Working after your pregnancy, yes or no? And if so, how much and for how long? How do you arrange everything? And can you expect anything from your employer? All these questions are important if you want to make the highly personal decision for yourself. In this article we list a number of emotional and practical points plus research results. Phew, what a hot topic. Opinions are radically divided on the subject of whether or not you should go to work after your pregnancy and if so, for how long and how much. Sometimes it seems like someone else is trying to tell you what you do. But of course it doesn’t work that way. This is a personal choice that you make based on your own considerations regarding wishes, feelings and practical matters. This article is intended to help you sort things out a bit, putting a better choice within your reach.
Are working mothers happier?
Are mothers who work outside the home happier, or not? One study contradicts the other. Whether or not to work outside the home is ultimately a purely personal choice. Don’t let yourself be pressed. Motherhood is perhaps the most important job in the world, and a tough one at that. In any case, think about your wishes and options well before your delivery.
Right to help from… your employer!
Together with your potential employer, you can make the transition to work smoother. There are all kinds of schemes. An important one is your legal right to parental leave after your maternity leave ends. Parental leave means that you (or your partner!) do not work for a period of time, while keeping your job. You must have been employed by this employer for at least one year. You can read how this is arranged in the collective labor agreement or inquire with the Human Resources department. Please note: this is legally unpaid leave, unless you are fortunate enough that this is better arranged through your own collective labor agreement.
Working mother = unhappy child?
Self-development is an argument for wanting to participate outside the home. Sometimes the necessary finances play a role. But whatever you decide, don’t be too quick to worry that your child will be the ‘little child’. Not even now that there is still a somewhat old-fashioned tendency to make mothers (and not fathers…) feel guilty. Balance is the magic word. Balance between time spent with your family and time spent at work. But also a balance between the attention you pay outside the home and the attention that family members pay for each other. If that goes well, working can fit in well with responsible parenthood. Research shows that children with two caring parents who work outside the home generally have excellent opportunities to grow up happily!
Time for something new?
You can expect something extra from your employer for a while. For example, you are entitled to a so-called regular working pattern for the first six months after childbirth. This means that you are entitled to breaks and do not have to do overtime or night work. But you can also ask your employer to convert a full-time job into a part-time job. You have no guarantee of success, but you do have a good chance. The law therefore helps you in many ways to shape your new life as smoothly as possible. But it can still be disappointing to adjust your work schedule during motherhood. And child care can be very expensive. Also think about unexpected new opportunities! Many mothers start their own businesses part-time. And on websites specially created for working mothers you will find a sometimes somewhat modest vacancy offer that takes into account specific possibilities and wishes for mothers.
How do you do that?
It can be very nice to chat online and exchange experiences with other mothers about such questions as ‘to work or not’. There are many forums that offer you that option. Just Google the internet…