Mums at home

Ask Kate Column: ML of Coomera is a mum whose story is worth hearing.

“I was reading your column on companies being able to attract mums way out of their league if only they would re-engineer their jobs to suit the needs of the modern day family. I don’t think I even got to the bottom of the article before I was already wording an email to you as what I was reading rung so many bells!

“I became a new mother seven months ago. I work in the public sector as a personal assistant to a high profile executive and am due back at work following paid maternity leave in five weeks time.

“However, I can’t bear the thought of leaving my little girl in day care, so a few weeks ago I did a quick assessment of what companies might be able to offer me work.

“I applied for night fill work at the local supermarket and am working there three nights a week while my husband is at home. I also mentioned to a neighbour that I was looking for work from home.

“She knew an accountant looking for someone to help her with book keeping on the condition I work from home. I used to work as an auditor and a tax consultant - perfect!

“Having come from a permanent job with sick pay, holiday pay and other benefits, relying on two casual positions is a little scary for me but I have done a bit of financial planning and for me to stay home a little longer I would like to add either another casual employer to my income sources or get another work from home opportunity. Keep you posted.”