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Sarah ‘19's avatar

Any bath gimmick, my husband’s bought it. Bath crayons, bubbles, bath bombs- all have been used to incentivize my son to get into the bath without dragging his feet (“but Mommy I want to be dirty”). And they work too! He was especially excited when we had a new bath bomb to look forward to every night. He’s the classic cries about bath time but then cries that he doesn’t want to come out lol.

About work- I found it too overwhelming juggling everything that after eight months back at the job I cut my already part-time hours by half. Luckily my company was able to find me a flexible position where I don’t have to be glued to my computer or emails all day long. I work when I can work and I don’t stress when I can’t. I do love my job, so I’m super super grateful that I’m able to keep it while also having my primary focus be on my two kids during the day.

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Rachel Beiser's avatar

Ah yes - a struggle to get in, a struggle to get out. That’s so nice that your company affords you flexibility in this season of life!! I’m so happy to hear that you get to have a job you love that takes up just the right amount of time

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Danielle Bayer's avatar

I am a first time mom and have a 6 month old. I recently returned to work and I've been loving your newsletter, it feels so relatable. thank you for sharing <3

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Rachel Beiser's avatar

Danielle!! I remember you! Mazal tov on your baby 🩷 I hope motherhood has been treating you well. Thank you for reading and I’m so glad that you’re finding this relatable!

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Nissa Levy's avatar

Loved this article. I’m back at work after a 3 month maternity leave as well. As you mentioned, I’m getting used to seeing myself as a mom first and a professional second. It’s a hard shift to make when you’ve been a working person for a long time before becoming a mom.

Your article also gave me Severance vibes! Reintegration, work life vs personal life— the show offers a great opportunity for thinking about these issues!

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Rachel Beiser's avatar

I’m so glad this resonated. And YES I’ve been thinking about Severance a lot through this experience (and had to drop the term “reintegration” 🤣 - glad you caught that!) because it truly does feel like there is this major divide between work and personal

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Malka Alweis's avatar

I can so relate to the cultural self-identity/work enmeshment. I struggled with this when I left my job and had to actively remind myself of all the other components of my identity. Love that you’re working in that BEFORE it reaches the point of crisis.

Also, as per your advice I use a lanyard for my keys now and I freakin love it. But also, if they’d just make more women’s clothing with pockets this wouldn’t be as big of an issue!!!

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Rachel Beiser's avatar

Yes to all of the above! I'm glad the work/identity thing is relatable -- we'll see how my efforts pan out! And YAY I'm so glad you like the lanyard idea!!

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malka neustadter's avatar

Glad to hear you are finding things that work for you. The one about hot water from the tap you night want to reconsider

https://www.epa.gov/lead/why-cant-i-use-hot-water-tap-drinking-cooking-or-making-baby-formula

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Rachel Beiser's avatar

Wow I did not know this! Thank you for sharing

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malka neustadter's avatar

it takes a village

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