By: Adeyanju Oluwa, Engineer

As a woman, there is always that lingering fear of answering the important question – how do you balance motherhood and career? This is not always easy to answer as it depends on your circumstances. Let me explain.

When I got pregnant with my second child in 2021, it was a wonderful moment for my family because now we had the number of kids we wanted. This was a different terrain for me as I was now working and had a four year old. This was also during the pandemic, but things were getting better with regards to the global health crisis. I battled with morning sickness during the first trimester but luckily the stay home policy was still at play, so I was able to handle this at home. There was a day I could not cope and had to take sick leave; I was well supported at work during this period. I was also supported with regards to other aspects of my job which allowed me not to take risks that could harm me or my baby. This is something that not many women will have access to and would put them off totally from having a career they love.

The birth was a quick one, a beautiful baby (still smitten!). I took a maternity leave of nine months to bond with my baby and prepare myself for this new world of mine (mum of two!). I did attend some DFC social events/workshops during this period as part of my keeping in touch days to help me get back gradually in the game. Getting back to work was tricky but I was prepared and determined. I love my baby, but I did miss intellectual discussions and the analytical part of my brain. It was good to be back. I also took all my remaining annual leave allowance for the year which meant that I could take one or two days off for the first three months. I worked on a few projects for the first couple of months (not too much pressure!). This was extremely helpful as it helped me ease back into things gradually, I mean I had been away for a while. With time, things improved, and I am gradually getting the hang of it again. Working from home two days a week has also helped me tremendously.

Back to my first question? How do you balance career and motherhood? My answer – you take it one day at a time, get all the support you can and do the best you can per situation. Also, remember not to guilt yourself in the process (that’s another kettle of fish!). There would be times you are good at both, times you can only do one, and there would be times you would have to do none. This brings me to my next question. Can employers help with this balance? My answer – absolutely! Flexible working arrangements will be at the top of my list, support for working mothers and support during the transition phase in any capacity would be very helpful. It makes all the difference.

Women shouldn’t have to choose between their careers and parenthood. We are just as valuable in the workplace as we are at home. Being a career woman and a mother are very important aspects of my life. One shouldn’t have to suffer for the other.

Find out more, what is it like to work with us and discover more in Balancing Career and Motherhood – Part 2 here.