Sarah's blog: Why every firm needs parents

I have changed a lot over the past nine years. In that time, I have gone through three pregnancies, taken three maternity leaves and have been bringing up three children. All of this whilst building my career and working full time in the City.

Change is not a bad thing, but I was concerned that children would change my priorities, take me away from working longer hours and turn me mushy and weak in my fast-paced City job. Surely taking time off to attend school events, talking baby talk over the phone to the little ones, turning up to work in designer suits with baby sick on and working on critical and complex projects with little sleep is not going to be good for anyone's career or for a business.

Well here's the truth.... I admit, that most of the above has actually happened (except the designer suit bit - with no time to shop, the suits with yuck on are most certainly not designer!) But I will let you into a secret.... All of the above have done wonders for my career, how I handle my peers and job and what I bring to my place of work.

Let's start with priorities - yes, there were suddenly more important things in this world than my job. Yet I still turn up to the office every day and put everything into my work. Every moment I spend in the office is a moment I am not with my children.... So I am going to make sure that every moment in that office counts. I have become far more efficient (I want to leave in time to get home to see them after all). If you want something done, give it to a busy person? Well working parents are very busy!!

Long office hours - because I may not be physically in the office for as long as pre-kids does not mean I do not work longer hours. How many parents have been up with their kids all night so went on their emails? How many rush out of work to see their kids and then log in after bedtime? How many get into the office earlier so they can leave earlier?

Turning mushy and weak - sensitivity is not a bad thing, but actually being parents can make you stronger in many respects, not weaker. Being able to control a child through a tantrum, help a confused child with their homework, deal with emotional problems and liaise with the school about difficulties all help in so many ways. Given all the grief my kids have put me through, I am no longer afraid approaching those hard-to-handle co-workers anymore! I am stronger for being a parent.

Diversity is so important in every type of workplace, because businesses thrive on ideas, initiative and dedication. Gender, age, ethnicity, as well as parents / non-parents are all factors that make a well-balanced and successful business. And that is why every firm needs parents.

Sarah is a specialist high yield bond trader at a large asset manager. She is married with 3 children.