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Can your career in finance survive a lengthy absence and the added responsibilities of a family?
Of course it can! Just ask Jeanie Mitchell. In February she started work as credit controller in the Glasgow headquarters of the Big Partnership, a PR company with offices across the UK.
Before joining, she’d spent nine years as a full-time mum to two children – enjoying every moment of it but always keeping busy, not least as chairperson of her local PTA and running triathlons. Phew!
We met up with Jeanie to find out how she’s achieved such an amazing work-life balance.
“Before my eldest son was born I’d signed my contract to return to work but then he was premature and my plans had to change.
“I loved being at home with my children and when I decided to go back to work I knew I wanted to keep their routine unchanged – dropping them off at school in the morning and picking them up afterwards. This meant I had to find an employer with a commitment to flexible working.
“That’s where my employers came in. They have a great flexible work culture and were happy for me to work the hours that suited me.
“My biggest concern about getting back into the workplace was whether the systems with which I was familiar would have changed. I expected it to be a bit of a culture shock.
“And yes the systems have been updated but everything else about working in a professional organisation is the same.
“There are five of us in the department and it’s really busy because we handle finance for all the offices. It’s my job to collect fees and I love it. I think I like the thrill of the chase.
“To do the job of a credit controller well you’ve got to know your way around organisations because no two are the same and you must know who to talk to in each one. You have to establish a good relationship with clients.
“My career in finance began with a Youth Training Scheme, which secured me a job in a city centre legal firm and day-release at college but before that I’d helped out on my parents’ farm, doing whatever needed to be done, which could be picking potatoes or working in the farm shop.
“Now I really enjoy working for the Big Partnership and it’s only because of their attitude to flexible working I’ve been able to restart my career.”
If Jeanie’s story has inspired you to refresh your own career, check out the latest Financial Services vacancies on s1jobs.