Finding balance between work and family: My journey at Recordly

When my spouse and I decided to have a child, one of my biggest worries was how to make it all work. Now that my daughter has just turned two, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how things have gone.

Support from the very beginning

For many women, the challenge of balancing work and motherhood begins not at birth but from the moment of pregnancy. Frequent prenatal appointments are necessary, and, at least in my experience, the work efficiency wasn’t always as high as before. Thankfully, Recordly’s flexibility and strong remote work culture allowed me to attend every necessary appointment without stress - even when schedules changed on short notice.

When I shared the news about my pregnancy, my colleagues were nothing but supportive. At no point did I feel that my pregnancy was an inconvenience to anyone. Many fellow Recordlians already had children and understood my situation, making the experience even more reassuring. 

Smooth parental leave and staying connected

I was among the first at Recordly to take family leave under Finland’s new, more flexible family leave system introduced in 2022. Despite being the first to take a long leave at the company, everything was handled smoothly. Even when there were small uncertainties, the process was transparent, and I always felt included in discussions.

During my leave, I chose to stay connected through Slack, participated in some Hackathons, and even joined our annual pre-Christmas celebrations. These small interactions made me feel part of the community while still allowing me to fully embrace parenthood. It was also a great way to have some adult time every now and then!

Returning to work with confidence

Coming back to work after a year away was both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. Would I remember how to do my job? What projects would I be working on? How would my daughter handle the transition?

Thankfully, Recordly made the process seamless. Before my return, I had a chance to sit down with our COO to discuss my preferences and upcoming opportunities. On my first week back, I was already involved in an interesting and meaningful project. Luckily, both my colleagues and our customer were understanding as I eased back into working at full-speed.

Flexible remote work also made the transition smoother. I worked from home two to three days a week, saving commute time and allowing for more moments with my family. This flexibility meant I didn’t have to compromise too much on either front.

Adjusting to daycare and a new routine

August 2024 brought another big shift as my daughter started daycare, my spouse returned to work with business trips, and I took on a challenging new project. To make things easier, I decided to reduce my working time to 80%, resulting in a four-day workweek.

This decision has been crucial for both my daughter’s and my own well-being. Having three full days off in a week has allowed me to recharge while being fully present for my child. While I do miss some of our internal Friday meetings, all materials are available online, so I manage to stay updated. And honestly, attending music play school with my daughter feels much more valuable at this stage of life.

Of course, managing work within 30 hours a week isn’t always easy. Daycare schedules mean I often need to finish work by 4 PM, but Recordly’s flexibility has helped me find solutions - sometimes shifting work hours slightly to accommodate my family’s needs. Ironically, this structure has helped me set clearer boundaries, making it easier to truly unplug from work at the end of the day.

Challenges and embracing the journey

While things have worked out well, there have been challenges - mainly due to life’s unpredictability rather than workplace policies. Like most families, we’ve had our fair share of colds and flus that disrupted plans. Luckily, my spouse also has a flexible job, and both Recordly and our customers have been supportive when unexpected changes arise.

Still, it’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough - whether at work or at home. On tough weeks, I remind myself to focus on what truly matters: prioritizing essential tasks and letting go of things that can wait. I’ve also learned to lean on my partner, remembering that my daughter has a capable dad who can take over when needed.

Most importantly, I’ve embraced the mindset that right now is just one phase of my life. Right now, I may not be able to dedicate as much time to work as before, but that’s okay. I know that in the future, things will shift again. For now, I’m simply enjoying the ride - with the best team I could ask for!

Recordly: A workplace that truly supports families

Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful to work at a company that genuinely supports parents. From flexible schedules to a culture of understanding, Recordly has made balancing work and family life not just possible, but enjoyable.

If you're looking for a workplace that values both professional growth and family well-being, you might just find your place here too. Check out our very open positions!