No7 returning to work with confidence event feedback thread - non-attendees, tell us what makes you confident every day - win a No7 hamper NOW CLOSED

[AmeliaMumsnet]

This thread is for the 100 MNers and bloggers who attended the No7 returning to work with confidence event on Monday 27th March. Thanks so much for coming along, we hope you enjoyed it! The event was all about “returning to work with confidence” and was for those parents who had either recently gone back to work after a break for children or who are planning a return.

You can view our Facebook Live Stream here

Here’s what No7 had to say about the event:

"At No7 we believe that when a woman feels in control she has the confidence to go out and do anything and so we are delighted to have the opportunity to support MNers and bloggers who are returning to work. We know that beauty for many women is about more than looking pretty which is why we’d love to give MNers the chance to hear from some inspirational women on how they faced getting back in to the workplace as well as share some top tips from our No7 advisers on quick ways to get their make up just right - especially in those early days back at work when you're juggling a million things at once and getting into a new routine."

Attendees:
Below are a few feedback questions for you to answer - if you have any more comments, please feel free to add them to your response. Do share your story using #No7Ready. If you are a blogger, we'd love to see you post a link to your blog post on this thread.

Why did you want to attend the event? What’s your current working status?
What did you learn from the event?
What did you enjoy about it?
Did it inspire you/give you confidence? If yes, in what ways?

All those who share feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will win a £300 Boots voucher. We'd also love attendees to share their thoughts on social media using #No7Ready.

Non attendees:
To be in with a chance of winning a No7 hamper (worth £150), please tell us what makes you feel confident every day. This can be literally anything at all, even if it’s a very small thing such as your morning coffee to wake you up! Everyone who does so will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win the goodies!

Thanks, and good luck with the prize draws!

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

Non attendee.

I returned to higher education as a student nurse after 13 years as a sahm. My confidence comes from wearing 1950's style rockabilly clothing, When I get dressed in the morning I feel great and since I've immersed myself totally into the whole scene over five years ago my confidence has rocketed. I've met people from all walks of life who are united in a love for the music, dancing and fashions of the day and it has given me lots to talk about with people who are not into the scene. Before we got into the scene (DH got to enjoy the 80's rockabilly revival but alas I was a child) we had four kids under 11 and I was a worn out frumpy mum, now we have a shared interest which gives me an excuse to get dressed up to the nines most weekends.

Non attendee

I feel confident when am organised (so everything ready the night before) rather than being rushed and stressed out trying to leave the house.
Foundation that lasts well helps and clean hair!

Why did you want to attend the event? What’s your current working status?

I am considering looking for a job back in industry after working for myself while children were small, and hoped for some tips on coming back into the mainstream workforce.

What did you learn from the event?

TBH I'm not sure I learned any actual information I didn't already know - but in one respect it was very informative about the bullets I feel I dodged in not going back to work for an employer right after having my children!

What did you enjoy about it?

I did like that the No7 sponsorship was clear but not confused with the panel content. That was mature and reflected well on the organisers and sponsors alike. Snacks and drinks were yummy and very welcome - as was the goodie bag.
I did think that there should have been an arrangement for the makeover stations - there were plenty of them and not too many attendees but it would have been helpful to have a system so everyone who wanted one knew they would get one, rather than a slightly unseemly rush as the panel finished. I fear that this is a life lesson for me in itself, that's how you get stuff! But I would prefer to be in a more structured environment. And perhaps as well as or instead of makeovers, a variety of "Advice Stations"from experts in various fields, where you could book a slot for a conversation. It did feel a bit as tho No7 had the exclusive on sponsorship so all the added extras were about them. Not that I was complaining about them as a brand, I already wear their make up and like it a lot.

Did it inspire you/give you confidence? If yes, in what ways?

I think the confidence is only going to come from money being paid to me by someone who wants my skills. It's a bit of a Catch22. I was reminded by the event that I'm part of a pretty big demographic and that problems with childcare and worktime are very very widespread - it's good to know you're not the only one who isn't Superwoman and who struggles to Have It All - that mythical state of bliss!

Non-attendee
When I'm organised and not running late I feel much more confident.
I've made myself a stripped back 'getting ready' box with brush, deodorant, 1 perfume, basic make up in. This helps me look better without having to sort through lots of stuff.

Wearing little silver stars in my ears to remind myself to big myself up - like a star - when I'm not feeling confident at work.

Great event, thanks Mumsnet and No. 7.

Why did you want to attend the event?
I wanted to learn about self presentation in the workplace. It's been a while since I have worked, and I fear that I've lost touch with norms and expectations.

What’s your current working status?
I am a SAHM to a 4 y.o. DD, also a part time student.

What did you learn from the event?
I learned about some of the barriers to working that women are experiencing both in the workplace and within their families. Made me feel a bit sad and angry, tbh.

What did you enjoy about it?
Hearing from the speakers, meeting other women at a similar life stage, food, drink and make up freebies!

Did it inspire you/give you confidence? If yes, in what ways?
Yes, it was good to hear from determined women who have been making things happen for themselves. Also (a bit more shallow perhaps...) I picked up my free No. 7 foundation this morning, chose the airbrush one, and it's really, really nice. My skin looked fab in it!

Non-attendee

What gives me confidence? Make-up just right, especially foundation sitting smoothly, and hair smooth and non-frizzy. And a comment from DH or DD noticing I look good.

I wanted to attend this event because 2 weeks ago I returned to work after my maternity leave. I am finding it hard. I was keen to listen to the speakers and hear about their experiences and what tips they could offer for gaining confidence at work as a working mum.

I learnt that it isn't just me that finds it hard being a working mum! that I have to try and make work work for me instead of the other way round!
I enjoyed hearing people's stories and also that it tried to also look at the funny side of things, the sometimes funny experiences that working mums go through eg being told off for being late by the nursery! but also addressing the not so great issues of inequality were raised and shared.

It did inspire me, that working mums need to help support each other. I've already taken action by signing up change.org petitions to support mums to make positive changes for working mums. Also, to get in touch with colleagues who are working mums and listening and supporting each other.

Thank you for such a great event. The make over was great too, a reminder that I need to make time for myself as well.

I attended the event last night with my friend Dunia, who in fact she invited me and I was the +1.
I didn't know what to expect apart from being an event about mums returning to work. The place was great, the atmosphere, the staff and specially the talk and moderators. The topic was indeed very interesting and empowering with great tips on how to stand up for yourself as a working mum in these days. The moderators very great fun speaking freely about reality issues, and my favourite one was mother_pukka with a unique sense of humour. I really enjoyed the evening with canapés and goodie bag to top-it up. Thanks for an amazing experience.

I'm so glad I got to attend the event despite arriving later than planned. I enjoyed the event immensely and took hope a few tips

Why did you want to attend the event? What’s your current working status? I wanted to attend the event as though its been a year, I did return to work after a maternity leave post having my first child. I wanted to be amongst people who had a similar experience and hear how they cope/ are coping with it.

What did you learn from the event? I learnt how best to encourage my husband to take on more in his role as parent i.e. not asking for favours but recognising its his duty etc

What did you enjoy about it? Oh enjoyed the talk from the esteemed panelists, great insight to entrepreneurship, motherhood, working mum etc and it was very encouraging to hear from mothers from all various walks of life. Perceptions can indeed be deceiving and I took away the final words. I didn't get to have a make over session but I got to mingle and chat to the other mothers afterwards which was good as gave me a chance to better network. I did the film clip on what confidence means to me. I would lie if I didn't add i enjoyed the meal too - the food and drinks provided were more than delicious, thank you!

Did it inspire you/give you confidence? If yes, in what ways? It gave me the confidence to never stop, don't give up!

Being able to achieve something no matter how big or small. I'm disabled and supine most of the time, so it's hard doing what I'd like to do, it takes so much strength and motivation.

Non-attendee .

What makes me feel confident each morning is a good breakfast in the morning.

Just had to come back on to say how much I love the gold mascara we were given. I'd read loads about it on S&B and it was on my 'to buy' list, so I was really happy to see it in the goody bag. Couldn't believe how easily it came off last night, although I did initially panic as I thought the black thready bits on my flannel were my lashes!

I attended the event cos I took a 5month career break to spend more time with my kids and get them all settled in their various new schools due to a move in September last year. I am currently looking to go back to work only because money is now tight and I'm beside myself at home these days,eventhough there are things I could occupy my time with, but ultimately bills need to be paid. the conference was a good insight for me to know that I'm not alone in my situation, there are lots of women going thru similar things and it was nice to speak to some of the mums on the day. unfortunately I had to leave early cos I was conscious of my train times, I live outside London, so didn't stay till the end to hear a lot more of the conversation or get a goody bag. as for what gives me confidence, a great skin gives me confidence and having been at home for a while ,I have had time to pay a little more attention on myself and my looks, though I don't wear makeup everyday, I am happy that even when I'm not wearing it, I have even skintone, n I keep getting compliments on it.i do hope other companies can put together more gatherings like N07 did, Kudos to you for speaking to us.

Being told I'm beautiful even when I have bad bed head and the DC have wiped breakfast all over my pj's! DC seem to see past all that and even though I know I must look terrible at the time, it always gives me more confidence going through the day (clean, hair done and in clean clothes obviously!)

I wanted to attend the event to get some advice about gaining/improving confidence when returning to work.

I have just started a temp part time role this week, but I am hoping to find full time work in my chosen field in September.

I learnt that I don't have to do things on others terms and that I must not be afraid to put forward a case for flexible hours that suit me as a mum.

I enjoyed the panel discussion, bit of banter with other mums and the make over.

It inspired me to really focus on getting a job in my new chosen field without feeling self conscious of being a mum and worrying about committing to hours that don't suit. I found some new shades of lip colour that suit me, so I shall be putting those to good use too! :)

Great event - thanks so much for having me. Don't think that the fact the fizz was from Berry Bros went unnoticed, the food and drink were as welcome as the goodie bags.

You can read my blog post here: www.bellfrombow.com/the-blog/lippy

Why did you want to attend the event? What’s your current working status?
I'm back to work after two babies, I'm struggling to make the balance work and I'm feeling pretty damned guilty.

What did you learn from the event?
Check out my blog post - but essentially, it's ok to ask for help. It'll save your sanity. Oh, and that pregnant supermodels still look bloody awesome.

What did you enjoy about it?
The networking, the food, the fizz, the panel. A great evening.

Did it inspire you/give you confidence? If yes, in what ways?
It reminded me that I'm not alone. It reminded me that we need to share the load. It reminded me that mums (in fact, parents) are bloody awesome. #No7Ready

Non attendee

I feel more confident when I'm organized. For example, I usually carry around a large structured hand/shoulder bag, with numerous compartments & pockets filled with anything usually needed for work, the kids or me. This includes wipes, stationary, spare clothing, make-up, brolly, carrier bags, change, snacks and so much more! It means I'm ready to deal with what comes my way in my most capable manner!

non attendee

If I need a confidence boost I get my hair cut and coloured. I'd like to get it done more regularly but it's expensive. My friend lent me money to get it done last year before an interview. I felt fab and got the job! I paid her back with a bottle of wine and Chinese takeaway from my first pay from new job.

Making sure my outfit was smart and ironed and that I was totally prepared for the interview with a few nights to go helped too!

Turning my awareness on to notice all the nice things helps me feel happy and therefore confident. From really simple things like really enjoying a nice cup of tea and appreciating bird songs to giving myself a mini internal cheer for all standard work achievements etc. We're all often too quick to beat ourselves up and telling yourself you do a good job I find goes a long way to boosting confidence!

Non attendee
I'm more confident when I've washed my hair in the morning - it always makes me feel better about myself.

Also being organised and getting places on time with the right things!!

Non attendee

I practice mindfulness which has really helped me gain in confidence. I now feel free from the worries about not being a good enough mum, wife, daughter, employee.... I try not to analyse everything and everyone so I feel much more positive as a person. This has all given me an inner confidence I never had before!

...oh and a good skincare routine and new make up every so often

Non attendee

I feel confident when my children and husband take the time to tell me they love me in the morning - just kinda puts things in perspective and when I don't then worry about work performance I find I am much more confident and perform much better.