For eight years, Hawk Surveying has been my baby. I’ve created, nurtured and guided it to success, constantly focused, to ensure everything is running smoothly, and the business is developed to the best of my ability. Being a business owner has taught me what it’s like to truly own something and experience the pride of creating a dream.
Over the past couple of months, I’ve realised that building my own business has prepared me well for motherhood. Another life is in my hands, and I have complete control over how this precious human being grows.
Being a QS isn’t that different to being a mum I’m finding… Hear me out…
In both motherhood and quantity surveying, unexpected surprises pop up. No two days are the same and you never know what problem or task you’ll be handed next that requires a mountain of clean-up and brain work. You just have to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in (literally!!).
The key thing to succeeding I’ve found is in military precision planning, organisation and list making. Luckily, this is something that’s always come naturally and has proven to serve me well in both my professional and personal life.
It’s always best to plan for the worst when out with a baby, in order to deal with as many unplanned or unforeseen situations. I’ll never be caught without a spare nappy or change of clothes (for both me and baby).
Trying to bargain with a baby – to stop the crying, encouraging them to eat and praying that they’ll sleep when you want them to – uses the same skills I’ve been using for years when settling disputes and negotiating contracts…. Patience, keeping calm and always having a plan B, or C!
Estimating costs in an economic crisis, for projects that are many months away from starting, is like looking for reliable childcare. You don’t know what spanners are going to be thrown into the works so preparing for the long game, with a little bit of wiggle room, is so important.
For the first time, I’ve taken this brief step back from Hawk and trusted my (other) first born to be in the protective hands of my trusted colleagues. I know that this is how it’ll feel on Ida’s first day at nursery when I get back to work full-time and begin navigating the delicate balance between work and being mum.
Up until now, I thought gaining my RICS accreditation whilst battling through the first signs of pregnancy was one of the most challenging things I’ve achieved. Now, Ida is here and as much as my professional skillset has prepared me for many of the practical tasks of motherhood, I’ve already experienced so many new challenges in being a mum. My life has changed immeasurably – but in the very best way possible.
For more thoughts on how to manage construction projects and/or being a working mum, drop me an email. Any parenting hacks are much appreciated!