Complications

Let me tell you my sad story.

After having a child, I’ve been trying to get back into the job market for over a year now. With no success.

I had my last UX interview months ago. The job post said “Senior UX Designer” and they were looking for an icon designer.

A few weeks ago I started broadening my search. Looking for all kinds of jobs. Any jobs.

Early September, I interviewed for a position outside my field. They required applicants to dress smart. As I went up the stairs and the 20-year-old doorkeeper looked at me with the same look I give to people in suits, I remember thinking I’d actually prefer going dressed as a clown.

A week later, they called back. I assumed it was a second interview. The door opens. The manager reaches out to shake my hand. "You should be proud! Were you surprised by the call? There were so many people interested, but head office picked YOU. Write down your details here, they'll send you an email. You start in 10 days. You’ll have a lot to study, but since you like art, you’ll enjoy it. If you have any questions, you have my number. Welcome to the team." The door closes.

I checked the time. I was in and out in 3 minutes. I had spent more time picking this second not-clown suit.

When I got home and took off my costume, I mean, suit, I sent him a message asking about work-life balance options (which is mandatory for companies to offer in Spain). He called me right back and said: “I just got your message. The schedule is what it is. Since you have this complication you forgot to mention, we’ll have to move forward with another candidate.”

And he hung up.

Complication.

My C-section was a complication.

Your company choosing not to adapt to Spanish law is a complication.

My son is a joy and a source of constant learning.

Wait… I forgot to mention???

So you didn’t even bother downloading my resume, where it clearly says “maternity”, right after “career break”.

So this is what they mean by "child penalty", well, looks like I dodged a bullet.

A week later, I get an automated email from head office letting me know that, unfortunately, I won't be moving forward in the selection process this time. Thanks for the salt on the wound.

Over these past few months, many algorithms made sure I saw all the stats about the toll on mothers. I was also aware that in practice, it would still depend on a company’s goodwill not to find a workaround of the work-life balance laws in my country. None of that prepared me to feel those numbers punched in my face.

Anyway.

It’s been almost 3 years since my last daily standup, but my experience hasn't gone anywhere. My analytical and self-management skills, my ability to turn chaos into order and to adapt to constant change are only growing every day.

If your team is looking for a UX profile, or someone with strong cross-functional problem-solving skills, and you’re not scared of people with a family… my inbox is open.

I’ll wear whatever type of suit you want.