'Mayowa Okewumi’s Post

Well, the time has come. This week marks the last of my 12-month maternity leave. Cue all of the tears 😭🥲 For the past year, I've been wholeheartedly embracing my new role as a mother, sharing almost every waking (and sometimes sleepless) moment with my precious daughter, Eliana. From the late-night feeds to the first giggles and attempts at first words, we've been through it all together. It continues to be an incredible journey filled with love, laughter (and definitely tears), and learning. As I prepare to return to work, I'm feeling a whirlwind of emotions. There's excitement at the thought of diving back into my career, reuniting with colleagues, and embracing a new role at Ignition with new challenges. Yet, there's also fear and uncertainty about balancing the demands of work with the joys of motherhood. Will I be able to slot back into the team seamlessly? How many precious moments and milestones will I miss while working? Have I prepared our family enough for this transition? Will the mum guilt ever go away? Amidst the rollercoaster of emotions, there's also a glimmer of confidence. Confidence in my ability to adapt, grow, and thrive in this new chapter of navigating both motherhood and career. Confidence in knowing that I'm not alone on this journey. So, dear friends and fellow working mums, I'd love to hear from you. How did you navigate the transition back to work after maternity leave? What advice would you offer to someone stepping into this brave new world? Your insights, tips, and words of wisdom would mean the world to me as I embark on this exciting, albeit nerve-wracking, journey. Let's support each other, share our experiences, and celebrate the incredible strength and resilience of working mums everywhere. Here's to new beginnings and the beautiful chaos of balancing motherhood and business with grace and grit. 💪👩💼👶 #WorkingMum #MaternityLeave #BacktoWork #NewBeginnings #MotherhoodAndBusiness

It began with anniversaries which (the clue is in the word) celebrate a whole year of something. Then six month "anniversaries" showing both a fundamental ignorance of the concept and what turned out to be a worrying trend towards short-termism especially in inter-personal relationships. The one-week "anniversary" is a terrifying commentary on expectations and, even worse, when it celebrates "when we met." We seem to have reached a situation where events that aren't even milestones are marked. Is that because we now expect to live transient lives in relationships that include life and work? When it's a cause for celebration in an office, with celebratory cakes with a message, when someone remains in a job for two years, that fills me with trepediation. Do people really think that they can get a grip on the culture of a complex organisation, learn the job in the way the company does it, and perform to the best possible (not, merely, that person's best because everyone can always do better) standard with one eye on the door ? Surely we should not think this is a good thing. Surely we should wonder why, if it's not the norm, it isn't and find out what is going wrong. And yes, this was prompted by a publicly available social media post of just such a celebration in an office. I just hope it didn't get added to a client's time ledger. #shorttermism #employment #culture #organisation #morriscotterill #timerecording

A Memorable Conversation on Life and Career ChoicesYesterday, I had the pleasure of attending a birthday party, where I met many wonderful people. Among them, one lady stood out—she was the eldest in the gathering, and her wisdom truly left an impact on me.As we chatted, she shared her journey of raising a 5-year-old child and the ups and downs that came with it. Her experience, full of resilience and dedication, was a reminder of the importance of balance in both family and work life. What struck me the most was her insight into the differences between a government job and a private job. She explained how each path has its own set of benefits and challenges, and how making a thoughtful choice today can shape our future in ways we may not even realize. This conversation reminded me of how valuable it is to listen to the experiences of others, especially those who have walked different paths than our own. It’s these moments of reflection that help us make more informed decisions for our lives. #CareerAdvice #LifeLessons #WorkLifeBalance #GovernmentJobVsPrivateJob #LearningFromOthers #CareerChoices #GrowthMindset #ParentingAndCareer #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment

Returning to work after maternity leave, I found myself at a crossroads where envy could have overshadowed my joy—here's how I chose a different path. When I returned to work post-maternity leave, the landscape had shifted. Colleagues had advanced, projects had evolved, and there I was, feeling like I was playing catch-up. It was a garden ripe for envy to flourish. But instead of letting it steer me towards unnecessary acquisitions or a relentless chase after 'improvements', I paused. I realized that this urge wasn't a call to arms; it was a sign to refocus. It was in the quiet moments, with my art and the simple, yet profound act of doing my work – my karma – that clarity dawned. In my professional sphere, by focusing on my duties and responsibilities, the noise quieted down. My path wasn't about battling others; it was about enriching the ground I stood on. This shift in perspective brought an unexpected serenity. I started to celebrate my colleagues' successes without feeling like it detracted from my own journey. My art and my work became my twin anchors, steadying me against the current of comparison. Through this lens, the urge to compete transformed into an inspiration to contribute. And contribution, not comparison, is the fertile ground from which true success grows. It is not measured in promotions or accolades but in the value we create, the joy we find in our work, and the balance we maintain in our lives. So, if envy ever clouds your horizon, remember it's a signal, not a sentence. A signal to realign with your purpose, to cherish your present, and to engage with your passions. It's there to remind you that your path to success is uniquely yours. Don't let the pressure of capitalism dictate your happiness. Know when to improve, when to let go, and when to simply be. After all, the joy of the present is the only truth we live in. How do you manage the feeling of envy or insufficiency, let me know in comments! #envy #worklifebalance #contemplation #careerguidance #womeninstem #motherhood

🌟 Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: A Journey of Growth and Balance 🌟 After a fulfilling maternity leave, I was excited (and a little nervous!) to step back into the professional world. Returning to work has been both rewarding and challenging in ways I didn’t fully anticipate. Balancing career goals and motherhood has introduced new layers of time management, emotional resilience, and prioritisation. Here are a few reflections on this new chapter: 🤹♀️ The Juggle is Real: From broken nights to full on meetings day, finding balance is a daily practice. It’s a reminder that perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. 💡 Adapting My Work Style: I’ve had to rethink my approach to work and productivity. Efficiency is key, but so is giving myself grace when things don’t go as planned. Some days are seamless, others are a learning curve. 💬 The Importance of Support: A big thank you to my manager Kelsey Bowden, my team, colleagues, and my husband who have been so supportive and understanding during this transition. Having a network to lean on has been invaluable. 👶 Shifting Perspectives: Motherhood has changed how I view both work and life. I’ve become more intentional about setting boundaries, but also more passionate about achieving meaningful impact in my role. To all the working parents out there navigating similar transitions—whether it’s your first time or your fifth—you are doing an amazing job. Here’s to finding balance, embracing the challenges, and building new strengths along the way! 💪 #WorkingMom #MaternityLeave #WorkLifeBalance #CareerJourney #ParenthoodAndCareers

Today marks a special milestone for me-my third work anniversary and my return to work after maternity leave. As I step back into the office after my maternity leave, I find myself navigating a complex mix of emotions and challenges. Balancing the role of a new mom with my professional responsibilities has been one of the rewarding yet demanding experiences of my life. The past year has been a whirlwind of joy, growth, and new experiences as I embraced motherhood. The support from my family, friends, and amazing colleagues has been a constant source of strength and inspiration. I’m deeply grateful for the understanding and encouragement I received, which made this transition smoother than I could have hoped. Returning to work has been a journey of its own. The transition has its share of difficulties, from managing the guilt of leaving my baby to adjusting to the rhythm of professional life again. Yet, despite these challenges, I'm reminded of the strength and resilience that motherhood has instilled in me. The support from my colleagues and the flexibility offered by my workplace have been invaluable in making this transition smoother. I’d love to hear from others who have experienced a similar transition—how did you navigate returning to work after a significant life change? What has helped you the most? To all the working parents out there, your experiences and stories are inspiring. Let's continue to support each other and advocate for workplaces that recognize and adapt to the unique needs of working parents. Here’s to finding our balance, embracing the challenges, and celebrating the victories—both big and small. #WorkingMom #MaternityLeave #ReturningToWork #WorkLifeBalance #Motherhood

Life Update Returning to work after a 6-month maternity leave (which I opted voluntarily) was both exciting and challenging. Leaving my second-born behind for the first time made me nervous for almost a month before stepping back into my role. But I was incredibly fortunate to have an amazing support system—my husband and our parents—who encouraged me to pursue what truly makes me happy. I am forever grateful for their unwavering support. Work has always been something that brings me fulfillment, and I’m proud to say that my employer Énergie NB Power has played a key role in making this transition smoother. From the moment I walked back into the office, every single colleague greeted me with a warm smile, and my managers were understanding and flexible, truly listening to my needs as a mother. Their support has been invaluable, and I’m able to juggle both my career and family life because of their trust and flexibility. To all the women out there who may fear returning to work or hesitate to pursue opportunities while pregnant, I want to share my experience. I was hired when I was 6 months pregnant, and the respect I’ve received from my employer has been unwavering. The words they shared with me, “You are a great asset to our team, and our decision will never change,” are something I will never forget. It’s amazing to work for a company that values and also understands the importance of family life. Grateful for the balance, flexibility, and understanding that allow me to thrive both as a mother and a professional. 🌟 If you're someone who is passionate about working in an amazing organization, we have several exciting positions available! Click the link below to apply and take the next step in your career. https://lnkd.in/eQDvsvZs #MaternityLeave #CareerAndFamily #WorkLifeBalance #Grateful #SupportSystem #Flexibility #WomenInTheWorkplace #Leadership #EmployeeWellbeing #NBPower

Well, it's been a few weeks since I stepped back into the world of work after nine months of maternity leave and it feels a bit like diving headfirst into a whirlwind. It's an exhilarating mix of excitement and chaos as I navigate through new routines and unexpected twists!🌪 But seriously, transitioning back isn’t always easy, and if you’re in the same boat, here are a few valuable points to remember that have been a real help: 1. Embrace the Chaos: Life post-maternity leave is wonderfully unpredictable. Spills, interruptions, and “mum brain” moments are part of the adventure. I decided that, if I can handle a midnight feeding and a conference call, I'm doing a great job!💪 2. Celebrate the Wins: From surviving a full day behind a desk to enjoying a warm coffee for five minutes straight (literally unheard of before returning to work!), those small victories are my fuel. Recognize and savour them—they’re the little sparks that keep my momentum going. 3. Be Kind to Yourself: This is the golden rule. The journey back is less about perfection and more about embracing the new rhythm. I'm learning to give myself grace for the hiccups and celebrate those small wins. 4. Stay Focused on Your Goals: Amid the whirlwind, keeping my career goals in sight helps me to stay grounded. It’s so easy to get distracted, but remembering what drives me and rediscovering passions helps keep me on track. Returning to work after maternity leave is an exhilarating ride with its ups and downs. If you’re navigating this journey, remember: you’ve got this, and you’re not alone! #BackToWork #MaternityLeave #WorkLifeBalance #YouGotThis

A Journey of Strength and Love💛 For me, getting back to work after maternity break was one of the most challenging phases of my career. 🔻 It wasn’t just about resuming schedules, meetings, and responsibilities — it was about leaving my baby at home, even in the most loving and trusted hands. 🔹 The real challenge wasn’t who would take care of her; it was the emotional weight of not being able to hold her, see her smile, or hear her coos for hours at a stretch. And this wasn’t just about work—it came after dealing with postpartum difficulties, emotional breakdowns, and personal struggles that I had to overcome to even feel ready to return. 🔺 It’s a bittersweet feeling—balancing the joy of being back in a professional space with the ache of missing out on those little, precious moments. Some days felt heavier than others, but they also reminded me of the strength we all have within us to rise, even when it feels impossible. 🔸 This experience taught me the importance of self-compassion, support systems, and celebrating small wins—whether it’s getting through the first full work week or finding a routine that works for everyone. 🔺 To all the working moms out there navigating this journey: I see you. Your resilience is inspiring. Let’s remind ourselves that while it’s not easy, we are creating a world where our children can look up to us with pride. ▪️ How was your experience transitioning back to work after maternity break? What kept you going? Let’s share and support each other. 💛 #workingmom #workfromoffice #work #maternity #maternitybreak #careerchallenge #workingmother #inspiringmom

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰 👨👩👧🎉 As a family business, we prioritize the well-being of not only our employees but also their families. That’s why, as we celebrate both Father's Day and Mother's Day in Germany this week, it's a perfect moment to appreciate the incredible parents among our #WeTeam at #Welotec. Lena-Marie, our Sales Assistant, talks about her time during her parental leave, "From walks to a family trip to Spain, returning to work at 27.5 hours per week made the transition smooth. Welotec's flexible scheduling makes working with a child particularly enjoyable." Claudia, our Account Manager who has been on parental leave since January 2023 for 1.5 years, also shares her experiences: " We live near a park, so we spend a lot of time outdoors, go swimming, travel to the seaside, attend toddler groups, meet friends, and enjoy activities like digging, building, throwing, and dancing with the older one.” We are looking forward to welcome Claudia back to our team this autumn! Last but not least, Sascha, our Head of Marketing, cherished his "Dad Time," focusing on quality moments at home with his son: "Enjoying every precious moment without the stress of travel was essential. Our first visit to the market, a trip to the library and, of course, the unforgettable day at the zoo were not to be missed!” At Welotec, we ensure that working parents benefit from flexible working arrangements, from part-time to hybrid models, so that everyone can excel in their careers without compromising on #family time. This approach not only boosts morale but also drives our collective success, embodying our commitment to joy and success in everything we do. How do you balance #career ambitions with family responsibilities? Let's share and inspire each other. #happyfathersday #happymothersday #maternityleave #worklifebalance