Becoming a parent is an amazing moment in life, and it often reshapes how work fits into it. As a result, returning after parental leave can bring new priorities, new energy, and a different perspective than before.

At Pricefx, having a baby is not a stop sign for anyone’s career. We aim to make the return to work as flexible and supportive as possible, shaped by individual needs rather than one-size-fits-all rules. Instead of listing policies or initiatives, we wanted to show what returning to work actually looks like in practice.

That’s why we asked our amazing colleague mothers — Michaela, Kate, and Nandi — to share their experiences in their own words. Their answers show how different each journey can be, and how a welcoming workplace can make a real difference when navigating the transition back to work.

Kate – Director Customer Success, Germany

What has surprised you the most about returning after maternity leave?
I realised that things changed in me. I’m on a journey of building a new self, because it’s not just me — now I’m a mom. I can’t be the same person I was before, and I had to figure out how to combine being a mom with being ambitious and career-oriented.

What did your very first day back feel like?
The first day was not very spectacular. What stood out more than the day itself was how intense the return felt. The first week felt extremely intense. I was emotional, constantly tired, and it was hard to focus while still recovering.

Did Pricefx help you make your transition smoother?
Yes — mainly through flexibility and culture. We don’t clock in or out, and I have full flexibility to define my working hours. Before my son went to daycare, I worked mostly in the afternoons, and no one ever told me I had to work differently.

What advice would you give another employee returning from parental leave?
Everyone needs a grace period. No matter when you come back, things will be different because you’ve changed. I didn’t give myself enough grace at the beginning and expected myself to perform the same way as before. It’s important to pace your expectations and not push yourself too hard.

Michaela - Director Compliance, Czechia

What has surprised you the most about returning after parental leave?
I didn’t really perceive it as a return. I was away for only six weeks, and even then, I was working on an agreement and often putting in more hours. Because of that, the whole situation felt very continuous rather than a clear break and return.

What was your biggest worry about coming back part-time?
My worry didn’t come from whether the company would allow it. The uncertainty came from the child. You can plan things, but a child changes, and you don’t know whether their nature or health will change, or whether you will still be able to function as you agreed.

Did your manager or colleagues do something that made a difference for you?
I think a major factor was that my manager at the time was American. In the US, women commonly work this way, so he supported me a lot. We talked about it openly, and from the beginning, I said that I couldn’t imagine being at home with a child for three years. My colleagues always checked with me before scheduling meetings, and even when my child appeared during internal calls, nobody commented on it.

What advice would you give another employee returning from parental leave?
For me, the most important thing is not to go against yourself and to know your limits. Every parent reacts differently, physically and mentally. When you reach your limit, you have to say stop and reorganize things. Going against yourself is bad both at work and in private life.

Nandi – Solution Architect, USA

What did your very first day back feel like?
My first day back, I was nervous about how quickly I’d be assigned to a project. I was given time to catch up, and once I did have a project – some two months later – I felt ready.

What’s been the hardest part of juggling motherhood and your job so far?
Fitting everything I need to do for work during the standard hours. I’m more conscious of asking people for deadlines, and Do you need this now?

Did Pricefx help you make your transition smoother?
If a call was scheduled when I didn’t have childcare, I was upfront that people may hear a baby in the background. No one gave me a hard time, and most people said hello when they heard my son.

Did your manager or colleagues do something that made a difference for you?
Just seeming genuinely interested in how my transition back was going helped.

What advice would you give another employee returning from parental leave?
If you have an office, put a small portable playpen in there in case of emergencies. 🙂

Going back to work is different for everyone

Returning to work after parental leave looks different for everyone, as shown by three Pricefx mothers - Kate, Michaela, and Nandi - who describe the mix of emotional adjustment, shifting priorities, and practical challenges that come with becoming a parent. Each highlighted how flexibility, understanding colleagues, and a supportive culture made their transitions smoother, whether that meant adjusting work hours, easing back in gradually, or openly balancing childcare needs. Their stories show that at Pricefx, parenthood isn’t a career setback but a life change the company embraces with empathy and adaptability.

Sounds like you can imagine working with us? Take a look at our open positions.

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