Being pregnant can be an exciting time, but if you are working at the same time, you may be concerned at the thought of leaving your baby with someone else once they are born. While it can be challenging to find that work-life balance afterward, it is possible, and good planning can help you get there.
Get Your Finances in Order
With a baby on the way, your financial situation may change, so now is a great time to get your finances in order. If you have not already, look for ways of lowering your monthly expenses so you can make the most of your current income. One way of doing this is by refinancing your current student loans into a new one. A Earnest student loan refinance can be an excellent way of cutting back on costs.
Making Your Mornings Easier
Creating a more consistent routine can help make things easier as you head out the door each morning. You will know exactly what to do, and you won’t lose as much time fumbling for keys or getting ready. You might pack a lunch, get your baby’s things together, and lay out clothing. However, if you currently work in person, it could be beneficial to find something where you can work from home. Even if you are tied to your computer during work hours, remote work often comes with more flexibility, and you can at least be with your child. If your current job does not allow for remote work, you may consider looking for something where that would be more feasible.
Getting Support at Work
Having honest conversations with your supervisor or manager is important, as it helps you be upfront about your needs. You might ask about policies such as remote work, flexible scheduling, caring for sick kids, and what to do in emergency situations. You may want to learn more about time off and leave policies, as these can be different across various employers. They may offer unpaid leave, personal leave, sick leave, and maternity or paternity leave. The time to have these conversations is before your baby is born, as it can help you be better prepared and plan your time a little better. It also gives your employer a heads up on what is happening.
Don’t Neglect Yourself
It can be hard to take care of yourself, especially if it feels like you do not have enough hours to take care of your little ones. But even if you want to put your own care on the back burner, you need to be healthy if you want to ensure everything at home runs smoothly. You should find healthy habits to relieve stress and feed your soul. If you don’t feel you have enough time for yourself, try to schedule one event for yourself every week. It might be a haircut, a yoga class, or even a grocery shopping trip without your kids in tow. This helps you get into a habit of caring for yourself, and you will feel more refreshed and ready to take care of your family.
Photo by William Fortunato