Driving to work on my first day back from maternity leave, I felt like a kid on my first day at a new school. I was nervous. I was excited. I wasn’t sure what to expect. More about my journey here:
I’m one of those people who has to have everything under control; I need to feel organized and prepared. It calms me down. It was hard to get ready for maternity leave without feeling overwhelmed. Plus I felt kind of guilty, like I was burdening people. I trusted my team and knew they’d be okay without me, but it was still hard!
Then when my son Hutson was born, I surprised myself. I was able to unplug. I didn’t check email, I didn’t worry about work. Having a baby and becoming a mom for the first time was a whole new experience that forced me to be present. It was the most challenging thing and the best thing that happened to me. We got into a really great routine and we were able to enjoy the summer together. We went to the park, went on walks and just spent long lazy summer days together, just the two of us. It was amazing.
When it was time to go back to work, I felt ready. I was excited to see my work friends and talk to adults again. (Truth be told I was starting to get a little stir-crazy at the house all day!) Plus I love my job--I missed it. But still, it wasn’t easy. Learn more about my transition to working-mom life in the video above!
Samantha Heilman
Populus Group
Leave a comment