What to Consider When Coming Back From Parental Leave

Returning to work after bringing a new child into your family can be a big transition. It may take time to adjust to the new daily schedule and lifestyle that comes with working and being a parent at the same time. Here are some things to consider when coming back to work from parental leave that may help make the adjustment a little smoother. 

Get up-to-date and find out what’s changed

When coming back to work, take some time to get up-to-date with what has been happening on your team and at your company. Goals, workflows, or policies may have changed since you left. You can reach out to your Human Resources Department, manager, and colleagues to find out about any of these changes.

Reconnect with colleagues

Reconnecting with colleagues is a great way to become reacquainted with workplace culture and strengthen your support system. Colleagues can fill you in on anything that happened at work since you went on parental leave, and you can share more about your experiences and challenges adjusting to becoming a working parent.

Remember your motivation

It can be challenging to work and parent at the same time; however, it is helpful to remember what motivates you at your job. Maybe you want to achieve certain career goals or are passionate about the impact your company’s product or service has on its customers. You might really enjoy your work friends and feel excited to spend more time with them. Your motivation can help you push through the challenges you face when transitioning back to work from parental leave.

Childcare

It is essential to work out childcare before returning to work from parental leave, whether you’re leaving them with a relative, at a daycare, with a nanny, or in another arrangement. Knowing your child is in good hands and taken care of while you are working can relieve some stress and help you focus on your job.

Budget and new financial goals

Becoming a parent comes with many new costs. It is useful to reevaluate your budget to reflect any new expenses that come with becoming a parent and returning from parental leave, like childcare, commuting, and healthcare coverage. New parents often look into life insurance to provide financial security for their partner and child, should anything happen. You might consider a permanent life insurance policy like whole life insurance for lifelong coverage and additional perks like cash value and potential dividends. 

Shifting priorities

Returning to work from parental leave can also come with a shift in priorities. You may need to temporarily take on extra meetings and work to get caught up. At the same time, with a new child in the mix, work-life balance may be more important than ever. This can be a good time to take a step back and think about how you manage your time so you can effectively balance both work and family commitments.