You don’t get to become a finalist in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards without a lot of hard work, passion and courage! Our very own Jackie Rahilly is a force to be reckoned with. Now, in COVID-19 times, she’s every bit as focused and determined. Why let a global pandemic get in the way of helping businesses stay on course? There are more jobseekers out there than ever who need to be placed and Jackie takes that extremely seriously. The business landscape has shifted too – in 2020, ‘pivoting’ is the new black – and that means a whole new rock face of opportunity has opened up. Recruitment is an essential service and we asked Jackie how she’s managing, as a Mum who is currently working from home. Over to Jackie …

The struggle is real!  You want to get work done but you have a little one nagging you for attention.  Here are a few strategies I’ve used (even prior to COVID-19 and being a mum working from home) that I use to alleviate stress in the day:

1.  Have a plan! I always write a list and prioritise it. I tackle the big challenges first so that I don’t run out of time and become stressed at the end of the day when my important tasks are not completed.

2.  Work out timing. Determine what needs to be done during work hours and what can be done outside of work hours. That way if my day turns to custard, I can do tasks when the kids go to bed or before they get up.

3.  Be prepared! I set up stations of three different activities and have them ready to go for my kids. The activities might be colouring, reading books, dancing, puzzles and then some kind of craft. I mix it up every day. The rule is that you cannot move onto the next station until you have finished and cleaned up the first station.

4.  Limit screen time. My kids turn into little gremlins if I leave them in front of the box. As much as this virtual babysitter is really the most consuming for their attention, it drains them of all their joy by the time they’re done. I have a rule of no TV before 5pm, or only if I am very desperate and I need quiet and solitude for an important call/meeting. Also, remember that everyone is in the same boat at the moment. People understand that you’re working from home and you’re still a human being with a family to look after.

5.  Breathe! Kids can really push you to your limits. When you feel like pulling your hair out, walk away, take five deep breaths and then respond.

6.  Don’t be too hard on yourself. Some days I feel like high fiving myself for my parenting skills and other days, I totally suck. Pick kindnesses over perfection and appreciate how hard it must be for them too, being cooped up inside every day. Choose helping them over stressing out to get work done.

7.  And – If all fails … WINE!

Wise words indeed! Join us in wishing Jackie all the best for the Telstra Business Women’s Awards.