Back to Skool

Emma Evans - 4 Mar 19

In three weeks time I am going ‘back to work’. Or, as my husband likes to put it, “re-entering the work place”!

Its funny because I don’t feel like I actually ‘left’ anywhere. I suppose, to the outside ‘workforce’-whoever they might actually be-, I did stop working in an agency four, nearly five, years ago. But that was to set up on my own. And I haven’t really ‘stopped’ working since…

Arguably, I have worked even harder. Setting up my own business and giving birth (second time around btw) took way more out of me than planning a PR campaign or writing a Q&A document for a client.  But, yet, it felt like it counted less. Or at least, it felt like I had to justify and explain it to others more. Somehow doing my own thing could be seen by some as ‘having time out’. Especially recently when I was meeting with potential employers.

Actually that couldn’t have been further from the truth. Planning freelance work and managing / second guessing  childcare needs at the same time is a bit like insisting on driving without using the Satnav. Bloody hard work and doesn’t win you any prizes!

But, regardless of how much the return label irks me, it’s sort of true. I am going to be, for the first time in a long time, reporting to someone else. I am going to have to get dressed. Every day. (Despite my new employer’s relaxed dress code, nobody was wearing a onesie when I went in to meet them). And I am going to have to leave the house for something other than the school run or playgroup and biscuits. Gulp.

All of which fill me with different levels of fear. But all of which I am sure I will manage – already contemplating a cheeky personal shopper trip- and, who knows, maybe actually enjoy. My hair certainly will be having the time of its life when it’s treated to actual shampoo instead of a blitz from a van with tropical scents!

The bit(s), however, that is actually keeping me awake is ensuring my little people are well taken care of.

Perversely my youngest, the 18 month old bruiser, doesn’t worry me much. He’s going to a lovely nursery where some top carers are not only going to let him play messily, but actively encourage it. So he’ll be just fine. And he might even sleep and eat better under a watchful professional eye. Can but hope!

But how my going ‘back to work’ might affect my big girl is what worries me. I have always felt it important that she knows mum works as well as dad, but I don’t want her to miss out as a result. Her play dates and clubs are all going to change and she’s going to have much longer days and an (even more) frazzled mum to deal with. I’m sure she will be just fine- she tends to take most things in her stride- and the only one fretting about this will be me!

But, I’ve done what I always do when the panic sets in; written lots of lists! I’ve even shared them with my husband- for he has a starring role in my ‘return’ – and taken my lists to a new level and created a chart. There’s a weekly pick up and drop off one and all we need to do is read it and stick to it. Simples.

The good news is, by the time I actually do get back to work, it will seem easier than all the pre planning. Well at least until someone gets chicken pox, anyway.

Nothing ventured and all that. Wish me luck and see you on the other side!

Emma Evans

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