Melissa Wilde is a Senior Accountant in LBWs Tax & Business Advisory division.
She’s been with the firm for 2 years and has recently welcomed her very first baby to the world. Congratulations Mel and Aaron!!
Melissa is very keen to continue working as an Accountant with LBW along with her new role as a Mum, but let’s be honest, anyone who has had a child before knows that life as she knows it is about to change in a pretty big way. We sat down with her before she started her parental leave to ask her all the how’s and when’s about balancing these two roles.
LBW: How do you feel about your upcoming break from the office?
MW: I am excited but also a bit scared. I have been working since I was 14, so for me not to be working is going to be a huge change. It is going to be a very different experience but I am looking forward to it. It also helps that I have been able to prepare my clients and other team members for my absence so I know that everything will be under control while I am away.
LBW: When you are ready to return to work, what support is LBW providing to help you transition?
MW: LBW have offered for me to start back at work on a part-time basis (as many days as I would like to in order to adjust) and to also be able to work from home instead of coming into the office. They also offered to set up any equipment that I need to be able to work from home. So really they have left it to me as to what I do and when I start it – depending on how I am feeling.
LBW: What do you think will be the biggest change or obstacle for you in returning to work and how do you think you will overcome it?
MW: The biggest challenge will be trying to balance a home and work lifestyle that works for myself, my family and LBW. LBW have been fantastic with their support. For them to provide me with an opportunity to work from home really does put my mind at ease when thinking about this challenge (so really there probably isn’t a challenge?)
Huge thanks to Melissa for taking the time to share her story with us and great to see that workplace flexibility isn’t confined to just the bigger firms. Although LBW is a smaller firm, we have big ideas and a desire to work with our team members to get the work / life balance right for each individual.
Good luck to Melissa and her husband. We can’t wait to see you back soon
