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

[Theimpossiblegirl]

Non attendee

I feel confident if my teens say I look nice in the morning. They can be a bit brutal in their honesty, but if they say I look good, I know they're not just being nice!

[user1490821992]

Attended!This is the first time I have attended a mumsnet event and I thought it was well organised and supported, informative, inspiring and fun!

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?


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

Having just returned to work from 1 year of mat leave, I wanted to attend as with any new steps in parental journey, I felt it was important to talk and share experiences. I thought No7’s involvement was very subtle and I certainly will be buying the Instant Radiance Under Eye Concealer…many thanks!

What did you learn from the event?

By talking to other ladies and taking on board the panel’s experiences, I feel very grateful and value even more so the working arrangement I currently have and feel determined to make it work.. What I really drew from it, is that whatever career path you have, returning to work after having a baby/ raising a family is big deal for everyone. Supermodel, vlogger, teacher, popstar!

What did you enjoy about it?

I thought the panel discussion was very interesting- great mix of personalities and covered a lot of ground in the time. If time had permitted, I think opening to the floor for questions earlier would have generated a wider debate. Personally, I would have been keen to share my extremely positive experience in returning to work and how my employer has created a flexible environment, where I feel valued and supported. What I think really worked about the evening was that it was very balanced with thought-provoking discussions, followed by some fun, bubbles and networking.

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

I did find Anna Whitehouse/Mother_pukka's story and honesty particularly inspiring. One thing that really resonated with me is that confidence is not only complex but also a very personal thing. Whatever knocks and changes that life gives you, you have the ability to be confident again. I found the makeover very useful, to learn quick tricks to lighten up tired eyes and experimenting with a splash of colour. A bit of make-up, a big smile and cheerful approach is the best confidence trick to face the day!

[Jayfee]

non attendee. clean well cut hair and make up. lipstick always brightens my mood.

[CordeliaScott]

Non attendee - I'm always more confident in a pair of killer heels and definitely my contact lenses as I always feel self conscious in glasses

[Belmo]

Non attendee-
I'm not convinced I do feel confident every day! I feel better if I've had a chance to do my hair and make up properly, and best if I'm wearing one of the two outfits I actually like - desperately need new clothes but must lose the baby weight first!

[sleeplessinselondon]

I attended the event and had a fun evening, I also was persuaded to wear bright lipstick for the first time ever so thanks no7!

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

I have had 4 years out of work since the birth of my second child, and am looking at changing career from financial services marketing to teaching in the next 6-12 months. I was looking for some tips and interesting discussion on juggling it all.

What did you learn from the event?

I found the panel speakers really engaging and interesting and you learn that even supermodels don't have everything easy! I was particularly interesting in Phaenella's story of working in the City and being unable to work and see her child. I also worked in the City before my kids and although was no-where near as high powered as her (!) a lot of what she said resonated with me and friends who've also left.
Although the speakers were really inspiring (I want to be Mother_Pukka) I do think it is really depressing that we're still having discussions on how hard it is to get flexible working and how you have to fight and be hard-nosed to get what you want.

What did you enjoy about it?

I enjoyed the lively panel discussion, although it would have been good to have had a bit more audience interaction. The food and fizz was lovely and all in all it was a great evening out. Also although sponsored by no7 the event was in no way 'stick on lipstick to get back into the workplace'!

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

As one of the panellist's said, your career is long and your time with small children is short. I know I panic often that approaching 40 I'm 'past it' but this gave me the confidence to know I'm not - I've an awful lot of working life left and I won't regret these few years at home with them.

[Cubik]

Non attendee - if I'm not feeling confident, pretending i am works well for me.

Sometimes I also wear a "faceful" of make up - tinted moisturiser, concealer, mascara and lipstick and think of it as a mask to hide behind. If i need an authoritative kick i also wear my glasses .

[MetalMidget]

Non-attendee here. I get confidence from being good at my job, getting up everyday and knowing that I know my stuff.

I look like a wreck though, I probably need the hamper more than most. ;)

[raspberryblush23]

Non-attendee here. Things that make me feel more confident daily are: fresh washed hair and a bit of make-up and definitely my high heels. But getting older has made me feel confident in my own skin and i don't feel the need to justify myself as much anymore, and I try to remind myself of this on a daily basis.

[Obsidian77]

I attended and really enjoyed the event. I'm a SAHM who wants to return to work so it was great to get some perspective on how other mums manage their lives. Meeting other women in the same situation as me helped me feel a little less lonely.

I thought the panel discussion was interesting and insightful, it was a treat to have a nice glass of fizz (yup Givemecoffeeplease I also noticed it was Berry Bros), although I thought I knew the area quite well I had no idea Huckletree was there and now I want to live there and the No 7 makeover was such a luxury for me.
My skin has changed since having DCs and I feel so frumpy most of the time. The beautician couldn't have been nicer and she gave me some really helpful advice on how to update my look.
Thanks MN and No 7!

[TheHoneyBadger]

Non attendee.

I have recently started using more make up and have invested in some new products and have noticed that taking the time to do my make up half decently in the morning does make me feel more confident as I go off to work.

I recently returned to working outside the home and I was a bit 'wobbly' about it and still am some days. Shallow or not feeling ok about how I look does help and I have a very limited wardrobe till I'm earning more and have ideally lost a bit of weight so make up is what I've focussed on.

[purplepandas]

Making an effort with clothes to feel professional if at work. Not expensive necessarily.

[Anj123]

Non attendee. I feel confident if I am well prepared for the day and have had a good breakfast!

[gggg1]

Non-attendee.

With two young children (who are early risers!) I don't have much time to get ready in the morning, so I feel confident if my skin, hair and makeup look good, but still giving off a natural look.

[allthingsred]

Non attendee here.
What gives me confidence?....
Being as prepared as possible for the day ahead, & taking a deep breath before I'm about to start anything enter anywhere new or unfamiliar.
(A good mascara & a touch of lip gloss always helps me feel better in myself as well☺)

[FlouncingInTheRain]

What makes me confident?

Brushing and sorting my hair, light coat of makeup and a sip of coffee is what I need to feel good and ready for what ever the day throws at me.

When XH left and I had DS1 (then 3, Autistic) and DS2 (then 1), an Aunt said to me that if I remember to look my best, even if I feel like crying, people are less likely to fuss over me and I can maintain dignity and control over my emotion. Not surpress, just choose when and with whom to cry.

Such wise words. Ever since I ensure my hair is fixed, even if just tied into a neat ponytail and I have a light foundation, touch of lipstick and mascarra. I feel boosted and ready. Its like my own meditation time, just a few me moments to be able to say 'right world do your worst, I'm ready'.

[elastamum]

Knowing I am bloody good at my job.

I look OK, but nobody employs a strategist for their looks

[ataraxia]

Non attendees - energetic music to put a string in my step or encourage me to knuckle down and power through my work.

[Chocolateisnottheonlyfruit]

Why did you want to attend the event? I'm looking to go back to work and am lacking confidence in myself and my ability to get a job.

What’s your current working status? I'm a stay at home parent.

What did you learn from the event? It showed me that regardless of status or salary we're all in the same boat when it comes to negotiating terms of work.

What did you enjoy about it? There was a lot of shared knowledge and experience in the room and I didn't feel so alone in my concerns about going back to work. I loved the relaxed atmosphere and the panel discussion was really interesting. It was nice to have a glass of bubbly and a makeover too.

Did it inspire you/give you confidence? If yes, in what ways? Yes it really did. I feel armed with the information that I need to negotiate better working terms and am also confident that I can move on from being in the top two to being the one that is offered the job.

Thank you for inviting me to the event - it was great.

Here's the blog post I wrote about the event: chocolateisnottheonlyfruit.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/whats-my-job-oh-im-mum.html

[daisyduke66]

Non-attendee. My confidence boost is my red lippie! A really small thing but it gives me a boost and a touch of glamour!

[Alexandra87]

I did not attend the event.
What makes me confident as a working parent is knowing I can go to my boss about all the last minute parents evenings, school assembly, nativity play, sports days etc and know that I'll be able to start later/finish earlier/take a longer lunch etc to make them all. I work for a family run manufacturing company with less than 100 employees and I must say they are fantastic with working parents. We are never made to feel like a nuisance for asking for these things and we are given the same progression opportunities as employees without children. So I feel confident knowing I can be a good employee and a good mother at the same time.

[FrenchieMummy]

Bonjour! I attended the event and I must say it was very nice! I really loved the talk, the bubbles and the makeup! A* to Mumsnet and Boots UK! Off to get my free foundation today in my local boots :)

Now to answer the questions:

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

I decide to go as I returned to work in January and I had doubt about it the first few weeks. I was not sure it was the right decision for my family and it was quite difficult to get back into a new routine. I am currently working part-time and really happy with it. I have the right balance between my family and my work.

What did you learn from the event?
So much! Or at least it reminded me many things that I forgot as we all doubt about ourselves so easily. For example, the importance to ask for support and not feeling guilty about my new schedule at work.
What did you enjoy about it?
The inspiring guests, meeting other women and the lovely goodie bag :) More seriously, I left the event so lift up that I was doing the right thing.
Did it inspire you/give you confidence? If yes, in what ways?
Absolutely! It reminded me that I had the right to ask what was best for me and my family. I am usually quite confident but it was good to hear some other ladies being in accordance with me. And all the guests told us some anecdotes about failures and difficult times and yet they are all very successful ladies in their area. They reminded me that I could do it if I wanted it!

Here is my post with my full view on the event:


thefrenchiemummy.com/return-work-confidence-no7-mumsnet-no7ready/

[rupert23]

Non attendee
i feel confident when i have washed my hair and put a bit of a make up on i feel ready to face the school run, work and the world. Some days i feel brighter than others and a bit of sun shine helps brighten my mood

[CointreauVersial]

Non-attendee.

I'm usually a fairly confident person, but I get a huge boost after spending time with friends, having a laugh, enjoying life....it makes me feel like I belong and gives me extra confidence in myself. Also, those days when your hair is just right, and you are wearing an outfit that flatters!

[MagicAlwaysLeadsToTrouble]

Non attendee here

This is odd but bringing in my packed lunch to work gives me confidence. It makes me feel prepared and good that I have been organised enough to make something in advance.

Starting the day as a proper adult!