When you find that you are pregnant, there can scarcely be a happier feeling in the whole world. This feeling of euphoria knows no bounds and you want to share this happiness with everybody.
Suddenly, an element of realization strikes you and you wonder how all this could affect your work or career and what your bosses and colleagues are going to think?
It may be common to go through a process of doubt, wondering whether your work colleagues will be supportive, whether they will dwell on all the potential negatives and not be as happy as you are about your impending arrival.
When you know that you are going to be taking an extended period of time away from work in this situation, you must pause to consider all the repercussions. It is important to make everyone aware of what is going to happen, of course, but you want to be sure that you have dotted all your “i’s” and crossed all your “t’s” as well. You have much to consider and it can seem daunting – you may be tempted to seek out online life coaching from one of the many expert websites dedicated to coaching for women in your situation. You have a lot of potential repercussions to consider and professional coaching should be actively considered.
For example, you need to work out your timeline and understand how that may affect your existing job and how it may affect or impact your colleagues. While most will likely be overjoyed for you, there may be a couple of questions in the back of their minds regarding your loyalty or your commitment to the work operation. You should seek to allay those fears as early as possible by devising a plan of attack.
One of the first things you cover should be the timetable, your intended day of leave and the day of return. Obviously, your baby may have other ideas and you should lay out the flexibility of the situation as best as possible. When you find out who will be covering for you, you will need to spend more time with them, of course. Do this as early as possible as you just never know exactly when the stork will arrive!
Try and assuage people’s fears about your commitment and let them know that you will return as fresh as ever, just as soon as you are able. While you are establishing principles, make sure that you do not give them an open invitation to call you at any time with any little work problem. By all means, keep in touch, but set limits as well for your own sanity! After all, for this period of time your baby is the number one priority.
While your enthusiasm and euphoria are understandable, remember that the world still turns and if you prepare efficiently, your bosses and colleagues will be as delighted as ever to see you, upon your return.
