"Parenthood should uplift, rather than obstruct, your career path."
Meet Evie, the founder of Mother of all Jobs.
Good morning and happy Saturday!
We hope you had a lovely week. It’s been a busy week! Some of you may have seen that Ella is working on an article about maternity pay for POPSUGAR. She’s had so many responses, we are going to use the ones she can’t fit into the article for a Double Shift special issue - coming soon!
Have a great weekend and see you next week.
As always, always looking for voices to contribute! x
Today, we meet Evie, the founder of Mother of all Jobs. She’s passionate about helping mums find flexible work that values their skills and experience, because parenthood shouldn’t be a career obstacle! Mother of All Jobs connects talented parents with forward-thinking businesses that recognise the power of flexibility. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband, 3-year-old son and nearly 2-year-old daughter, along with two lively spaniels!
What is your approximate household income?
£200k
Can you share your journey to becoming a parent?
We were fortunate in our journey to parenthood. It was pretty straightforward and we didn't have any challenges apart from COVID!
Did you save ahead of time for your child? What did maternity leave look like for you?
I took maternity leave for 11 months, and my husband who was self-employed didn't take any specific time - he just ensured his diary was super quiet for the first month.
What is your current working situation?
I was made redundant on my first day back to work after I had my son, which is why I set up Mother of all Jobs so I can work wherever I am and at hours that suit our family. Currently, we have childcare 3 full days a week.
How do your clients support you in balancing work and parenting?
As it's me, I can be super flexible and I juggle most days around the kids!
Can you walk me through a typical working day for you and your family? How do you manage the juggle?
I am an early riser. I often get up and run/do an hour’s work before the kids wake up. I walk them to nursery and start my day working as soon as they are dropped off. We share the pickup depending on our workload. Thursdays and Fridays are more of a juggle as we don't have childcare, so we tend to break the day up and one of us has them in the morning and the other in the afternoon.
What role does your co-parent play in managing childcare and household responsibilities?
He assists with childcare as much as his job allows him, however, I do more of the childcare, dropping at clubs and juggling.
What type of childcare do you use and how did you decide on it?
3 days a week at a private nursery. We picked it as we can walk there, it had a high Ofsted rating and we got the right feel when we arrived. It’s also open 11 hours per day.
Do you receive any funded hours for childcare?
No.
How much is your monthly childcare bill, and how does it impact your family's finances and budgeting?
Over £2000 a month! It's absolutely extortionate, but we have no other choice.
How do you feel about your current work situation?
Lucky that I can juggle, but it’s hard!
If you could change one thing about your work or childcare situation, what would it be?
The cost!!
How has your perspective on work and career changed since becoming a parent?
I totally get the juggle that so many working parents have and the guilt which comes with it.
What advice would you give to other working parents trying to balance their careers and family life?
Define work and family time clearly. If you’re working from home, have a dedicated work area and communicate your work hours to your family. Likewise, when you’re with your kids, try to be fully present. Also, you don’t have to do it all alone. Lean on your partner, family, friends, or other parents in similar situations.
How do you handle moments of stress or overwhelm related to balancing work and parenting?
Remind myself that I'm lucky to have a job and that my kids are healthy, and that I always look at that perspective.
How do you prioritise self-care and personal time amid your busy schedule?
My husband and I both love to exercise, so we both encourage each other while the other one has the kids.
Anything else to add?
My company mission is that parenthood should uplift, rather than obstruct, your career path.