Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Making it work, an update on my life.

Hello! 

Long time no blogging eh? Well I may not have been blogging, but I've been having a good time with my baby and at times my sewing machine. 

I'm now 6 very short weeks away from returning to full time work (unfortunately), I requested part time, however it was rejected along with all my other suggestions. Honestly I'm not looking forward to full time work but I will turn my commute into my time, oppose to a waste of time. Which gives me a great opportunity to do hand sewing toys for the baby. 

I don't see how I'll be able to sew, work fulltime, commute an hour plus in each direction daily and spend with my family but like most mothers I'll try to make it work. 

Sewing is my mental health time, I don't watch a lot of tv, so hopefully I'll be able to get an hour plus in every second day. Here is hoping!

I do have sewing events to look forward to later in the year, Frocktails is going to Sydney, and I've organised Sewaway, which funnily enough is a weekend of sewing away. Plus I heard Sewcietea is happening again!

I've also sorted out a list of things I want to sew for this winter. I tend to struggle in winter as I love colour and am drawn to summer clothing, which doesn't help when you live in Melbourne in wintertime. 
My aim is to make a very simple winter coat hopefully in pink plaid, ponti tops and dresses and lots of leggings!

The baby starts 3 full day in childcare soon so I really hope to get a move on my list! 

Kat x

UPDATE: 

After serious thought I decided to take my case to Fairwork Australia. I'm very please to say that my work has agreed to let me work 30 hours over 4 days per week. It's amazing what can happen when you have the convictiction to speak up for yourself. 
A very big thank you to my lovely supporters who gave me encouragement & advice. It means a great deal to have friends like you. X


12 comments:

  1. Silly work ;( ;( Wonderful to read from you again & I can't wait for all the social catchups ;)

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    1. Thanks Nicole! I look forward to seeing you at most events! X

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  2. Good luck with your return to work. Such a shame it has to be full time. What's this about frocktails in Sydney. I must have missed something....

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    1. Thanks Christy, hopefully it's a smooth change for us all.
      Frocktails is coming to Sydney later in the year. I have a page on the blog about it. Dates will be confirmed later, all info will be on the blog. :)

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  3. Ah, Kat that is pretty rough. Does their decision fit with the Australian Human Rights Commission's guidelines around women returning from maternity leave? It was my understanding that businesses need to consider any reasonable request. I hope you're okay. Xx

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    1. Check out this link - http://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment/flexible-working-arrangements/pages/default.aspx

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    2. Thanks Rachel, I went down the fair work path, but they say that the business does have ground to refuse. Hopefully they agree to me leaving 3-4 hours early each week as I have no one to pick the baby up!

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  4. Ah no. That's so unfortunate. Any return to work is tough but as you say, you will find a way to make it work. Just make sure you always squeeze in a little 'you' time. Never underestimate how important it is to be kind to yourself. It makes you a better mother. It really does xo

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  5. Nice to hear from you! Bummer about work but hopefully something gets figured out and everything will end up ok. X

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  6. Katty, that is all kinds of suck. I hope things get sorted and I can't wait to see your lovely face later in the year. You are a rockstar! xx

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  7. Great to meet you on saturday Kat! Hope your weekend away sewing is great! Can I ask what Sewcietea is?
    Lou :)

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  8. I hope it all goes smoothly. It's a bit of a tough time at first until you get in to a groove. Pack up, drop off, 2nd drop off, work and then repeat in reverse in 8 hours!! Well that's my working day. I do 30 hours over 4 days too. It's a nice amount. Good luck! Stay strong. L x

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