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Moms At Work

Making A Smooth Transition

By Mary Dixon Weidler

No matter what type of childcare is best for you, it is important to explore your options and make your decision well in advance of your return to work. This is not an area for "winging it," so be sure to secure a caregiver -- and, if necessary, have a back-up in place -- before your first day on the job.

Once you have arranged childcare, you may want to ease the transition by discussing your home/work arrangement with your boss. Some jobs offer more flexibility than others, of course, but it's important that both of you understand the demands of the job, and what may be negotiable. Keep in mind that, if this is a new employer, you may need to prove your worth before being in a position where you can request some flexibility. However, many employers are willing to work with you, as long as you can prove what you're asking will help -- not hinder -- their business mission. Keep this in mind when you negotiate.

Also remember that gaining things like flexible hours may mean giving up something in the long run. "Working part time, I'm definitely out of the promotion loop," says environmental engineer Diane Gow McDilda of Gainesville, Fla. "That's fine with me."

You also need to negotiate with your other partner: your spouse. You may want to coordinate such things as schedules, home responsibilities, and who takes off when your child is sick. "My husband and I work opposite hours, so he had them while I was at work an vice versa," McDilda says. Others say sick child duties are delegated to the parent who has the most paid sick time.

Want to see more?

• Mommy Don't Go! Handling Separation Anxiety
• Moms At Work Part Three - The Work-At-Home Option: Is It for You?
• Moms At Work Part Two - The Art of Interviewing
• Moms At Work Part One - Is Returning to Work Right for You?
• Preschool /Daycare Checklist
• How to Select Quality Daycare for Your Child

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