The transition back to work after parental leave is a significant milestone in the lives of many working parents. "Back on Track" is a talk that delves into the challenges, strategies, and opportunities associated with reentering the workforce after taking time off to take care of a child. This presentation aims to provide valuable insights and practical advice to individuals seeking a smooth and successful transition. This talk is based on my own story, how I returned to work after 8 months of absence due to maternity leave. I hope my story will be helpful for people who are currently coming through the same period in their lives or just plan to join the "working parents" club and their colleagues.

1. Back on
track
Navigating the Return to
Work after Parental
Leave
@jMargaritaN | Devoxx France | 17.04.2024

2. Who am I?
● Software Engineer @ Sonar
● Conferences speaker & organizer
● Java/Kotlin/Scala/...
● Twitter: @jMargaritaN

3. https://www.freepik.com/vectors/ukraine-war
Ukraine war vector created by starline - www.freepik.com

6. Have a plan

7. I need a plan
3 1 new framework every month
4 Develop a new application
5 Contributing to OSS
2 Reading software news everyday
1 1 Leetcode task every morning

8. I need a plan
3 1 new framework every month
4 Develop a new application
5 Contributing to OSS
2 Reading software news everyday
1 1 Leetcode task every morning

9. I need a plan
3 1 new framework every month
4 Develop a new application
5 Contributing to OSS
2 Reading software news everyday
1 1 Leetcode task every morning

10. I need a plan
3 1 new framework every month
4 Develop a new application
5 Contributing to OSS
2 Reading software news everyday
1 1 Leetcode task every morning

11. I need a plan
3 1 new framework every month
4 Develop a new application
5 Contributing to OSS
2 Reading software news everyday
1 1 Leetcode task every morning

12. I need a plan
3 1 new framework every month
4 Develop a new application
5 Contributing to OSS
2 Reading software news everyday
1 1 Leetcode task every morning

14. ● Raising a child is hard
● You will miss opportunities
● You will have to restart
● You’ll make it!

15. Manage expectations

16. Realistic plan
- 3 hours/week for my development
(coding, learning, leetcode, oss, ...)
- Listen to the technical books while
walking with a stroller
- Read tech news, when have time
- 1 OSS contribution, if possible

17. Join Community

19. My biggest fear …

21. Nothing changed

22. I changed

23. What changed?
Priorities Sickness Colleagues
Attitude

25. Being a parent is not your
weakness, it’s your
superpower

26. What changed?
Time
management
Communication
Work/life
balance
Prioritizing

28. ● It’s not easy
● You’re not alone
● It’s rewarding
● You’ll make it!
● You’ll inspire others!
Takeaways

29. Special thanks
Evgeny
Mandrikov