Going back to work full-time- and a promotion?!

[Smerlin]

I will be going back to work when DD is 10 months, full time but I work in a school so term time only. I have a fair amount of responsibility at work and an opportunity has come up for a big promotion. The start date is while I'm still on mat leave so won't be applying but job would be perfect for me otherwise if the same thing came up again. But... am I mad to consider more responsibility when I am going back with a child to look after as it is? Should I be keeping a low profile for the next couple of years while I struggle to balance everything I already have to do???

Ooh, good luck!

How will your DD be looked after while you're at work? Mine went to nursery, and I found for the first few months both she and I had a succession of minor illnesses which she caught there, and this put us under quite a bit of pressure while I was trying to adjust to being at work. Apparently this is normal for nurseries, but childminders are less bad. However, things seem to have settled down now.

Another pressure I feel I'm under is that whereas previously I could stay late at work or arrive early if something important needed doing, now I usually have to stick to my agreed hours in order to fit round caring for DD. That might make a promotion feel difficult. However, it will depend on your partner's working position and whether you're bfing.

Not saying you can't do it, though!

Not sure why you wouldn't apply for the role whilst on mat leave? You're entitled to do so. At the very least, the interview practice and the opportunity to set out your stall about why you want to move up a level will be great for your visibility.

I would discuss the role with the hiring manager informally, and see what the feedback is.

Well I have put in my expression of interest even if I don't get asked to interview because of the dates. I spoke to a friend an she said everyone is sure a male colleague of mine is the preferred candidate. He is a lovely guy but wouldn't you know it, he has just had a baby more recently than me. Only of course he is back at work full time after his two weeks pat leave so it makes no difference to him.

DD will be going to a childminder 3 days a week so hopefully won't get too ill. DH will have her one day and her grandmother one day. I won't be able to stay late nor would I want to but some of my work can be done at home once she's gone to bed- obviously I'll be tired but I had to work in the evenings before anyway!

Sounds like you are qualified enough to interview. And this guy will be in the same position as you, trying to juggle work and family responsibility. The fact you are on mat leave is not relevant to your ability to do the job.

If they don't interview you, I would query why. But either way I hope this helps you progress to the next level in due course.

My friend got promoted while on maternity leave, and she's managed fine.

I've just gone back to work with a promotion. It's really fine. Loads more work but it makes the days go really quickly, I leave on the dot of 5pm to collect DD from childcare and catch up in the evening, which I actually don't mind because I enjoy it the work! The pay increase covers my share of childcare too.

I got promoted the day before maternity leave started. Being more senior in my line of work gives me more control over which work I do when, and more ability to delegate work to others. Oh - and more money to pay for childcare / cleaner/ pizza express when I am too tired to cook.

As a manager someone on mat leave applying for promotion would be a big positive - this lady is definitely coming back, still ambitious. And I have known shoe-in appointments be derailed by an unexpected candidate, so don't worry to much about the water cooler chat at the moment.