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Ask the Expert: Finding Balance Natalie Gahrmann is a success coach and owner of N-R-G Coaching Associates, a private coaching company that specializes in helping working parents achieve mastery of work and life. Her clients experience more clarity, direction and alignment while reducing stress in their busy lives.
Work Schedules After a BabyWanetta writes, "I'm 7 months pregnant. My husband and I both work and are exploring different ideas on how to make find time to raise a family and continue at the same income level. We've talked about working split shifts where I work nights and my husband works days that way one of us is always at home. We've also talked about my working part-time and my husband taking on an additional part-time job. What do you think of these types of arrangements?"Answer: Fortunately, more and more working mothers are finding ways to bend the traditional workplace rules to accommodate their needs. I encourage you to explore every opportunity to determine what's right for you and your family. Also, talk with your current employer about flexible work options. Determine what you need and negotiate for it. You may be able to arrange to work part-time, flex-time, or under a job-share arrangements with your current employer. If you really want to work part-time but are afraid you cannot afford to, you may be able to increase your income and tighten your expenses while gaining flexibility. Explore various part-time plans that include differing reductions in hours to determine what equation will work best for you. Part-time is not necessarily 20-25 hours in 3 days, so, figure out what you expect will work for you and negotiate for that. You can also make yourself more valuable at work by taking on extra responsibilities for higher earnings and less hours. Work on projects and activities that are crucial to the success of the company. You may also be able to use this opportunity to start your own business from home. The key is to increase flexibility without causing financial hardships. On the of the first steps is to determine how much income you really need. Truly evaluate how much income you'll need to live at some comfort level and how much you may be willing to give up. You may find that it 's not necessary to retain the same exact income level now if you're willing to re-examine your spending. Begin by tracking your spending and start plugging the holes in your budget that are spent on frivolous items or other non-essentials. There is a great tool online to determine how much you are spending at Ka-ching.com. Your priorities may in fact change after you have your baby, too. Look at all of your necessary expenses, foreseeable expenses and savings desired. Look at where you can simplify, then create a budget and a plan for sticking to it. Many new mothers choose to leave work or work part-time hours if they can afford to do it. Other mothers either choose to continue working, or, really have to continue to support family expenses. The decisions you are facing about work are faced by just about every expectant mom. It's critical that you and your spouse continue your discussion and exploration of options. Determine what's right for you without letting outside opinions and influences interfere. Allow your husband to express his personal opinions, concern and ideas. The communication process you establish now will help you develop the support and agreement you'll need for on-going success. Here's some helpful discussion starters:
Remember, you have the option, in most cases, to change your mind if things are not working as you expected. Remain open and evaluate how things are going.
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