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Career Crossroads: Balancing Opportunity and Motherhood

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Anonymous

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Career Crossroads: Balancing Opportunity and Motherhood

​I'm navigating a challenging but exciting situation and would love to hear any insights or advice from the community, especially fellow parents who've managed career transitions while on leave.

​I'm a recent mum currently on a nine-month period of unpaid excedencia (extended leave) here in Spain. While I planned my return for my son's first birthday, I've been actively hunting for a new role to move on from a very toxic consultancy environment.

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​I've made it to the final stages for a fantastic remote External Communications role at a Nordic company. The job is exactly what I've been looking for. However, during the last interview, the hiring manager mentioned travel is required—not just short European trips, but also longer trips to the US.

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​This is where I hit a wall. For the next year, my absolute boundary is not being away from my son for more than one night. I couldn't compromise the interview outcome, so I faked being relaxed, but I know this is a potential deal-breaker for me right now.

​How can I professionally and reasonably introduce this as a temporary negotiation point?

​I want to emphasize my long-term commitment to the travel requirement but request a short-term accommodation for the first 12 months. Any advice on framing this for a potential offer negotiation would be hugely appreciated!

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  1. Anonymous

    I understand your frustration on how to move forward. If you are offered the role, you go into the negotiation portion. I would put it all out there, knowing it could cancel the offer. I am unsure if a company will wait a full year to have you on the job with no travel, it could be part of the onboarding/training. You can try - the worst that can happen is they say NO and rescind the offer.

  2. Anonymous

    Put parameters around you request. Be honest and just say exactly what you have here. Explain that you have a temporary need to be with your son during the first 12 or 24 months or whatever you wish. If this opportunity is flexible great....if not the pass and find something that doesn't involve traveling.

  3. Anonymous

    >​I want to emphasize my long-term commitment to the travel requirement but request a short-term accommodation for the first 12 months.

    Say just that if/when you get to an offer stage. Let them know that as a new mother you want to continue your bonding time with your child and that after speaking to your S/O (significant other) that you both decided on this as a family. If they decline you then clearly this companies culture won't support your needs. Move on.

  4. Anonymous

    It was not required, not in the job spec and not mentioned by the recruiter who contacted me first. It came out during the last step after a long process of panel interviews, process for which as mother of 9mo old I prepared case studies in the nights. I do not apply to jobs who have not even 15% of travel commitment. Not playing games here. Trying hard to continue career while growing a tiny human. Thanks

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