The fact is that the balance between being a high value employee and a great mom can be done. And although it may not be easy, mothers across the country are setting shining examples!
Kim Meszaros, working mother and Marketing Executive for Kelly Group gives these tips for how to be an efficient working mother:
Make the most of your mornings
Mornings can be exceptionally rough for working moms. Here are some ideas for helping you take control of your mornings and arrive at work on time:
• Do as much as you possibly can the night before. Set out clothes for the next day – for yourself and for your child.
• Wake up an hour before your children do. This will allow you to drink coffee, get dressed, take care of your own pre-work tasks and get breakfast staged before the kids get moving
Follow the same routine
Having a consistent set of habits each morning ensures that your children know what to expect each day.
Be an organiser
If you’re constantly tripping over toys, losing homework or running late in the mornings because your children can’t find their something, then something’s got to change.
Find special places for all important items and make logical storage key throughout your home.
Be the best you can be at work
You've got to keep your game face on – especially in this economy. This applies no matter how many times you had to get up in the middle of the night the previous evening to tend to an inexplicably sick kid.
It’s also best to keep personal soul-baring to a minimum, as this will ensure you are seen as competent and on the ball rather than unable to take on additional pressure.
Keep work and family life as separate as possible
As difficult as it can be, try not to use work time to schedule your children’s doctor’s appointments, phone the child minder to discuss dinner etc.; rather try keep it private and only during your allocated lunch break.
Maintain a social life
Much like scheduled date nights with your partner, make specific plans in advance with your close friends and add those details to your calendar. Ensure these are deemed non-negotiable time for yourself to keep revitalised and inspired!
Always remember what matters most to you
Never let go of your most important points in your life. Prioritise and ensure your children are a priority, but remember the importance of using your career to benefit your children and provide a secure future for them.
While these tips may not solve every time-management challenge that confronts you, hopefully they’ll help you think about ways to simplify and save time. Let's honour the women who have made good use of the opportunities created by their mothers who entered the world of work before them.
For more career advice and job finding tips visit: Kelly Recruitment on Facebook and Kelly.co.za.
Kelly, a division of the Kelly Group Ltd, is South Africa’s largest national workforce management & productivity solutions brand.
P.S. If you’re lucky enough to work in a company that offers flexi-time, here’s how you can make use of it.
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