Hello Liz, tell us a bit about yourself. What do you do, and who looks after your children when you are working?
Hi, I am Liz. I am a 35-year-old mum of two – Emily, aged 3 - my beautiful IVF miracle and my natural surprise Annabelle, age 2, born just 19 months later! I am also a dog mummy to Dougal, my labradoodle. My husband Henry works in Oil Trading.
I am a Recruiter and have just launched a job board called Investing in Women. We aim to help those looking for fulfilling and flexible work within the Banking, Finance, Real Estate, Insurance, Consulting and FinTech sectors.
My kids only go to nursery four mornings a week, so it has been a juggle. My youngest still naps, but my eldest has watched many a CBeebies episode in the afternoon so I can get through any work leftover from the morning. And there have been some late nights.
I try to work around the children as much as possible. My eldest starts school in September, and my youngest will increase her hours at nursery, so hoping for a bit more time then.
1. One word to describe how being a WoMo makes you feel?
Energised and super-productive!
2. What’s the funniest experience you have had juggling kids and work?
I have had a few instances of children walking into Zoom calls, but clients are very understanding. Nothing too embarrassing yet – I am sure they won’t let me down.
3. What is the one piece of advice you could offer another WoMo?
I heard some good advice from my idol Jenna Kutcher giving tips to mums launching a business. It was to give yourself a longer runway. This probably applies to both employed and self-employed mums and just encompasses the whole ‘be kind to yourself’ mantra. Things might take a little longer to get going, but don’t beat yourself up about it. Taking your time is often a good thing as you are less likely to make mistakes.
4. What’s the least amount of sleep you’ve gone to work on, and how did you cope?
Probably about 2-3 hours. Lots of tea (I am not a coffee drinker), paracetamol, chocolate and an early night.
5. What have you learned about yourself as a WoMo?
I am so much more ambitious and driven than I realised. Having children has spurred me to create a better working world and society for them.
6. If you had a working mother’s anthem or mantra, what would it be?
Why not? For too long, the default for skilled vacancies has been full-time. Why can’t they be part-time? Who said? We will never have positive change if we accept the status quo.
7. What is your guilty pleasure to combat WoMo guilt the best?
Oh gosh – I honestly don’t know the answer to that. If someone does, please let me know!
8. Would you instead be dealing with a tantrum or presenting in a board meeting?
Presenting a board meeting any day of the week! After dealing with two toddlers in lockdown, a board meeting would feel like a spa break!
9. If you asked your children what your job is, what would they say?
‘Mummy earns pennies on her computer’.
10. What’s the one thing you wish you’d known before you became a WoMo?
That all mums feel the same way! There is a constant push and pull.
11. To date, what has been your best WoMo achievement?
Signing up some massive organisations to the Investing in Women job board, raising awareness about the many barriers women face and launching my supportive Facebook community – Women in Financial and Professional Services UK.
12. What do you want to teach your kids about working mothers?
Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams or ambitions.