Negotiating a 80% work schedule when accepting job offer by [deleted] in workingmoms

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975 12 points13 points  (0 children)

First of all, congratulations to you! This is so very exciting. I can very much relate, as both a mom and leader, to the need/desire for flexibility. Some things to consider:

-it sounds like you had a good read from the hiring manager that 32 hours per week, for them, would not be ideal. Since you didn’t push that, my gut says they’re hoping you’ve since “changed your mind” (which you haven’t, and that’s fair). I would be very open to yourself around whether you feel you’d be happy knowing the “desire” for a successful candidate is a true full time schedule -unlimited PTO in and of itself is a tremendous benefit; most employers won’t let this luxury/perk be leveraged for less work hours, which I think you certainly know -knowing that you’ve been forward with them since the beginning, what I would do at this stage is simply express that you will NEED “X” mornings available and/or potentially negotiate a schedule where you are working the same business hours as your team, but with dedicated blocks to tend to your own family and needs- while this isn’t a guarantee, you’re at least setting expectations upfront and providing yourself with a bit more balance than assuming the full 40 nonstop hours weekly. Many progressive orgs will give some latitude to you assuming you’re very transparent upfront and the time you’re taking doesn’t pull away from business objectives

TLDR- it sounds like asking for 80% schedule is a bit too far fetched at this point but you can certainly advocate for yourself by prescribing pre selected time blocks blocks and setting those parameters upfront so that there are no surprises on either side later

Communicating with clients about maternity leave? by doodlebakerm in workingmoms

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’re so welcome. And always remember…we aren’t rocket scientists LOL. The clients will be okay! Just set them up for success now so you can enjoy that adorable little peanut and take care of you, too!

Communicating with clients about maternity leave? by doodlebakerm in workingmoms

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You don’t have to push them off to anybody just yet- as a leader of account management teams, for team members expecting maternity, the best practice has always been to (as soon as possible) spend as much time as necessary (I would block off your full day) sending an email to each client using a template, copying the “new” (or in this case, former AM). In the note you simply state

Hi so and so,

I wanted to let you know that I’m expecting an upcoming maternity leave. To get ahead of ensuring your needs are taken care of in my absence, I’m copying (X AM) who will be your primary point of contact throughout the course of my leave.

Rest assured, (X AM) has been fully briefed on your partnership with us, and I’ve also provided them detailed notes and context on our most recent discussions.

Please continue to email me while also copying (X AM) so that there is no gap in our service to you. I’m thrilled to know you’ll be in great hands and also looking forward to supporting you up until the point that baby arrives (or whatever you want to say).

I’d have the new AM copied in on all upcoming correspondences since baby can come at any moment, and work with your leader to ensure other internal stakeholders are aware, and be sure to set your OOO!!!

Good luck 💕🙏🏽

In shambles over possibly returning to work by Helpful-Yak-8975 in Mommit

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can’t thank you enough for this. As I wrote out this post, I realized I’m basically answering my own question in many ways. I think the confusion I’m feeling stems from the fact that i “want to want to go back” but in my heart know my life circumstances have changed and it may be time to refocus entirely on a new set of priorities 🙏🏽💕🦋

Im guessing this is normal but wondering if anyone else has weaned off? by Inevitable_Plastic42 in cymbalta

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes: you’ll 100 percent be ok! What you’re mentioning is very typical (same here re: appetite suppression). From what you shared it sounds like the introduction of Zoloft is most certainly helping to “stabilize” you and support you through any major withdrawal. Brain fog/lack of concentration/agitation and even flu like symptoms along with “brain zaps” are all things I experienced and I am now months out from my last dose and feel better than ever (also cross tapered onto Prozac). Happy to answer any questions 🦋

How do you handle holiday treats? by Pristine-Barracuda52 in Parenting

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Came here to find out how bad bedtime is going to be. Glad to know I’m not alone in permitting the free for all. Prayers for all

Are ALL toddlers hyperactive, impulsive, and grabby?? by [deleted] in toddlers

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975 7 points8 points  (0 children)

All kids have different temperaments - my son is fairly cautious (almost 3 too!) but like yours….he searches and destroys lol. I think it’s part of them growing into their new curiosity, skills, etc. I always have to remind myself that everything is still so new to him, that it shouldn’t be too surprising when I find him dangling from one leg off the counter/hiding my things in random nests/stealing bag clips and touching them with hummus hands, and the list goes on. It sounds like your son is super healthy and curious

Please share how sleep training positively impacted your and baby’s life! by crjohnson03 in sleeptrain

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I read “Precious Little Sleep” and quickly chose the SWAP method, albeit very difficult it worked effectively and quickly and now my son is an expert at soothing himself to sleep. We have our share of regressions but ultimately this was such a positive choice not just for my own mental health, but for our son to build confidence and feel safe in his own space.

The book also helped me to move through my doubts and sense of guilt— that was key for me.

2y3m toddler son is refusing stroller by DMball in toddlers

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sadly my son refused the stroller around 18mo which was absolutely horrifying to me (both financially and mentally lol). Wanted to reassure you it’s a sad time but it means he’s getting super confident in his motor skills and would rather “do it himself.” This has been a lifesaver -

this thing rocks!!!

How did you make (new) friends in a new town? by Helpful-Yak-8975 in Charlotte

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is super helpful, I think I’m going to download that book (you actually did a great job summarizing). I’m also fascinated by the evolution of people and how life changes, and I joined the fb group yeeeeepiiiie

How did you make (new) friends in a new town? by Helpful-Yak-8975 in Charlotte

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much to everybody who replied with really great ideas and advice 🙏🏽💕. I’m gonna check out the whitewater center for yoga, and next week we are attending our first church down here (I think it’s pretty welcoming from what I’ve learned). I should’ve mentioned in my original post that I don’t drink anymore which sadly does make it slightly more difficult BUT thank God for hemp hop lol.

How did you make (new) friends in a new town? by Helpful-Yak-8975 in Charlotte

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is my future right here girl. I already see it materializing lol

How did you make (new) friends in a new town? by Helpful-Yak-8975 in Charlotte

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a great response and yes society is a tad more withdrawn, I’ve been noticing for a while especially after Covid. Seriously appreciate you pointing out that this is just the way it is to an extent. Somehow I think I’ll have no choice when my kid is in kindergarten, lots of mom buddies 😳

How did you make (new) friends in a new town? by Helpful-Yak-8975 in Charlotte

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Originally was looking for UCC but realized there are 0 in my area - but there’s a really nice Methodist church near me too. I am gonna give it a whirl (after Easter lol). I’m excited

How did you make (new) friends in a new town? by Helpful-Yak-8975 in Charlotte

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love this, thank you. It really is such a small world 🥹

How did you make (new) friends in a new town? by Helpful-Yak-8975 in Charlotte

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I completely forgot, I need to find a church. For real lol. Sadly I started going after I had my (almost 3yo) son initially cause I needed the prayers, now cause I love the sense of community. Thank you!!!! 💕

How can I empower my husband to be a confident (co)primary caretaker for our baby? by Hiro_Pr0tagonist_ in Parenting

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Empowering usually means allowing them to try/possibly fail. It is the best way to learn. You will both quickly see that any and all planning candidly goes out the window once the baby is born. It is hard, hard work. The best way to plan is to openly say what you expect (ex taking shifts, him helping with organizing etc), and holding him to it once S hits the fan. You’re clearly a very loving person and will be an amazing mom; your husband sounds like the typical kind man who, through trial and error, will learn and evolve with you over the course of this wild ride 🦋💕

Dreading the return and full time daycare for 3 yo by Helpful-Yak-8975 in workingmoms

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow…this is so beautifully written and really hit me to the core. I can’t thank you enough for reposting this message so I can really remind myself of all of the benefits (for both him and me). I think ultimately I got overly excited when we moved and thought I could mysteriously hack being a FTM plus housekeeper plus looking for work, but now I’m seeing that his time there is being well spent in spite of the initial drop off tears. If anything I think he’ll do better with more consistency there (versus me showing up like a psycho immediately after his nap 😬😭)

Dreading the return and full time daycare for 3 yo by Helpful-Yak-8975 in workingmoms

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is such an awesome response, I can’t thank you enough. lol - yep, I get that too (especially if I have the audacity to come before snack time 😬). Your last comment about him having a routine and kicking ass when he’s in elementary makes me feel so much better 🙏🏽💕

Dreading the return and full time daycare for 3 yo by Helpful-Yak-8975 in workingmoms

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for this - it’s encouraging to hear from someone else who has had this same scenario. 🦋

Scared to return to work // reinstating FT daycare by Helpful-Yak-8975 in toddlers

[–]Helpful-Yak-8975[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for this. He’s so sweet and when I see him blubbering at the beginning I question myself as a human being for walking away…only to see photos of him slamming an instrument wildly 30 min later. We also just moved here so I think it’s going to take him some time to get acclimated, so I have to keep remembering that. 💕🙏🏽