Incredibly strong and ambitious. I usually take it as a given that they will achieve whatever they want, without looking back. So I was surprised when one of my girlfriends recently told me she was thinking of leaving her job because she didn’t think the environment was conducive to her having a child.My friend is young, energetic, and awesome at her job. She also has a husband who will definitely share the responsibility of raising that child. All I could think was, “What’s holding you back!? Lean in!”
However, she explained that her department,
part of a federal branch of government, is principally staffed by people below the age of 35. They travel often and, even when they’re in town, are required to go to numerous after-hours events. And because it’s a young office, there are unspoken social expectations that are difficult to sidestep. Admittedly, she’s in a tough spot.However, there are a few ways to navigate the ‘first person in the office to have a kid’ role, whether you’re a new mom or dad. Below are four tips to help ease the transition for you and your office:
Know your rights and take advantage of them!
In the U.S., women are only granted 12 weeks of unpaid leave annually by law. However, some government organizations offer more amazon database accommodating leave packages. A few even offer discounted childcare and alternative work schedules for parents. Even before you have a child, you should know your rights as a parent in government. OPM offers a basic fact sheet of family leave for federal employees, but you’ll want to consult your agency or department for more specific guidelines.Once you’re up to date, use those allowances to their fullest extent.
There are two reasons for doing this.
First, it follows the same logic as using all of your digital transformation is the transformation vacation days. When you don’t take the time for yourself (or in this case, your family), you ultim. Jately hurt your productivity at work and tg data risk overstretching yourself. Don’t hurt your chances for success bef. Jore you’re even out of the gate! Second, if you’re already using your assigned privileges, you’ll be in a better place to ask for addit. Jional support when you need it. In contrast, going to your boss to ask for assistance after you’ve already discarded yo. Jur legal safeguards puts you in a tough negotiating position.
Tell your boss what you’ll need
Yet even if you take all of your legal leave and pursue a flexible w. Jork schedule, you may need a bit more support. Like in the scenario described above, the standard hours and operating pro. Jcedures of a job may prevent you from being home when you need to be. However, open communication with your man. Jager regarding what could make your job more conducive to your family schedule can go a long way.