How Working for an Agency Prepares You for Motherhood

When my baby girl Lola arrived in March 2024, she did what any true agency client would do… she arrived early. Three weeks early, to be exact.

Much like my projects, her birth was managed ahead of schedule — and it was truly the best day of my life. Every day since has been a whirlwind: equal parts joy, chaos, exhaustion, and the kind of love that hits you right in the chest.

But here’s the thing…

Now that I’ve been back at work for 12 months, it feels like a distant memory. That time where she was a teeny newborn, curled up on my chest, and the days blurred into one long cycle of feeds and cuddles? It’s gone in the blink of an eye.

My tiny baby is now nearly two… how did that happen?

And with that realisation comes another one: motherhood doesn’t just change your routine — it changes you. It changes how you work, how you think, how you prioritise… and sometimes, it can leave you with a bit of an identity crisis too.

Because balancing motherhood and agency life? It can be hard. Really hard.

But it’s also taught me that two things can be true at once: motherhood — much like working for an agency — is both rewarding and exhausting. Challenging, yet the best test of character ever.

And surprisingly… agency life really does prepare you for motherhood.

The part nobody tells you is: it also helps you find your way back when you return.

The Skills That Transfer (And Keep You Going)

If, like me, before you had children your work consumed you (in all the best and worst ways) — almost as though your job was your baby too — then you’ll resonate with this.

Because in many ways, agency life is mum training… just with fewer nappies.

Late Nights, Early Mornings

Agency life is fast-paced. Deadlines are exhilarating and exhausting, and often they lead to late nights and early mornings.

Motherhood, especially in those early days, is exactly the same — just without the choice. Sleep becomes scarce, but the caffeine and cuddles get you through.

And now, with a toddler? It’s early mornings with purpose… and the stamina you build in agency life genuinely helps you keep up.

Adaptability and Problem Solving

No two days are the same in the agency world — and that’s what I have always loved about it. Thinking on your feet becomes second nature. You learn to pivot quickly and stay calm when things change.

Then you become a parent, and suddenly you’re trusted with the most precious thing in the world, and you have to adapt… fast.

Problem solving becomes a daily mission. Your little one can’t always tell you what they need, so you become a detective — trying everything, working through possibilities, and creating a plan of action that keeps them happy and content.

The ability to stay calm and think on your feet is an invaluable skill — and one I rely on in both roles, every single day.

Getting Creative

Out-of-the-box thinking is essential in agency life — and parenthood isn’t far behind.

Babies need constant entertainment. Toddlers need even more. You’ll amaze yourself at what you’ll do to keep that little smile on their face, and creativity becomes less of a “nice-to-have” and more of a survival tool.

In the agency world, creativity helps you stay ahead. In motherhood, it helps you stay sane.

Communication and Collaboration

Communication and collaboration are essential to the smooth operation of an agency — with clients, teams, stakeholders…everything relies on people talking.

But communication in motherhood is huge too, just in a completely different way.

One thing I didn’t expect, especially on maternity leave, was how much I’d need connection. I’ve taken Lola to some pretty cool classes, but the best part for me was the conversations with other mums. Forming relationships with working mums has been invaluable, sharing what’s working, what’s hard, and reminding each other that we’re not alone.

Because motherhood can feel lonely, especially when you’re new to it — and that sense of camaraderie honestly matters.

Time Management

If you’ve ever tried to get out of the house with a baby before 9am, you’ll understand why time management is crucial.

Agency life teaches you how to work towards deadlines and plan ahead. Packing a bag the night before, or spending the extra 10 minutes preparing ahead, can make the next day easier — and that ability to think one step ahead is something I use constantly.

Now, as a working mum, time management becomes even more valuable. You’re not just working to deadlines… you’re working around naps, nursery timings, sick days, and the mental load of everything in between.

Patience and Resilience

You are so much more resilient than you think. I’ll say that again for the people in the back.

Working within an agency, there are times when you’ve got to push through. You can’t always see the light, but you keep going anyway — and when you get there, the sense of achievement is amazing.

Motherhood is the same. When you feel like your cup is empty, you’ll keep pouring — because your baby needs you. And honestly, the strength you find in yourself can be surprising.

Emotional Intelligence

The ability to read a room, pick up cues, and assess a situation quickly is essential in the agency world. Understanding what somebody needs helps them feel heard and seen — whether that’s a client, a colleague, or a stakeholder.

Motherhood requires that same skill constantly. Your child often can’t tell you what’s wrong — so you become intuitive, observant, emotionally switched on.

It’s a no-brainer in theory, but in practice it’s a superpower.

The Hard Bit: Returning to Work (And Finding Yourself Again)

Coming back to work is not just about logistics — childcare, schedules, routines, flexibility. It’s also emotional.

Because at some point, you realise you’re no longer the “old you” — but you’re not quite sure who the “new you” is yet either.

That’s where the identity crisis can creep in.

You’re a mum. But you’re also a professional.

You want to show up fully in both, but you can’t always give 100% to everything, and that can be hard to accept.

Some days you feel like you’re smashing it. Other days you feel like you’re failing at both. And the truth is, balancing motherhood and agency life is one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced.

But this is where I’ve realised something important:

Working in an agency that’s agile, one that understands flexibility, change, and the reality of life can make all the difference.

Because agency life is already built around adapting, shifting priorities, moving fast, and responding to what comes next. It’s not rigid. It’s not one-size-fits-all. And that means when you return to work as a mum, you’re able to slowly work out the new “you” without feeling like you have to choose between being a great mum and being a good employee.

The flexibility helps you do both.

It allows you to be present for your child and deliver great work. It helps you manage the unpredictable parts of parenting without feeling like you’re constantly letting someone down.

And that, to me, is everything.

The Part No One Can Prepare You For

So yes, working for an agency gives you some of the best skills for life, and it absolutely builds solid foundations for motherhood.

But what it didn’t prepare me for was how quickly time would move.

That my teeny newborn would suddenly become a nearly two-year-old with opinions, personality, and a little laugh that makes everything worth it.

Or how I would literally do ANYTHING to keep her safe, loved, and happy.

I count myself lucky, to have Lola, to have grown into this new version of myself, and to work somewhere that gives me the flexibility and trust to be both: a great mum, and a good employee.

Because motherhood may be the biggest and most enjoyable project I’ll ever manage.

…but balancing it with agency life?

That’s the real masterclass.

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