We all know the hardships of looking for a job. Going back to work after a baby is no different – you’re currently working a full-time job and trying to find the time to look for another, let alone applying and finding the time to interview. For those of us who have been privileged enough to take maternity leave, like myself, the prospect of going back to work can be both exciting and daunting.

How can I go back to work after having a baby?

Sadly, there is still a stigma around mums returning to the workplace. I was reminded of this after having a conversation with my partner about when and how I would return to work after being made redundant just before giving birth (yes, that’s legal). He affectionately said “Don’t worry, it will be easy”, but deep down I knew otherwise.

Questions dart around my head on a daily basis, such as:

• Have I forgotten how to interview/work after extended maternity?
• Will future employers worry I’m going to leave to have more children?
• That I won’t be as dedicated to my job?

Of course, the answer to all of these on my part, and hopefully my future employers, is no.

As wonderful as my maternity leave has been, I still can’t help but feel anxious about the time I’ve had away from work — the pause I willingly placed on my career.

Read more of my pregnancy and parenthood related posts.