Returning To The Practice Of Law As A New Mom

On March 15, 2007, I had my first child, a beautiful 10 pound baby boy.   A few months later, I returned to work, and I am still trying to figure out how to balance my new role as a mother with my role as a new partner in a very large law firm.  As I struggle with how to achieve the perfect work/life balance, I think about the many women who have been in similar positions before me, or who are struggling with similar issues now as they return to the workplace.  I thought we could share our experiences with each other, in hopes that we could learn from one another.  For example, I know I would like to hear from others as to what has worked or what has not worked when trying to have it all – the family and the career.  So, I thought I’d start the discussion by asking some questions below.  I welcome other members’ questions to the group, answers to questions posted, thoughts and advice, and hope that we can start a dialogue that will be helpful to many women facing the same issues.

QUESTIONS:  1.  What are the biggest challenges you have faced since returning to work?  How have you dealt with them?  2.  What advice would you give to other women returning to work?  caring for small children?  3.  What’s the best advice someone has given you?  4.  What type of childcare works best for you?  5.  How did you transition back into the work force?  6.  How do you manage your household?  Who does the cooking, the laundry, the grocery shopping, etc.?  7.  Have you developed any time-saving techniques worth sharing?  8.  Do you work full time?  How do you manage the hours?