While I always knew being a mum would bring new challenges, I couldn’t fully prepare for the mental load. Planning, organising, anticipating needs and making decisions are constant, and that expands when you go to work
Nine months have flown by, and stepping back into a professional environment brings a mix of emotions. Leaving my son to return to work has been challenging, but I’ve also recognised the importance of having a purpose outside of motherhood. Work provides structure, focus and a sense of identity that complements, rather than competes with, being a parent.
One of the biggest practical challenges is juggling time and childcare. Schedules become tighter, flexibility is limited, and efficiency is more important than ever. Multitasking is no longer optional; it’s essential, and planning ahead becomes critical to staying on top of both work and family responsibilities.
This is where my background in professional sport has been invaluable. Sport teaches you very quickly to understand your strengths and weaknesses. It also forces you to manage time effectively, often balancing training, recovery, travel, media commitments and performance pressure. Those skills don’t disappear when competition ends, as we know at LAPS, they transfer directly into working life.
During my badminton career, I learned that I personally thrive on structure and routine. Training schedules, performance plans and competition timelines gave me clarity and focus. As I return to work, I’ve leaned on those same principles. Clear planning, consistent routines and realistic expectations have helped me manage the transition more effectively.
However, throw a baby into the mix and predictability goes out the window! Fortunately, professional sport also develops resilience and adaptability. Things rarely go exactly to plan, and setbacks are part of the process. Returning to work after maternity leave is similar. There will be days when things don’t run smoothly, when naps don’t go to plan, or a lack of sleep takes its toll. The ability to stay composed, adjust quickly and keep moving forward is something sport certainly prepares you for.
The biggest lesson is that returning to work isn’t about “getting back” to who you were before. It’s about recognising how your skills have evolved. Parenthood adds perspective, efficiency and emotional intelligence, qualities that are highly valuable in any workplace.
For athletes transitioning into new phases of life, whether that’s parenthood, retirement or a career shift, the key is recognising that the skills built through sport are durable. They don’t expire; they simply get applied in new ways.