Karren Brady’s career advice from retraining for retail workers to juggling child care after maternity

If you decide you want to stay in retail, it is a large industry with many different roles and not all require you to be on your feet all day, so try to stay open to all possibilities.

Q) I’m due to return to work next month after having my first child, but I’m worried about what my job will now entail because of the pandemic. I haven’t spoken much to my colleagues, though I know they’ve all been working from home for much of the past year.

I don’t know how I’m going to juggle looking after a 12-month-old baby (especially if her nursery is closed or she gets sick) with coming back to a job that is likely now very different. Help – I’m really worried!

Lara, via email

A) Almost every new mother gets anxious when her maternity leave comes to an end and she goes back to work – this is completely understandable. And during a pandemic you will be wondering about what you’re returning to and how you will manage both your job and your child. Juggling a baby and a job is not easy, but many people do it – you just have to be super-organised.

First, ask HR for a Zoom meeting. Find out what changes, if any, have happened in the organisation and to your role. Reconnect with your colleagues and chat through what challenges they’re facing and how you can help when you return. Set a routine for you and your baby and share as many responsibilities as possible with your partner, if you have one.

It is also important to eat well, sleep well and rest when you can. And some of your colleagues will have children at home, too, so will know exactly what you are going through. Best of luck!

• Got a careers question you want Karren to answer? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk
• Karren cannot answer emails personally. Content is intended as general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice
• Compiled by: Claire Frost