How likely to finish portfolio on maternity leave
May 6, 2020
5 Comments
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
comments
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!