When a ‘Timely’ opportunity presents itself, take it!

Becoming a mother is a wonderful thing. Your life is filled with a new joy bigger than any other you have ever experienced. It is also filled with a lot of chaos and stained furniture but that’s all part of the fun. 

However, in my experience the transition into motherhood also came with a lot of uncertainty, not over my capabilities as a new mum but my career options. 

I think I speak for the masses when I say maternity leave is highly anticipated and well welcomed. I was merely focused on my swollen feet, meeting my daughter, and enjoying my time off. I never considered what would happen when it ended, even though I had no job to return to. I pushed it to the back of my mind, until one day it creeped to the front, and it became all consuming. 

What were my options? Was my career over? How do I navigate such a huge change with no direction? 

The overwhelming feeling of doubt and insecurity consumed me. I thought about it every day, I searched for jobs that would respect my new priorities and still allow me to stay in the same area of work and have a career, I found no results. I had all the skills, the experience but I couldn’t commit to the expected hours. 

Like many women, my professional identity felt so fragile after becoming a mother, but it is important to remember that feelings are not facts. 

Fast forward six months and I had signed up to Timely Careers as a candidate and began to rediscover my offering and potential. I used the platform to learn more about my skill set and found appreciation for the new transferable skills that I developed since becoming a parent. I used the CV Builder tool to update my CV, and I brushed up on interview questions using the platform’s Interview Stimulator. I followed their social media and every time I searched for a flexible job, I went straight to the platform. 

Timely Careers allowed me to work on my personal development and take back my professional power and I knew when the right role came along, I would be ready to take the opportunity. As chance has it, a timely opportunity did present itself and I took it. I went from candidate to team member after finding my role with Timely Careers as Engagement Executive on the jobs board.

I wish I could go back and tell the version of myself that felt so stressed about the future and had lost career direction, that soon she would be working for an organisation that would not only respect her new commitments, allow her the flexibility that she needs to be a mother and have a career, but also an organisation that is a catalyst for change for all working mothers in Northern Ireland.  

In 2024, flexible work arrangements from day one of employment is a critical component of creating an inclusive workplace. It isn’t enough to have it in the mission statement.  When recruiting organisations need to create equal opportunity roles. It is essential to recognise the invaluable contributions that women with children, women who are carers and women that have taken a career break make to our workforce. 
They bring a wealth of skills, experience and perspective that enriches our workplaces and contributes to the overall success of the economy. According to a report by PWC, if women in Northern Ireland were engaged in the workplace at the same rate as those in London, it would add £1.7 billion to the Northern Ireland economy.


Timely Careers works to remove the obstacles, anxiety, and challenges that women who want to return to work often face. I have experienced these obstacles, anxieties and challenges, I was that woman.

Based on my own experience, here are my key pieces of advice for returners when signing up to Timely Careers as a candidate:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Engagement Executive I strive to connect with as many women as possible. I want to help and support women returning to work regain their confidence, believe in themselves, feel prepared for their return and have the courage to take the opportunity when it presents itself.  

Whether you’re searching for part-time and flexible career opportunities that respect your other commitments, or you’re feeling stuck and need a helping hand to step back into the workplace with confidence, Timely Careers is here to support you. 

I can relate and understand your situation. Please feel free to reach out or join us on Tuesday 20th February for an informal ‘Coffee and Catch-Up’ online. 

Get in touch with Grainne today via email: grainne@timelycareers.com 
Or visit the Timely Careers website