In our latest instalment of Meet the WoMos, we’re interviewing Hannah Assam, a working mum of two and HR Manager based in Northamptonshire.
Hannah Assam is a HR Manager for a rail company who has been climbing the HR ladder while raising two children under the age of three. Her determination and resilience have led her to manage both tantrums in the workplace and at home with ease like the true Queen that she is!
We asked Hannah about her children and how she manages balancing work and family. Her two boys, Frederick (3) and William (9 months) attend nursery for half-days and then join Hannah at home while she is working, studying and pumping simultaneously.
we asked, what’s ONE WORD you would use to describE HOW BEING A WOMO MAKES YOU FEEL?
Tired.
When asked about what her funniest experience while JUGGLING KIDS AND WORK was…
I was in my office pumping and whilst I was adjusting the breast pump my CEO walks into my office. We both looked at each other and he just backed out…
WHAT IS THE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU COULD OFFER ANOTHER WOMO?
You are not weak if you ask for help. Don’t break your back trying to do it all.
Curiously we asked, WHAT THE LEAST AMOUNT OF SLEEP She’s GONE TO WORK ON AND HOW she COPEd…
First of all, what is sleep? Secondly, it was this week. Both kids were unwell and off nursery. I slept for 3 hours and was logged on from 1 am until 4 pm.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF AS A WOMO?
Honestly, that I am stronger than I thought. Both children and husband are happy, I am progressing in my career all whilst being tired and not giving myself the self-care I need.
“Cry girl, cry and let it out”
IF YOU HAD A WORKING MOTHER’S ANTHEM OR MANTRA, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Cry girl, cry and let it out.
WHAT IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE TO COMBAT WOMO GUILT THE BEST?
Come dine with me at 1 am whilst doing the night feed.
when asked whether she WOULD RATHER BE DEALING WITH A TANTRUM OR PRESENTING IN A BOARD MEETING…
Board meeting and tantrums are both the same in my line of work.
IF YOU ASKED YOUR CHILDREN WHAT YOUR JOB IS, WHAT WOULD THEY SAY?
Feed. According to Frederick, I feed all day.
WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN BEFORE YOU BECAME A WOMO?
That it can be a struggle to rise in my career without feeling guilty.
TO DATE, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST WOMO ACHIEVEMENT?
Work-wise, it has been being promoted to HR Manager and getting my Masters and Level 7 CIPD. Family wise, it has been being able to raise two strong and happy boys.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO TEACH YOUR KIDS ABOUT WORKING MOTHERS?
We are superheroes that sometimes need help.
Well, Hannah, we at Team WoMo couldn’t agree more!