We would like to introduce you to Amy, who is a director in HLB Melbourne’s growing Tax Consulting division. She works with a wide range of clients from SMEs through to large multinationals. She is also a proud mum who utilises HLB’s hybrid work arrangements so that she can spend valuable time with her boys.
Tell us a little about yourself
I have been at HLB Mann Judd Melbourne for over 10 years. I have two sons, Jack, aged 8 and Hugh, aged 4. The boys are very active, so we spend lots of time together outdoors, at the beach, parks and playing sports.
What does a typical day in the office look like for you?
A typical day in the office starts with an early arrival, usually before 8am. Following a team meeting, I often have client meetings and project deadlines that I need to complete, all while ensuring I’m in a position to collect the kids from kindergarten or after-school activities.
What does flexibility mean for you?
For me, flexibility means the ability to work part-time (4 days) and work from home 2 days a week. This enables me to be present in the boys’ daily lives by doing school/kinder drop-offs and pickups, and volunteering for school activities like helping in the kitchen garden or fruit duty at kinder. The days that I work from home allows me to take time for myself and go to the gym during lunchtime, which improves both my physical and mental health, making me a happier and better mum.
How do you juggle work and family life?
I have a very supportive husband who does most of the school/kinder morning drop-offs, allowing me to start early. My team is also very accommodating; a number of them have young children, so they understand the busyness of family life and the unexpected challenges that arise.
Any advice for your colleagues who are adding to their family?
Juggling work life with a growing family can be difficult, so the key is to be organised both at home and work. Try to carve out small moments of time for yourself, such as going to the gym or taking a walk with a friend.