Work-life balance Q&A with Jenny I Wang: "Enjoy being where you are at the moment"

For Michael Page Taiwan senior consultant Jenny I Wang the camaraderie she has with her colleagues has helped made the office a great place to work.

What prompted your move into recruiting?

I was in the consulting business before joining Michael Page. It was a client-facing job which made me realise how much I liked working with people. I also wanted to learn how to become a successful sales person and recruiting was perfect for the direction I wanted to move towards.

What is a typical day like for you?

I come in to the office after dropping off my newborn daughter with the nanny. After that, the day passes by in a whiz as I schedule client meetings and talk to candidates. Before I know it, it’s time to go home to my children (I also have an older daughter), spend some quality time with them and put them to bed.

Your maternity leave has ended and you are now back at work.  How is it like to be back?

Maternity leave has been tiring but fun. During my break, I had time to look after my newborn and also take her big sister to music/gym classes. It’s good to spend a lot of time with the kids and make them feel that mommy is fun and able to teach and encourage them to try new things.

But I am very happy to be back at work as well. It feels amazing when you can have both career and family. And it’s even better when the office environment is a supportive one. As I usually need to drop off my newborn before starting work, the company has allowed some flexibility on my work schedule. Having a flexible work schedule is good, but it makes me cherish the limited time I have in the office.  

My colleagues are definitely supportive and very understanding about my mommy situation. They are also very nice and patient when I share obsessively about my children.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Being able to help grow the business and develop professionally within the company. I also enjoy the level of flexibility that has allowed me to have both family and career.

What advice would you give to working mums?

Enjoy being where you are at the moment. If you’re at work, enjoy your work and being a professional. If you’re home, focus on being a mom and part of the family.

Click here to be inspired by stories of women and read about leadership tips, working across cultures and achieving work-life balance.