The unexpected joy of work after a pregnant pause

There are certainly days where I feel stretched between two roles – mother and marketer – but it’s a relief to feel like my brain is useful again. I was surprised by how quickly I slotted back into the world of B2B, and I felt a renewed sense of wanting to create good work.

But what has almost been better is coming back to our little Velocity community. After months without Slack chats, Wordle updates and expeditions to find Richmond’s most expensive baguette, I realized how important work micro-interactions are in my life. It’s good to feel a part of something, especially when you have been defined by one role and one thing for a year.

I post a picture of my baby on the dog Slack channel and people coo over her as though she is a brand new puppy (maybe she is?). 

My colleagues with children empathize about rocking her back to sleep in the middle of the night and then working the next day. I’m given grace throughout my day, especially when it comes to nursery drop-offs. One colleague tells me: “if your baby is sick, don’t pretend you can carry on as normal. I did that once and burst a blood vessel in my eye.”

Yes, I think, this is not the kind of place where you need to burst a blood vessel to do your job – and I am grateful for that. It’s already hard enough to balance work and parenthood without pretending that you’re not. 

This is one of the things that struck me when I was first interviewed for the role over two years ago: “We don’t want work Rebecca,” my colleague said, “we want to see the real Rebecca.” It’s a nice sentiment and one I’ve felt to be true at Velocity. It’s not always easy to be your most authentic self at work when there is still work to be done, but it helps knowing that it’s welcomed.

My real self these days might be sleep deprived and constantly fighting a cold, but I am also grateful. After time off raising my daughter, I’ve come back to a place where people listen to how I’m really doing, make me cups of tea and celebrate my work. 

Although a lot has changed since I left (in the world of Velocity and the world of marketing), the sense of community is the same.

This is a big help when you first come back and worry about catching up on what’s happened without you. As the old adage goes: the days are long but the years are short. 

Sometimes, it feels like that blog you’re writing won’t ever end. And then suddenly you look up and everyone’s talking about Marketing 3.0.

As I enter a new era of motherhood, and Velocity evolves to meet another year of marketing, I feel like I’m supported. It takes a village, and we’ve got a pretty good one.