Working Parents

Last week, our Head of Franchise, Jo, paid us a visit at head office with her beautiful new arrival, Neeve. Following a flamboyant arrival and 5 minutes of all the ladies (and Charles, our director) cooing over Neeve, Jo was straight back into business mode.

This led us to write a blog post about working parents and we wanted to pick Jo’s brain…

Q: How have you established a work-life balance?

Jo: I love travel; therefore I am very lucky to work in this industry. This makes it quite easy for me to balance work and home life. Although I only work 3 days in the office, I am constantly checking my emails and thinking of the next steps and progression for the business. However, I am aware of when my family need me and when to take a break, especially with two children under 3.

Q: Do you use child care to help?

Jo: Yes, my eldest goes to nursery 3 days a week and my parents kindly have him 2 days a week. At the moment, I am on maternity leave so it’s a bit different. However, when I am back to it, this is a brilliant help and allows me to put all my energy into work, even when working from home.

Q: What motivates you to get back into work?

Jo: I have always been very career driven and we are in an exciting time with the business – it is not something that I can or want to shut off from. I am constantly thinking of new things we can do and how to get better. I have a strong work ethic and working in travel is brilliant motivation.

Q: How do you switch off when spending time with your children?

Jo: I ensure I have prepared for any days off such as completing current tasks and if I haven’t had a chance to action something, keeping people updated on the progress. I also set an out of office so people are aware I’m unavailable.

During normal weeks, having designated family time really helps – we attempt to eat at the same time together and have a routine bedtime. At these times, I am comfortable to turn off the laptop and put it away.

Q: How do you like to spend your downtime?

Jo: I have always had a passion for travel – that will never go away, I have now just had to adapt it to suit my little ones. So I love spending downtime on holiday, enjoying new experiences together.

 

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