Congratulations! You're pregnant! There can scarcely be a happier feeling in the whole world and you probably want to tell the world about your wonderful news.
But at some point, reality strikes you and you wonder how your impending maternity leave might affect your work or career and how your colleagues might react.
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, it helps to carefully consider all the implications.
Whilst it is important to make everyone aware of your maternity leave you also need to be certain that you have dotted all your "i's" and crossed all your "t's" as well.
You have a lot to think about, and you might wonder where on earth to start.
You may be tempted to seek out online life coaching from one of the many expert websites dedicated to coaching for women and mums to be.
Professional coaching can help you get clarity, direction and a sense of calm before you go on maternity leave.
A good exercise is to look at your timeline and see how it will affect your existing job and how it might impact your colleagues.
Whilst most people will likely be pleased for you, there are always a few doubters and worriers, so seek to allay their fears as early as possible by devising a transition plan for your maternity leave.
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, the world will still be turning.
However, by taking some time to think and plan now, you can enjoy your maternity in peace!
But at some point, reality strikes you and you wonder how your impending maternity leave might affect your work or career and how your colleagues might react.
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, it helps to carefully consider all the implications.
Whilst it is important to make everyone aware of your maternity leave you also need to be certain that you have dotted all your "i's" and crossed all your "t's" as well.
You have a lot to think about, and you might wonder where on earth to start.
You may be tempted to seek out online life coaching from one of the many expert websites dedicated to coaching for women and mums to be.
Professional coaching can help you get clarity, direction and a sense of calm before you go on maternity leave.
A good exercise is to look at your timeline and see how it will affect your existing job and how it might impact your colleagues.
Whilst most people will likely be pleased for you, there are always a few doubters and worriers, so seek to allay their fears as early as possible by devising a transition plan for your maternity leave.
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, the world will still be turning.
However, by taking some time to think and plan now, you can enjoy your maternity in peace!
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