Back to Work After a Baby

Dene Gambotto • December 28, 2017

So you’ve decided you’re ready to head back to work after having a bub….you may have had 6 months or 6 years off – either way, it’s important to plan for this and to be realistic.


I believe a good job search starts with a well thought out plan or brief…so the first thing you need to lock in is childcare. It’s really important you do this BEFORE the job search – as we need you to be ready and available to work when you start interviewing. Having done this dance myself I know that childcare can take weeks and in some cases months to find, so I encourage you to start this process early. I’d also recommend that you choose care closest to home and be open to the days of the week – the more flexible you can be the faster it will be for you to secure care.


Once you’ve secured a spot you can start the search, however, I highly recommend that you don’t start working the same week as your little one/s start childcare. Give you and your family at least 3 weeks to get settled (if you can financially) before starting your new job.

 

The search

Be realistic with the days/hours you can manage now that you’re a parent – seek advice from industry recruiters as to how feasible it will be to secure such a role. Get an idea of the time it will take for the search and determine how long you can afford to be paying for childcare without working. Take the time to plan for this and it will ease the pressure both financially and emotionally.

When interviewing ask your future employers to tell you how they provide a family friendly workplace. Ask about how other employees work reduced hours or days around family commitments. Ask lots of questions to ensure they are the right company for you.

 

Getting good at the juggle 

The first week of childcare can be toughest on Mum and Dad…while the second week your little one may catch on that this is the new “norm” and decide to be quite unsettled that week (so no need to add the pressure of your first week into the mix). Once the little one is settled be prepared for the dreaded childcare bugs…so you may have to rely if you can on a nanny agency, friends or relatives a little, so have a think about your support network and get them ‘prepared’.


Get a freezer full of quick go-to meals sorted in advance – as by doing this you minimise not only your need to cook but shop too….as that stop to Woollies between work and childcare pick up may just not be doable…or at least with a toddler/baby in tow can be quite the thing to test your level of patience.


Be kind to yourself and know that it will take you all at least 6 weeks to get into the flow. Be open and honest with your employer. Ask for support from friends and family. 


And most importantly believe in yourself – quite often a few months away from the workplace can leave parents wondering if “they’ve still got what it takes” and I assure you that you do. Some of my best hires internally here at iknowho have been working parents – they’re committed, grateful and super organised…and have a level of resilience that wasn’t their pre-kids (sleep deprivation will do that).

By Kristina Gerdov November 26, 2025
The final months of the year can feel like a sprint for many marketing teams. Campaigns wrap up, planning cycles ramp up, and suddenly there’s more work than hands to deliver it. If you’re feeling the pinch, a short-term freelancer or contractor might be exactly what your team needs - fast, flexible support without the long-term commitment. How a short burst of talent can keep your projects moving: 1. They hit the ground running Freelancers and contractors are used to adapting quickly. They step into new environments often, so onboarding is light-touch and momentum stays high. Short term freelancers are available and can usually start within a week. They offer the flexibility and agility needed to meet rapidly changing workloads & high project timelines. 2. Perfect for “we just need this done” projects From content bursts to campaign delivery, CRM builds or social execution - project-based specialists can take something off your plate entirely. Their diverse experience working with different businesses and brands results in also bringing a new perspective & injecting fresh energy into the team. 3. Flexible, budget-friendly resourcing Short-term contracts give you the expertise you need only when you need it. No tied-up headcount, no long commitment and using our payroll services can help you get around head count issues too. 4. They help protect your team’s bandwidth Instead of stretching your people thin (or risking burnout), temporary support keeps things moving without compromising quality. Many agency suits and marketers build a career through freelancing. 5. Competitive Rates iknowho freelancers are paid a day rate which includes a loading for leave entitlements. There are no upfront fees, you only pay for the days they work. Download our salary guide for day rate equivalents, or use our day rate calculator here . Where we’re seeing the highest demand Campaign execution & go-to-market support Content, social & creative delivery Email, CRM & lifecycle marketing projects Generalist marketers to support BAU Project managers for short sprints Marketing operations support The real benefit? Momentum. Short-term freelancers keep work flowing during the busiest, most pressure-filled periods. They make sure nothing stalls and that your team stays focused on the high-value work only they can deliver. If you’re weighing up whether temporary support could help, the answer is usually yes. And we’re here to make it easy. Reach out to one of our experienced Talent Partners to discuss your needs today.
By Kristina Gerdov September 3, 2025
For many growing businesses, marketing is often something that gets added to the to-do list of already busy managers or existing teams. A social post here, an email there, and maybe a campaign when there’s time. But without dedicated expertise, marketing rarely delivers the consistency and commercial results your brand needs to grow. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to bring in a dedicated marketing resource, here are the key things to consider and how to ensure your first hire is set up for success. 1. The Telltale signs If your demand generation has stalled, you’re struggling to convert interest into sales, or your brand presence feels disjointed, it’s time to stop relying on ad-hoc efforts. A dedicated marketer can build and execute a strategic plan that drives consistent results and positions your brand for long-term growth. 2. What to avoid It can be tempting to look for a “jack-of-all-trades” who can do a little bit of everything. The reality? Even the most talented marketer will struggle without clear goals and defined outcomes on what the business is looking to achieve. Hiring without clarity can lead to underwhelming results and frustration on both sides. Be specific about the expertise you need and the outcomes you expect. 3. Why this hire is so important to get right Your first marketing hire is more than just another role, it often lays the foundation for your brands future growth engine. The right hire can build momentum and shape how your future team evolves. The wrong hire however, can stall progress, waste budget, and leave you back at square one. 4. Fractional vs full-time Not quite ready for a permanent commitment? Fractional marketers can be a great short-term solution to get things moving while you build the case for a full-time hire. Just be clear on their remit. Fractional marketers are ideal for campaigns, projects, or interim support, but they’re not typically suited to long-term brand building or team development. 5. What kind of marketer do you actually need? Marketing as a discipline is broad, as are the tools used to reach your desired target audience. Do you need someone to drive digital acquisition, manage partnerships, develop content, or build brand strategy? Start by clarifying your business’s biggest priorities and pain points, then match the skillset accordingly. The clearer you are upfront, the better the outcome. 6. How to set them up for success Hiring the right person is only half the job. To see results and maximum impact, you need to set your new hire up for success. This means: Clear KPIs so they know what good Vs great looks like The marketing tools and access to the resources they need to deliver  Integration into cross-functional conversations with key decision-makers from day one Bec Godkin, Senior Talent Partner says “Marketing can’t succeed in a silo. The deeper your marketer is connected across the business and understands the various levers that shape success, the greater their impact will be” Hiring your first marketer is an exciting step - it signals growth, ambition, and the desire to build something bigger. By being clear on what you need, avoiding common pitfalls, and setting your hire up for success, you’ll give your business the best chance to thrive. At iknowho , we specialise in helping brands make their first marketing hire. If you’d like to talk through what kind of marketer is right for your business, we’re here to help.
By Kristina Gerdov June 25, 2025
Discover what a Fractional CMO is, the benefits they bring, and how to know if hiring one is the right move for your business.
more posts