Finding Your Way Back: Part-Time Design Work as a Returning Mother

Coming back to the design industry after having children can feel like navigating uncharted territory. The landscape has shifted, your circumstances have changed, and suddenly you're questioning whether there's still a place for you in the creative world. If you're a returning mother looking for part-time design work, you're not alone in feeling like your new reality might be working against you.

This question was answered by Nicky Bryson, Principal and Co-founder of Sayers Brand Momentum and a highly experienced brand, consumer and cultural strategist who has helped guide some of Australia's biggest brands. Andy Wright served as host, founder of Never Not Creative and CEO of Streamtime, bringing his experience in creative industry leadership and workplace wellbeing advocacy to the conversation.

Reframe Your Story

The first hurdle is often the one in your own mind. As Andy points out, there's power in "thinking about yourself as a designer who has kids rather than a mother who wants to design." This isn't just semantic wordplay – it's about reclaiming your professional identity.

"You're allowed to actually have multiple identities, you're allowed to be good at work and be you know the parent you want to be as well," Andy explains. The narrative you tell yourself matters enormously, and it's worth examining whether you've unconsciously shifted from seeing yourself as a creative professional to someone asking for permission to return.

Your New Superpowers

Here's something that might surprise you: having children has likely made you better at your job, not worse. Nicky emphasises this point: "What you've been doing for the last you know year or however long you took off is incredible time management, incredible organisation."

The skills you've developed as a parent – prioritisation, efficiency, problem-solving under pressure, managing multiple demands simultaneously – these are exactly what creative agencies desperately need. "You're now probably more productive than anybody else in industry coming back in because you understand how to prioritise," Nicky adds.

Practical Pathways Forward

When it comes to actually finding work, Nicky suggests looking beyond traditional employment structures. "I would look at contracting or freelancing. There's a lot of work there, you can set your terms, you can say I only work three days a week, this is how long it will take and this is how much I will get."

This approach gives you control over your schedule and allows you to demonstrate your value without the constraints of traditional part-time roles, which can sometimes be seen as less committed positions.

Creative recruiters are also adapting to new working models. "They are making new models and ways for people to work at the moment because the landscape is shifting and the need is shifting," Nicky explains. Don't hesitate to have honest conversations with recruiters about what you're looking for.

The Culture Connection

While freelancing offers flexibility, Nicky acknowledges an important consideration: "As a new mum you also want to go back to work to have culture and people because you're probably sick of being stuck at home with a baby." If you do choose freelance or contract work, try to negotiate working in the client's office when possible to maintain that crucial human connection.

Addressing the Guilt

Let's be honest about the emotional side of this transition. Nicky speaks candidly about the experience: "You do feel like you're providing less and a hindrance to everyone else, yourself, and then it's a really back to that kind of two-pronged guilt that you feel."

This guilt is real, but it's also largely unfounded. The industry is evolving, and conversations around parental care (not just maternity care) are becoming more common. Your career shouldn't take a backseat because you've had a child.

Building Your Support Network

Returning to work as a parent can feel isolating, but you don't have to navigate this alone. Never Not Creative's Circles programme connects creatives with peers facing similar challenges. These peer support groups provide a safe, confidential space to share experiences and practical advice with other creative professionals who understand the unique pressures of balancing parenthood with creative careers. Learn more about Circles here.

When You Need Professional Support

If the stress of job searching or balancing work and family becomes overwhelming, remember that seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health support can provide valuable strategies for managing anxiety, building confidence, and maintaining perspective during this transition. Find professional help resources here.

Know Your Rights

If you're facing discrimination or unfair treatment because of your parental status, you don't have to handle it alone. Never Not Creative's Support Line offers free introductory legal advice for workplace issues including discrimination and harassment. Understanding your rights can give you confidence in negotiations and help you recognise when treatment crosses the line from challenging to unacceptable. Access the Support Line here.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Your experience, skills, and fresh perspective are valuable assets to the creative industry. The challenge isn't proving your worth – it's finding the right opportunity that recognises what you bring to the table. Whether that's through freelancing, contracting, or finding an enlightened employer who values work-life integration, there are paths forward.

Remember, you're not asking for charity or special treatment. You're a skilled professional offering your expertise on terms that work for your life. That's not a compromise – that's good business.