Lin

Mom to Hugo & Archie

Employment Brand Manager

Maternity Leave: 4 months

What did you struggle with most about returning to work?

What didn’t I struggle with when I returned to work? It was overwhelming and the anxiety began about 6 weeks before my return date. The pinnacle of my worries was being able to keep up with breastfeeding. Second to that was funding care for my precious little bean. Then the long commute, then the influx of emails....the list goes on as long as the Sagrada Familia has been under restoration.

What do you find difficult about being a working parent?

Everything. Everything is difficult. Being impactful at both work and home is impossible. You have to pick your battles. And our laundry room has become a war zone.

What do you enjoy about being a working parent?

I enjoy being away from my kids as much as being with my kids.

After being back at work for some time, have your views about career and family changed?

Absolutely. I think about quitting all the time. I know in my old age I will care more about my accomplishments as a parent vs my accomplishments at work. But I also want to be a role model to my kids; to inspire them to always reach for the stars.

Knowing what you know now, what’s one thing you wish you could go back in time and tell yourself as you were preparing to return to work or getting ramped up in your role?

Don’t have children. I’m kidding. I would say to myself-enjoy your time away and don’t worry so much about when you go back to work. It just takes time to adjust, and a lot of self-forgiveness.