Making the change from being a full time employee to a new working parent is a big transition. Some people embrace the new role, as I did with my first son, while others feel the need to dial back their work duties and spend more time at home.
This is what happened to me, when my family’s desire for a second child turned into spontaneous boy/girl twins. I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to keep up with my full time job and more-than-full-time home life. I am lucky, because when I explained to my managers that I didn’t feel like I could work full time anymore they allowed me to come back from maternity leave on a part time basis. I work both in the office and from home. I’m actually writing this for you, from home, wearing yoga pants with my dogs lying on the floor at my feet. I’m also listening to the Pitch Perfect soundtrack. This would hardly be tolerated by my cubicle neighbor who will edit this article after I have finished. While I was able to continue at my present company on a part time basis I realize that for others that is not the case. Which is why I want to tell you that locum tenens is really a great option for a working parent. We always say that you can work as much or as little as you want. This is truly the case. You could start working one week or weekend a month, or one day a week, or three shifts a month. Whatever you want!
Then as you desire to work more, you can. You are allowed to say no to any and all job opportunities as they arise. Depending on your child care situation, it might be nice to go and stay in a quiet hotel for a weekend while you work. If you are unable to physically go to work, I have another option for you – locum tenens telemedicine. This is the healthcare world’s version of working from home, and it is on the rise. You can work in the comfort of your own home, at night while your children are (hopefully) sleeping, or during the day while they are at school. All you need is a computer, a webcam and an internet connection.
