Returning to your old job now you're a mother

Whether going part time, working from home or starting and finishing earlier, there are ways to successfully juggle your family and career. Convincing your company is a different matter, however. ‘Getting what you want is all about good negotiation skills,’ says Florence Kennedy, MD of training and consultancy firm Negotiate. Here’s how to talk your way to the perfect work/life balance.

Do your research

You are entitled to ask for flexible working conditions and your employer must consider your proposal (see direct.gov.uk for more details). Flexible working can mean anything from going part time to compressing your hours (same hours over fewer days), or doing flexi time, where you decide when you work.
‘Check your company handbook or contract to see the policy on changes to terms of employment,’ says Florence, who also recommends you talk to other people who have gone through the process.

Plan your proposal

‘Successful negotiation is 90% preparation,’ says David Bryson, lead trainer at Negotiation Workshop. ‘Ask yourself a lot of “what if?” questions to cover every eventuality. The more difficult the question, the more important it is to address it before you propose new working terms.’ For example, what will your reply be if you ask to work part time and your boss says no?

Cover yourself by thinking of ways to make other possibilities appealing and decide on the minimum you’re willing to accept. ‘Also, list all the possible options that might come up,’ says David. ‘The more you have to trade with, the better. And by thinking of more potential outcomes you may well come up with more creative solutions.’

Consider their needs

What will make your proposals more painless to them? This could be a guaranteed date of return or a reduction in pay. And keep your line manager informed of what you’re doing. ‘Any changes to your terms of employment will directly affect them,’ says Florence. ‘They might be consulted on your request and could influence the changes.’


Present your proposal

Ask for what you want in a simple if/then format: if you give me some of what I want, then I can give you some of what you want. Make it a statement rather than a request and be prepared to justify what you’re asking for.
After you have delivered your proposal, be quiet and let them think about what you’ve said. ‘Don’t fill the silence with further justifications,’ says Florence. ‘It’s the most common mistake I see in negotiation.’

Source:  http://www.askamum.co.uk/Family/Search-Results/Work-and-money/Returning-to-your-old-job-now-youre-a-mother/