Back in the Groove: Catie’s Return from Maternity Leave
I sat down with Catie, who had just returned from maternity leave, to talk to her about how her transition back had been.
Q: First off, welcome back to the office! How does it feel to be back?
A: Thanks, Phoebe! I honestly can’t believe how nice it is to be back in the office. It’s definitely been a transition, but what’s made it so much easier is how warm, open and receptive everyone has been. The energy is high, the vibes are positive, and it’s been great meeting so many new people. We’ve also got amazing new clients, so the excitement around everything has really helped with the adjustment.
Q: Since you’ve been back, what do you think has been the hardest part?
A: It’s such a cliché answer, but switching back and forth between two major parts of myself. At work I’m interacting with adults, using a different part of my brain, keeping my energy up… and then at home I’m with three little kids, tuning into their needs. The levels are so different.
I think the hardest part has been moving in and out of those worlds. When I’m at home, I’m thinking “I still need to finish that task,” and when I’m at work I’m wondering what I’m missing at home. I think every parent coming back from leave experiences that. But I’m trying to remember that time helps - in a couple of months this conversation will look very different. Right now I’m still adjusting.
Q: Were you looking forward to coming back, or were you dreading it?
A: If I’m being honest, up until about a week or two before returning, I was dreading it. I really enjoyed my time off. I’d never had a full year with one of my kids before, and once we got through the transition, I got to really enjoy it. That time was so valuable for my family.
I was sad about not being there every day anymore, and I wondered whether coming back to work would justify missing those moments. It becomes very existential! I just had to take it day by day and stop over-anticipating things.
But I remember Tristan checking in, and meeting you guys, and just knowing I was coming back to a completely different atmosphere — very high-energy and exciting. That helped a lot. Then once I actually walked back in, it was so lovely that I couldn’t wait to return again.
Q: And you got to enjoy that shoot in Kew Gardens before officially returning!
A: Yes! That was in June, and it gave me a few weeks of easing in before I was officially back. Bringing the kids to Kew was so special - seeing my work through their eyes really motivates me to work hard.
Q: Is there anything you’re looking forward to in the new year?
A: I’m looking forward to feeling more settled into a routine and a bit calmer. But mostly, I’m excited to see what next year brings. We’ve grown so much as a company, and we genuinely enjoy being around each other. The culture is great, the projects are exciting, and the clients are lovely.
Once I’m through this transition and busy season, I think I’ll be able to hit the ground running again. I’ll be back up to four days a week too, which will be great.
Q: How were the BearJam team when you were coming back?
A: Coming back to work after a long time away felt like a big transition, and the team’s kindness, flexibility, and encouragement made all the difference. They checked in regularly, helped me get up to speed, and supported me through some unexpected travel. It genuinely meant a lot.
Q: Any tips for mums coming back into the workplace?
A: Tips for mums coming back… buckle up! (Just kidding. Sort of.) Be kind to yourself - there’s a lot of logistical and emotional juggling involved, so give yourself credit wherever you can. If possible, ease back in and check in with your team and manager early to have open, honest conversations about expectations. It’s a transition for everyone — you, your family, and your team — and it will happen.
