research, provide what marketing strategy I would take etc) that I had to present to a large panel. Also a team meeting, with the other marketing team members. I can’t remember if the presentation or team meet was first.

So 4 stages overall.