So You’ve Decided to Return to Work Part-Time: What You Need to Consider

Abbie Coleman is a seasoned expert with a diverse background spanning over 25 years in recruitment. With 12 years of owning her own recruitment firm in the heart of Leeds, she brings a wealth of experience in talent acquisition and management.

Additionally, Abbie has dedicated 10 years to advocating for working mums’ rights in the workplace, championing initiatives to close the motherhood penalty and promote flexible work arrangements and returner programs.

Her expertise has been recognised and quoted in various reputable publications, including the Telegraph, Derbyshire Times, Personnel Today, HR News, and the CIPD returner report and many more.

Returning to Work Part Time – What To Consider

Many people resonate with the topic of returning to work part time. This decision is filled with its own considerations and challenges. So, what are the common hurdles that mums often face when making this transition in returning to work part time?

Returning to Work Part Time: The Considerations and Cons

Financial Considerations

We all know that part-time work usually means a reduction in income compared to a full-time role. So, while you may be taking home an additional wage each month, you need to weigh this against the costs you will outlay over childcare for the hours you work and the potential changes to any financial support you receive from the government, if any.

We are 100% behind any mum looking to go to work, but sometimes, due to how our systems work, it can be a shock how much you will take home. I appreciate it’s not always about the wage, but make sure you have these basics covered in your return to work plan. It helps you know when looking to return to work part time, the hours you would need to make it worthwhile and the salary mark.

Limited Career Advancement

This is challenging; part-time roles often don’t pay substantial salaries. For some reason, the world hasn’t realised that working part-time doesn’t mean you bring less to the table. Part-time roles can offer different growth opportunities than full-time positions. It can be tough to climb the career ladder or compete for promotions when you’re not in the office as much as your full-time counterparts or attending all the external activities and networking. In the UK, we still value full-time over part-time, with no actual reason why as all the evidence points to part time being a great way to work or flexible work hours.

Hours of Work

Part time roles often don’t carry mum-friendly hours. Several times, when I worked in recruitment, a client asked me to recruit a number of part-time positions aimed at mums. However, the hours didn’t fit with childcare, or worse still, they required you to work three months full-time until you had completed induction and the salary wasn’t exactly awe-inspring. Make sure you know what hours work for you. This helps when applying and at interviews, but finding part-time hours that work around the school with little wraparound care can often be an arduous task. Be prepared and know what you need before returning to work part time.

Returning to Work part time Magazine page by MMB Magazine

Balancing Work and Family Responsibilities

The age-old juggling act! Balancing and returning to work between childcare, school activities, and keeping the house in order, finding that sweet spot between work and family life can feel like a high-wire act without a net. But remember, this is not just your mental load; if you have a partner, ensure this is equally split. It isn’t just your responsibility and shouldn’t just be your sacrifice.

Professional Recognition and Visibility

As a part-time worker, you can find it not uncommon to feel a bit invisible in the workplace. This can sometimes lead to a sense of being undervalued or overlooked for the hard work you’re putting in. In fact, how many times have you heard the phrase “you are leaving already, you are a part-timer” as an insult to colleagues working full time? Let me be clear: presentism does not reflect output and ability along with your value. However, businesses still need to understand this, and working smart and effectively is the way forward for more positive experiences when returning to work part time.

Getting to Interview

I have received many calls from intelligent and savvy women who have been reduced to tears upon applying for work when making the move to return to work part time and being knocked back. Often, you get stuck in that rock and a hard place; you have a great CV and lots of experience, but you are being seen as overqualified for the part-time roles due to so many part-time positions being on lower salaries. You don’t get those calls for an interview.

Limited Access to Benefits

This one hits hard. Some part-time positions offer different benefits packages than full-time roles, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. You may find you have to take out your own healthcare or pensions when returning to work part time.

Negotiating Flexibility

Flexibility can sometimes be a significant perk of part-time work, but it’s not always a given, and it’s hard to find more senior roles when you search ” part-time” on the job boards. You should have discussions with your employer about schedules and accommodations. It’s a delicate dance, for sure, and the more prepared you are with what you want and need, the better you can navigate what really will work for you, not just your employer.

Potential for Overwork

Believe it or not, being part-time sometimes means fewer hours. There can be a tendency to take on extra tasks or work beyond your designated hours, especially if you’re trying to prove yourself in your role. Saying no can be your best career move when returning to work part time.

Maintaining Professional Skills

Staying on top of business developments can be trickier when you’re not in the office full-time. This can affect your confidence and competitiveness in the job market. But in reality, working part-time should not hold you back. One of my best things was setting my hours in my email. It soon showed me the people who understand your hours and respect this and those who email when they need something and chase why they haven’t got it, regardless of how many times you have told them your hours.

Are you missing out on those lunch chats, impromptu team lunches, or nights out? It’s a real thing. Part-time workers can feel or be actively isolated from the social scene at work, leading to feelings of disconnect or being overlooked as not a part of the team.

Transitioning Between Roles

Switching gears from parent to employee and back again requires serious acrobatics. It demands adjustments and planning and is only sometimes seamless when returning to the workforce.

Managing Guilt and Expectations

Ah, the ever-present mum guilt. It’s a tough one to shake. Many of us can relate to struggling with the feeling that you’re not giving 100% to either your career or your family. Add other explanations from your family and husband to friends and people in general, and it can feel like a battle you’re in alone, even when you are both parents.

Returning to Work Part-Time: The Benefits

Returning to part-time work as a mum can bring many positive benefits. Let’s celebrate the perks:

Work-Life Balance

Part-time work allows mums to balance their professional and family lives. It will enable you to be present for important moments with your little one while pursuing a fulfilling career.

Quality Time with Family

With part-time hours, you get to spend more quality time with your children, and if this is a crucial driver for you in being at home more for them, then this is a huge plus.

Reduced Stress

Juggling full-time work and family life can be demanding. Part-time hours can alleviate some of that stress, giving you more room to breathe and enjoy your career and family.

Professional Fulfillment

Part-time work allows you to continue pursuing your career goals and utilising your skills. This sense of achievement can positively impact your sense of self and worth.

Financial Stability with Flexibility

The right part-time work provides a steady income while offering the flexibility to meet your needs. It can be a valuable source of financial stability giving you time to move towards what you want from your life and career.

Career Continuity

By working part-time in the workforce, you can maintain your professional network and skills, making it easier to transition back to full-time work or move on to a new company.

Professional Growth Opportunities

Some part-time positions can offer the potential for growth and development within the company. This can lead to new challenges and opportunities for career advancement.

Being in a work environment, even part-time, provides opportunities for social interactions and networking. It helps you stay connected with colleagues and build relationships.

Sense of Independence

Part-time work allows you to maintain a sense of independence and personal identity outside your role as a mother.

Mental Stimulation

Part-time work keeps your mind engaged and stimulated. It offers intellectual challenges and a sense of purpose beyond parenting responsibilities.

#returning to work part time

Returning to Work Part-Time – What To Consider

So You’ve Decided to Return to Work Part-Time: What You Need to Consider

Table of Contents

Returning to Work Part Time – What To Consider