Work / Life Balance

Work/Life Balance

Work / Life Balance

Adeline Weber Bain

Adeline Weber Bain is a Trade Mark Attorney at Stobbs, who advises clients on trade marks, copyright, designs & disputes. She is also the mum of an adorable, energetic and cheeky 4-year-old.

Balancing work and family is not always easy. How do you get through the more difficult days?

It obviously depends on the type of work you do, but mainly depends on your family and children. Each child is different, so you really must adapt; you learn as you go along.

When a day becomes very difficult, the most important thing is to not suffer in silence! If you are not sure how you will get through that day, take a step back, a big breath and a few minutes with a cuppa to think. This usually helps me put things in order. If not, I mostly reach out to my supervisor at work (who is my rock!) and we try to figure out a solution and make sure we prioritise right or sometimes just a little pep talk is enough. My other work colleagues are also always here to help, and I know I can count on them if needed – even if it is just a 5 min call on Teams to remind me what a good job I am doing. I might also have a chat with my husband who would just listen if that’s all I need or would give me a hand if I need help with something to do at home or dropping off/collecting our son or have him entertained. We always help each other out. Last resort, I reach out to my family (who are in France but are always there if I need a chat), or neighbours and friends who are always happy to help if they can.

What is one lesson that having children has taught you that you have incorporated into your career?

My child taught me resilience. Things can change very fast or become very difficult, and you have to quickly adapt. I used to hate changes and get very upset about things for quite a while. I am not saying that I don’t get upset anymore as work can be challenging and we can all have bad days, but I try not to dwell too much on it and instead, try to find a solution to overcome that difficulty.

What advice do you have for legal professionals who are considering starting a family?

First, there is never a perfect time to have a child. Don’t try to wait for a perfect moment because there never is one. It will happen when it happens, and when it comes, just embrace it. It can be stressful and challenging at times but it is also so rewarding and brings so much joy.

Second, work shouldn’t be a block. If you have an understanding boss/company you work for, then all should work out. There are so many firms out there, who support parents and I am sure you can have a chat with them about what would work for you and equally would work for them. This can be working from home, working part-time, working only during school terms, or considering a job share. Having a conversation about what you need in terms of support with your manager/ boss is key. But always remember that you also need to consider how you can still deliver your work and make sure it gets done on time.

Last, build yourself a network (at work but also in your private life). At work, make sure you always keep in touch with your manager and colleagues, and ask for help if needed (equally you should offer help if you have the capacity). Outside of work, hopefully, you will have a fantastic partner who helps you manage the house, the children and other tasks. However, if not, or this isn’t enough (as your partner can be busy too), don’t be afraid to ask for help from your family and/or make sure to have a reliable network of friends, neighbours or other parents (and again you have to make sure you can return the favour to make this work).

April Parker

Paralegal, Stobbs