Work Matters

February 24, 2009

Change the way you work – and change your life! By Kathy Wiffen

 When I was about to leave my full-time career in recruitment to go on maternity leave, there was no doubt in my mind that I would return to work once I had my baby. For both financial reasons and for something to keep my brain ticking over, there was no question that I wouldn’t be going back into corporate life. My maternity leave for my first child flew past and I loved it so much more than I ever thought I would. Being a Mum was the best thing ever and the thought of going back to work and leaving my little girl filled me with dread. The time came to look at my options for returning to work; we had already decided that I wouldn’t go back on a full-time basis as I loved being a Mum too much to give that up 5 days a week. Then it started. The stress of trying to negotiate work hours and days, and childcare to cover, was totally overwhelming. Who was going to look after my baby? Should I go down the nursery, childminder or nanny route? Would the days fit with when I went to work? How was I going to pick her up on time? What would happen when she was sick? How would I cope when my husband travelled abroad? The questions went on and on… In the end, going back to my pre-maternity role in the capacity required by the company was an impossible solution to keep our family unit happy. It was while I was going through all this uncertainty that somebody asked me what I wanted to do – a very straightforward question. I had to think about it, then I answered in a very matter of fact way: I wanted to work from home, while looking after my little girl; I wanted flexible hours that didn’t compromise our family commitments; I wanted school holidays off; I wanted to bring in a substantial income. In addition, I wanted to develop myself as an individual. Finally, I wanted a company that was financially secure and had strong business ethics.  I laughed, and so did they, and said let us know when you find it! A few months on and I find myself doing just that by running my own business! I work from home with hours that are flexible and that I choose around my little girl’s routine and family activities. It is hard work as I’m putting a lot into my business so that I can reap the rewards as it builds. However, I can honestly say I love every minute of it. So my advice to anyone in a similar position or looking for a similar life change is that it can be done. Having started networking in the area, I have now met numerous other people doing the same. So don’t dwell on the negatives and stay in a rut. Explore every option, don’t be constrained by standard working practices, have an open mind to suggestions and always focus on the benefits of moving forward to achieve your goals. Train for a career in childcare – a job with a real future

 Training in Childcare

If you have ever thought about a career in childcare, this could be the time to take the plunge. A new training company, based in Charlwood, is now offering Government funded NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Childcare Learning & Development. SMALLTIME TRAINING is a small team of highly-qualified trainers specialising in delivering CACHE childcare qualifications. You may have no previous childcare experience, but fancy a career change, or you may have worked in a nursery, as a child-minder or as a parent or carer. Whatever your background you can gain valuable qualifications and have fun while learning. The training comprises a minimum of 12 hours per week work placemnent in a nursery or pre-school setting with on-going, assessed course work and training days at our training centre. SMALLTIME will help you to find a suitable and convenient workplace and allocate one of our experienced, friendly assessors to visit you on a regular basis. All SMALLTIME TRAINING candidates are provided with their own training plan which is agreed between them and their assessor. For further information and to make an appointment to come and visit us, call 01293 565558.

Arbonne Opportunities for Mums By Mia Brodie

100% Botanical Arbonne Beauty is a leading, Swiss formulated, mineral oil-free comprehensive beauty range. Skincare. Anti-ageing. Body. Spa. Hair. Baby. Sun. Men. Colour. Arbonne products are 100% botanical, pure, safe and results driven, and are ph correct. A premium product, but not at a premium price as it is sold directly by you. Becoming an Arbonne New Business Builder is so easy, you are your own boss, you work around your children, working online, it is all about your network. It isn’t a hard sell and no cold calling, just supplying beautiful, quality beauty products to other women. If you are interested in this flexible, money making opportunity then contact Mia on: 07904 866 022/ beautybyarbonne@myarbonne.com check out the website: www.beautybyarbonne.myarbonne.co.uk

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