Hi Sharon, tell us a bit about yourself. What do you do, how old are your children and what happens with your kids when you are at work?
My name is Sharon Hodges, I am British Vice Consul in Ibiza. I've held this position for 6 years now. I have a 22 month old daughter. She goes to nursery most days from 08.30-13.30 and then with whoever will have her until 17.00! Mr H works for the emergency services and works long shifts. Seems to work even longer shifts now we have Olivia!!!!
1. One word to describe how being a WoMo makes you feel?
Tired!
2. What’s the funniest experience you have had juggling kids and work?
My daughter managed to unblock my work mobile (yes, at 18 months!!!!) and dialled the Ambassador at 5.00am one morning. Fortunately it went on to voice message. He´s probably finding out now who woke him at such an early hour! Mr H phoning me at work after having Olivia for a couple of hours and asking how to turn her off!
3. What is the one piece of advice you could offer another WoMo?
Be flexible and don’t beat yourself up about not being the perfect WoMo. Learn to say no more often than your toddler does!
4. What’s the least amount of sleep you’ve gone to work on and how did you cope?
3hrs. I did a full day’s work got home at 17.00hrs then got called out at 20.00hrs to assist a distressed British National. I ended up getting home at 04.00am to a 12 month old who wanted to watch Peppa!
5. What have you learned about yourself as a WoMo?
I´m very good at sleeping with my eyes open. I thought I was going crazy but seems that due to lack of sleep my mind forgets stuff. Like leaving my lunch at nursery instead of Olivia´s.
6. If you had a working mother’s anthem or mantra, what would it be?
Do the best you can and be proud of what you manage to achieve on a daily basis. Little steps go far! Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
7. What is your guilty pleasure to combat WoMo guilt the best?
My parents having Olivia every other Friday for date night with my husband. Even though sometimes we end up just going straight to sleep at 19.00hrs. And alcohol!
8. Would you rather be dealing with a tantrum or presenting in a board meeting?
Presenting a board meeting wins all the time.
9. If you asked your child what your job is, what would they say?
Olivia would probably say something like, my mummy works in an office with no Peppa pig on the T.V
10. What’s the one thing you wish you’d known before you became a WoMo?
When I was pregnant, my friends all said to me get sleep in the bank now whilst you can. I obviously didn’t get enough in and was rewarded with a baby that has never slept more than 4 hours at a time. That there seems to be a secret perfect mummy club that I was never invited to…….
11. To date, what has been your best WoMo achievement?
Hours before travelling to Bucharest on a conference, Olivia decided to head butt the T.V unit. Resulting in a mad dash to A&E. There was a very tearful mummy on the flight that day. Nursery phoning to say that no one had collected Olivia. I had forgot to arrange this with my parents. It´s all sent to challenge us and keep us on our feet. My dad has always said that boring is good, I totally agree with him now!
12. What do you want to teach your kids about working mothers?
It’s not easy but by standing up for what we do hopefully we are paving the way for our children.