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Working mums profile: Rachel Bloom
Rachel Bloom lives in Exeter and runs her own business while juggling the demands of her two-year-old “inspiration” and two stepsons. She tells Working Mums how she does it.
What is your current job?Freelance recruiter within the luxury industry and manager of Lafeenoire Maternity, my online shop.
How many children do you have and what are their ages? I have 3. A 2-year-old daughter and 2 stepsons of 12 and 10.
How much time did you take off for maternity/paternity leave? I took four weeks, but I continued my job as a freelance recruiter during that time as I had active assignments.
Did you keep in touch with your job during maternity leave? I was self employed, but I did keep in close contact with my clients and candidates.
How was the first week back? Same as any other!
What kind of childcare do you have and are you happy with it? I am a full-time mum and fit my business around my daughter.
What has been your worst moment as a working parent? Not being able to hear myself or my contact on the phone due to a screeching child.
And your best? Creating an online business from scratch despite being a full-time stay-at-home mum!
What is your typical working day?I check my emails and messages first thing, settle my daughter into an activity. I then pick and pack any orders received and take a trip to the post office. I continue with website optimisation and check off stock and put it on site as new lines. I manage and source new suppliers etc.
How many hours a week do you work/what is your work schedule eg full time, flexitime, compressed hours, etc? I work compressed hours. I have Monday child free and work ad hoc the rest of the week and weekends.
What do you feel, if anything, needs to change to improve work/family life balance? More time to myself! I try to meet a girlfriend once a week for adult conversation! Or take one trip to the gym or a class to restore my sanity!
Do you feel there is enough support/advice for working parents? I’m not sure. I wouldn’t know where to seek it.
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