Demystifying maternity leave – an open panel discussion around how maternity leave works and our experiences across our organisations

Posted by Ruth Chapman

13 February 2023

We were joined by Dr Saffron O’Neill, Associate Professor in Geography at the University of Exeter, together with Dr Caroline Bain, Enterprise Architect at the Met Office and founder of the Returners Network scheme, and Abigail Mewse, Benefits Manager and Lead of the Women’s Network at the Met Office.

We discussed how to prepare for, take and bounce back from maternity leave at both the University of Exeter and Met Office.

A theme raised early on is there is no perfect time to take maternity leave in your career, life can throw all sorts at you but your resilience built in your personal life will be reflected in your professional career.

Unfortunately, there are very few working mums held at senior positions in both the Met Office and particularly at the University, but why? What forces women out of their successful scientific careers?

Struggle when initially returning to work after leave

What can help: Returners Network scheme within the Met Office, which encourages mentoring, secondments or a ‘potted project’ to aid your transition back to work after an extended break, known as the ‘spin up’ period. If applicable, there is also the option of flexible working or working part-time when you return.

Uncertainty of how to balance the ‘extras’ alongside the science e.g. international conferences, field trips, etc. when you’re already at capacity?

What can help: Be specific and manage your time well. Seek out specific contacts and prepare for your pregnancy and time off by adjusting your workload and taking field trips early in your career. Don’t be afraid to coast along for a little while you juggle your personal life.

Difficult to raise concerns at work with colleagues for fear of not being respected / fear of losing your job

What can help: try to be open with your line manager and if possible, find a mentor/ friend to share your concerns. Many other mums might be feeling the same! A good network is invaluable.

Unsure how to ‘catch up’ the time taken on leave.

What can help: prepare for your time off so it’s possible to not break your publication record while on leave, or join long-term projects. Easier said than done! Enjoy the precious time off as there will be many working years ahead to catch up with colleagues. Try not to compare yourself to colleagues.

5.The challenge of balancing a career and a family e.g. taking sick leave

What can help: don’t be ashamed to take emergency leave when needed, and use the option to work from home where possible. My favourite piece of advice was no matter what happens ‘enjoy your life’ . Family should come before your career.

Some suggestions from the panel include:

Have a good life. Don’t give up your life for your career. If you want kids, have them. You don’t have to choose one over the other.
The career impact of having children can for last years, don’t be disheartened in your 40s if you feel like your career is not where you expected, there will be time. Be patient, stick to what you enjoy rather than a pre-fabricated plan, you don’t ‘owe’ your early self a career you preconceived a long time ago.
While pregnant or returning from leave, be picky about what you say yes to. If you do want to go to conferences, prioritise smaller more focused meetings.
If you are not finding the opportunities to network, email people who’s work you like and introduce yourself. You might be able to spark up a collaboration.
Don’t assume that once you decide to get pregnant that it will happen on a timeline you set out. Fertility issues might be issue and it might take longer than you planned.
Get support. There are people who would be happy to support/mentor you. Just ask them.
Life can throw curved balls, posing challenges you weren’t expecting. This can be unsettling in-terms of career ambitions, focus on what you need to do in terms of your family and surviving, even if it’s for a few years. Your career will return and a few years of ‘treading water’ is not significant. Reach out to line managers, colleagues, the Union for advice and use whatever is available in terms of leave, adjustments and mental health support.