So what happens when you are offered a promotion and you feel like you are only just keeping your head above water at work?
Oddly enough this is exactly the dilemma that we find affecting an increasing number of executive level mums within the first 12-24 months of returning to work from their maternity leave.
In a world of increased gender diversity targets there is a strong push for companies to be fast tracking a number of their top female talent. And whilst we think it is great that some employers understand motherhood does not terminally blight your career. We are also mindful that the timing can be somewhat’ off’ especially if you are a return to work mum with young children.
Let’s talk about how you can skilfully manage this situation without pulling the proverbial trigger and committing career suicide.
Be strategic
Our advice is to plan what you want your first 12 – 24 months to look like. This plan needs to ensure that you don’t discount yourself for progression in your career and it also needs to be truthful, acknowledging that the first 12 months back at work may bring some unexpected challenges around your commitment, ability to travel and how you spend your time at work. If promotion is not part of that plan right away, there are still many ways you can progress your career: you can elect to build on your knowledge, undertake training, project secondments, leadership programs etc.
Be clear and honest in your message
You may not want the promotion for the reasons already highlighted right now but it doesn’t mean it won’t feature in your career strategy. Be clear about your career plan with your manager and make sure that both of you design a pathway that keeps you relevant, informed and in the front of their mind for opportunities that build your skills and work with your small family.
Be present and do not disappear
Just because you aren’t there doesn’t mean they shouldn’t include you. Be savvy when it comes to who you want to represent you at the table when you are not at work. Ensure that person knows what message needs to be relayed and can deliver good quality feedback. And remember use your time at work to network, stay up to date with who’s who in the zoo and what is merit worthy news. Make sure you remain visible with a strong personal brand that can be seen by the organisation and the industry. Great ways to do this could be by becoming a mentor or sponsor and if you enjoy the limelight book in some speaking engagements to really stand out from the crowd.
So if you find yourself in a position where you don’t want to put the breaks on a hard earned career and you don’t want to miss out on time with our family remind yourself of these steps and have faith that you can put that foot on the accelerator when the time really is right.