Mother's Day: Lauren shares how flexible working helps her be a mum

By Lauren Sewell, Sourcing Manager

​I have been working at Guidant for almost 17 years now – time has flown!
I’ve always worked within Guidant’s Central Sourcing Team. Starting out as a consultant, I’ve made my way up to Senior Consultant before becoming manager of the team.

Recently, I’ve been moved to manage a high-profile public-sector account, where I’m responsible for screening candidates and organising their assessment centres.

I used to constantly think and worry about work.
Before I had my daughter, Millie, I used to worry and think about work long after I’ve left the office. That’s completely changed since I’ve had Millie. Now, the main thing I think about when I leave the office is how I can juggle childcare during term time and over the holidays.

I’m still passionate about work when I’m at work – it just so happens that Millie’s now become my focus when I’m not working. It’s probably healthier for my own mental health too, considering I’m not stressing over work as I did before; I can come home and really enjoy time with my family.

Working flexibly helps me be a mum.
While I work five days a week, my hours are from 8am to 4pm, with Fridays being my work from home day. If there’s a school meeting I need to attend, or if Millie is unwell, I tend to work from home too, and I know I have the flexibility to do this without there being any issues.

While I don’t live in London (where the office is), I’m very lucky to have a direct train into Liverpool Street station – so my door-to-door commute is only about 40 to 45 minutes.

Having the flexibility that I do is incredibly important to me. Finishing at 4pm gives me the ability to pick Millie up from her childminder at a reasonable time. More importantly, I get to spend a couple extra hours with her before bedtime.

Mornings are a crazy rush for me to get out of the door by 7, so I try for a calm evening instead!

I have terrible “mum guilt”.
Because I work, I don’t get to see Millie much for the majority of the week. So, I relish in Fridays as we get to spend valuable time together – such as bringing her to school and picking her up – which I absolutely love! Millie also loves Fridays as she’ll take the opportunity to sneak on her iPad and watch YouTube videos while I carry on working after I’ve picked her up from school!

I’ve tried to get her to sit at the table and do her homework while I work next to her – I’ve lost that battle so far.

I returned to work when Millie was 9 months old and I really struggled.
It took a while to get back into a routine, but once I did, it was like I had been juggling work and being a mum all my life. To all returning-to-work mothers, it can take a while to find your footing, but it will happen. The main thing is to be organised. I am a massive fan of batch cooking – it helps me get ready for the week ahead.

As a working mum, you set an example for your children.
Sadly, my plan of marrying a millionaire didn’t happen, so I chose to work in order to maintain the lifestyle that my partner and I want, such as going on nice holidays! In all seriousness, it’s important I show Millie that having a good work ethic is crucial and that you should work hard for the things you want.

Breathe, mums!
All in all, being a working mum is hectic and you will always have a million things on your mind, so we must remember to look after ourselves too! You can learn more about your rights to flexible working here.

We know what an amazing job you do every single day, so we hope you enjoy a day you deserve this Sunday. Happy Mother’s Day to all mums out there! Enjoy jamming out to our specially curated Mother's Day playlist!

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