It's working for Heidi Zak, CEO ThirdLove
San Francisco, CA
2 children
My company is a part of who I am, what fuels me. I couldn't have imagined not coming back to work.
What is one piece of advice you wish you could offer your former expectant self?
Enjoy all the newborn/baby moments, they go by so quickly.
What was your primary motivation for deciding to return (or not) to work? How early did you tell your employer?
My company is a part of who I am, what fuels me. I couldn’t have imagined not coming back to work.
FOR MOMS: If you breastfed, was there a place for you to pump that met your needs and was conducive to your success? If you breastfed, how did you decide to continue? FOR DADS: What, if any, adjustments did you (or your workplace) make to your schedule after having a baby? Was it specific to your manager or larger, whole work culture?
I used an extra bathroom in our office as the “mother’s room”. I set it up with a small space heater and stool for my computer so I could multitask on calls or emails.
How much leave did you take, and how comfortable were you taking it?
I took off 2 weeks with each, with my second I’ve made the decision to consistently leave earlier so I have some quality time at home with the kids almost every night.
How easy was it to put a childcare arrangement together and did it work for your family?
My nanny has been with us since Sloane was 3 months old, she is like a second mom to both of my kids and I couldn’t do what I do without her.
When did the “new normal” set in for you?
Ha, is that what you call it? I’m still trying to figure out how people survive working and having two kids. 🙂
What was your biggest challenge going back to work?
Getting over the guilt of not being around during the day, being there for all the special moments that occur.
Who was your biggest source of support in returning to work? What was your biggest pregnancy indulgence?
My husband. He helps me keep perspective.
Fill in the blanks: As a working parent, I never expected ____ would be so hard and ____ would be so much easier!
As a working parent, I never expected keeping the house clean would be so hard and that making work “work” for me would be so much easier!
As a working parent, a bad day is when _____ and a good day is when _______.
As a working parent, a bad day is when I miss a first and a good day is when I get good quality time with both kids when I get home from work . . . and manage to give both of them a bath!