2024-January-24
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Navigating Life’s Transitions
BY SARAH JANE YEE · BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER · SINGAPORE
WITH HELEN GALL
3 MINUTE READ · 5 MINUTE LISTEN
In November 2023, there was a looming deadline for me — both nerve-wracking and exciting.
I had nine months to prepare, but as I approached the final stretch of my pregnancy, the feeling of unsettlement grew. Reflecting on my second parental leave, I realized how different it was from the first and how much more prepared I was.
Long-term leave cannot always be planned, but being prepared and knowing the necessary steps and support systems can ease the transition.
As the Chapter Leader for Back to Business Singapore, I’m sharing my experience and lessons learned to help colleagues have a positive experience during life transitions.
My first parental leave was in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a surreal experience, working from home throughout my pregnancy due to office shutdowns and restrictions.
It felt impersonal to deliver the news of my impending leave over Webex. And I felt the need to apologize for any inconvenience caused.
I wrapped up my work and handed over my deliverables. My manager was understanding, and I felt confident about returning in 16 weeks.
However, the reality was different.
After my son was born, I underwent a transformative experience. My priorities, my brain, my body were all rewired. I was discovering this “new” me.
Matrescence — the process of becoming a mother — shifted my relationship with my career and life.
As my 16 weeks of leave flew by, I became nervous about returning to work. How was I going to balance two full-time jobs — my day job and being a mom — while maintaining productivity, and managing my baby's schedule? It seemed overwhelming.
I needed support from Cisco.
Returning was challenging. I struggled to meet obligations on both the work and home fronts. Six months before my leave, I joined the Cisco Jump Women's Leadership Program (JUMP).
Through JUMP, I connected with an external mentor who understood my need for support beyond my immediate team. She suggested creating a platform for returnees to connect and grow within Cisco.
I reached out to my People and Communities lead for ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), who introduced me to the Back to Business Network, a global chapter focused on supporting employees returning to work from a period of extended leave to find support and share experiences. I also discovered the many Inclusive Communities available to me.
In March 2022, after recognizing the need for greater support for local returnees, I started the Singapore B2B chapter. It took me almost ten months to build the foundations in Singapore, locate an executive sponsor, build a team, and identify what the Singapore chapter needed so we could support our community members.
This network of colleagues, all working towards an inclusive future where everyone is included, has become invaluable.
Being part of Back to Business empowered me for my second parental leave.
I was more prepared, confident, and equipped to handle the transition. However, I knew that many colleagues still faced difficulties during similar transitions. This motivated me to build the chapter, resources, and support network needed.
I learned valuable lessons during my journey:
- Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that this transition is uniquely your own.
- Reach out to your teammates, create a thorough handover plan, and catch up 1:1 when you return to find ways you can support one another.
- Establish boundaries and prioritize what matters to you. Share these with your team.
- Educate yourself about your rights, explore your options, and get to know the Cisco Benefits and resources available.
Back to Business offers a wealth of information through the Back to Business Webex Chatbot. Just type “GotUBack” into the Webex search bar to join.
By sharing my experience and providing support, I hope to be a role model for colleagues preparing for long-term leave.
Transparency with leadership is crucial, and it's OK not to be OK.
Preparation is key for a positive experience during life transitions. By utilizing available resources and support systems, we can navigate these challenges more effectively.
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