This is how the balancing act between work and family succeeds
Getting back to work after parental leave is not always easy for many caregivers. In just a few months, know-how has become obsolete and contact with colleagues or residents has diminished. In addition, the new life situation allows less flexibility and workload. How the re-entry works, shows an example from Wolframs-Eschenbach in Northern Bavaria, Germany.
„Working means a lot to me. To compensate as well as to maintain my independence as a woman, „says Anne Albrecht, mother and part-time caregiver. With this view, the 28-year-old is not alone. According to the Federal Statistical Office, three out of four mothers have a job. The majority of them work part-time. Albrecht, for example, who looks after her two-year-old daughter Emma next to four-year-old twins Moritz and Benjamin. „I love to play with the little ones. Likewise, I love caring for older people, „says the geriatric nurse.
Mother and carer out of passion
Already as a teenager, the former high school student nurses her paraplegic grandfather. When it comes to the career choice, it is clear: the Saxon wants to be a nurse. After completion of the three-year training and the birth of the twins, she moves with her newly founded family to Weidenbach in Middle Franconia. For five years Albrecht’s attention belongs exclusively to her children. „A nice and important time, but gradually I longed for new tasks,“ recalls the mother of three.
Step by step
„Sprinting from zero to 100 after a break of several years is not a good idea,“ warns Sebastian Bönisch, spokesman for the Federal Association for Rehabilitation. First, it should be analyzed what works and what does not work. „Often, the previous activity is no longer fully suitable,“ says the health economist. Albrecht is aware of that. She starts as a part-time employee in senior citizen Wolframs-Eschenbach – for the time being part-time. The re-entry is initially difficult. Formalities have changed, processes have changed. The hurdle: the young mother has to acquire new guidelines herself – in addition to work and her obligations at home. „The change was very exhausting,“ recalls the 28-year-old, „is important to stay tuned and overcome obstacles, despite difficulties.“
The timing counts
Meanwhile, Albrecht is clocked and organized. Whether at home or at work – today, the processes go by her hand as a matter of course. Each day starts at 4:50 am before sunrise. After lunch and kindergarden bags are ready, it goes straight for Albrecht to the nursing home. The registered nurse works exclusively in the morning shift: „Otherwise the employment would not be possible for me“, she knows , „my nursing home meets me fortunately and respects my duty plan wishes.“ Closing time is at 14 o’clock. Thereafter, Albrecht drives to the kindergarden. A breather does not fit into the timed schedule. „It took a while to switch the switch from work to mom,“ she says. In the meantime that is no longer an issue. Albrecht is happy as a working mom. The everyday life is knitted tight, „but I enjoy the best of both worlds.“
