Dean Whitehouse is revelling in new parenthood and the infinite opportunity to teach and guide his young child. This joy has strengthened Dean’s desire to do fulfilling work while also achieving harmony in work and life.
Can you tell us about your career journey to date and your current role and responsibilities?
I moved into a leadership position about five years ago, which was a change in direction from a technical career in IT. I found it to be a fantastic fit and have decided to expand my career with an MBA. For the moment I am a Service Delivery Manager and the role is superbly fulfilling and involves all my skill set and personality.
Congratulations on becoming a dad! How are you feeling about the journey ahead?
I went from being single to having a relationship and a baby in a very short space of time, so my world went from only really worrying about one person’s desires to worrying about three. I’m extremely excited to see my daughter reach all the milestones and look forward to building a relationship with her while teaching her all about life. It’s a big world out there and I want her to be an explorer, and be constantly asking why.
What do you love most about being a working parent at your workplace?
The confidence of knowing that the business genuinely wants to support me. When they say, “Take the time you need,” they mean it. I have never been told, “Work is more important than what’s happening at home,” and I don’t believe I ever will.
What do you think the main challenges are as a working parent raising a baby?
Making sure I do my share. It’s not enough to say, “I work, that’s my contribution,” both parents need to do their part when it’s needed. I still believe that being in the office some days is an important part of business and career progression, so ensuring that flexibility exists around the start and end of an office day is key.
How do you share/manage the work/family juggle?
My wife does freelance work so she is able to work outside of standard business hours and when Violet is asleep. I look after Violet when I get home and on weekends. My wife and I have great communication, and I try to ensure I minimise any work that needs to be done after hours. This is easier when in the office because I can draw a line between work time and home time.
You’ve just returned from three months of leave, being Violet’s primary caregiver. What is your advice to other couples who might be planning to share work and home duties evenly or reverse traditional gender roles?
Do what feels right for your family. Don’t feel pressured to conform to either ‘traditional ideas’ or ‘modern ideas’. Cherry-pick the best parts for every situation and stay flexible. Thank people for their suggestions, but don’t ever care about what anyone else in the world thinks — our family, our way of doing things.
How has becoming a parent changed your perspective on life and your career?
It’s highlighted how important having a stable and manageable workload is. High-powered high-stress jobs may have financial advantages, but there is a genuine intangible benefit to being able to go home feeling fulfilled but not cooked.
How did you feel about returning to work?
Excited to be back contributing and to be with my team. So far it’s been very manageable and it’s a bit exciting to go home each night and have a smiling little face greet me at the door.
What’s the best advice another parent has given you?
Always go to bed angry. When you wake up you will be refreshed, clear-headed, and more likely to say, “Why were we fighting about something so stupid?”
What are your top tips for managing a career while on leave?
- Don’t be tempted to ‘keep up’ with what’s happening when you’re not there. It can wait.
- Make sure there are a lot of filters in place before you ‘urgently’ need to be contacted for work.
- If you have the time, maybe a short part-time online course.
- Trust your team.
My favourite time of the day is… early morning in an empty office.
I’m inspired by… my wife knowing everything right to do with Violet.
I’m happiest when… I come home to a noisy, messy house.
I’m addicted to… non-fiction books.
Working parents are… critical contributors to the economy, both present, and future.
