How likely to finish portfolio on maternity leave
I’ve been putting off updating and redesigning my portfolio for years. I want to start job hunting after maternity leave. I’ve turned down two great jobs without having a portfolio rather than start a new job before mat leave. Got Google and Facebook recruiters on hold at the moment - I don’t want to wait too long. I can do the whole PDF thing, but I wanna bring my best. Due date is in 2 weeks. Have one project almost done. I’m slammed at work. But I have 14 weeks of maternity leave. Am I crazy to think I’ll have a little time here and there to work on it? Even with a supportive partner who says he’ll make sure I have the time? Are we crazy to think we’ll even have extra time at all? What was your parental leave like? TC: 115k YOE: 3.5
It's possible, but takes planning and commitment! Get lots of help so you'll have dedicated time to yourself, and the will power to not use that time for resting...
The first month is crazy and my husband and I only got 1.5-2 hrs of sleep at a time (multiple chunks per 24 hrs) but I actually felt like I had more time to myself during the "4th trimester" compared to later on just because baby is mostly eating, sleeping, and pooping, and not as active or alert yet. (We were able to go out and do way more during these months before baby got settled into a routine. Also, if your baby is a good sleeper, consider yourself blessed.) We did not have any live-in help but we did have friends who did a meal train for us the first 2 weeks which was amazing. Also, the difference between just my husband and I at home vs my best friend or sister coming by to watch the baby for an hour or two (and do the dishes) so we could sleep was immense. So I think if you prioritize it, you can do it, but even then it'll be tough. Your body will still be recovering during the first 6 weeks postpartum and going through labor and delivery feels like waking up after a car crash, so rest and taking care of yourself is super important. Caveat: If your husband is planning to take his paternity leave with you, then you'll definitely have time to focus on your portfolio while he takes care of the baby. If he goes back to work after 2 weeks like mine did, it'll be a lot harder but still doable. Good luck, and congratulations on your bundle of joy!
Don't have much to suggest BUT I worked here and there after joining back on 12th week and that affected my physical and mental health that I am still not able to recover.
As hard as it was, i pushed through finishing my portfolio BEFORE my baby. I was also pretty slammed at work. I just forced myself to finish it. SO glad i pushed through. Wasnt easy tho.
I was in your shoes around 9 months backs. I didn’t even get a chance to open my work email. But it depends if you have support to take care of the baby. But I feel, I should have not wasted my 16 weeks leave. Now it is impossible with infant walking around