Holding down a full-time job as a mum can be a mixed bag. You need good, reliable childcare in place, and an employer who is smart enough to be flexible to valuable staff.?The two don’t always go hand in hand, but Maureen Chambers managed to get just that…?
Name: Maureen Chambers
Age: 39
Industry: Telecommunications
Job title: Senior internal communications manager
Relationship status: Married
Children: Emma, seven, and Rachel, three
How long have you worked in your industry? 20 years
What made you go into your industry?
Through Openreach, a BT group business had good prospects for career development
What qualifications did you need to enter your profession?
At the time as I entered as a clerical assistant just a number of ?O? levels
There are a lot of stereotypes and misconceptions about working in a male-dominated industry. Do you have any myths you would like to dispel?
I have never felt that I’ve lost out to a man in my career or that I’ve been disadvantaged by being a woman. You don’t have to act differently to get ahead in a man’s world and it’s sad that some people still think that’s the case.
Do you get the same/more pay as your male counterparts?
Unfortunately, in some cases, the pay gaps still exist between males and females like in many companies, but my company is doing a lot to reduce and change this
How do you manage childcare?
With military precision! I have a childminder but also make use of an after school club. My employer offers a flexible working scheme that allows me to work from home which means that I can be flexible – I can take the kids to school myself sometimes and can take time off to go to school plays and make it up later in the evening.
Do you find it hard to take time off for childcare reasons because you work in a male-dominated industry?
No, not at all. The company is such a supportive employer when it comes to childcare
Describe a defining moment in your career?
Two years ago, I applied for promotion and was given the job on a trial basis as the director felt she couldn’t give it to me permanently as I needed some support and development to get me to the level expected. Six months later I was given the job permanently and now regularly cover my manager when she’s not around. I was so pleased that I was able to prove myself and that I was capable of stepping up.
Have you had any embarrassing situations?
When I nearly fell off the stage at an event and a number of people noticed! I’d stepped back after assisting in a presentation and didn’t realise I was so near the edge and fell down the back. Luckily it wasn’t high and I did land on my feet, but several people told me it was the highlight of the event for them!
What advice would you give to mums who may have considered doing a job like yours but decided against it because of any misconceptions?
Do it, believe in yourself. If you work for a good organisation, diversity will be top of their agenda and you’ll be supported. I’m very lucky at Openreach, not only is diversity valued, but so are working mothers and the organisation is extremely flexible with regards to this.