Afiya Hussain-Mahmood - Legal Billing Team Leader - Leeds

How working at Pinsent Masons helped me to be a present parent 
My work is important to me, but so are my family and my hobbies. The flexible working arrangement at Pinsent Masons has made me a better parent and a more productive worker.  
I began my career here as a legal biller but my life changed when I started a family. I found the prospect of trying to balance a successful career and being a present parent daunting. But Pinsent Masons’ flexibility, understanding and support has given me a way of working and living that I find really rewarding.  
The arrangement has not only transformed the way I work but has also redefined the way I manage my personal life. 
I have a dedicated non-working day that gives me time to focus on my children, pursue hobbies, and take care of my mental wellbeing. 
Yes, there are times when I will need to be flexible when it comes to billing deadlines, and I will move my non-working day to accommodate business needs. It is about give and take and there are some weeks that are more demanding than others, but I will try to delegate the work and am happy to work a bit extra so that I can have my non-working day and spend extra time my little active boys. 
The arrangement would not work without the support of my manager and my team. Approaching my employer with the request for flexible hours felt like a big moment but I was pleasantly surprised by their willingness to meet my needs.  
My non-working day gives me more than just a break from the office; it's a lifeline that allows me to manage my household, engage in activities I love, and most importantly, nurture my mental health. The ability to collect my children from school on time, engage in my arts, crafts, and baking hobbies, and even attempt to maintain an organised home contributes enormously to my overall wellbeing. 
And it has made me a better worker - with the support of my amazing team, I've been able to excel in my role while navigating the demands of parenting. The autonomy and trust placed in me have empowered me to manage my time efficiently and contribute meaningfully to the firm's success. 
My team’s understanding, cooperation, and support have been instrumental in the success of the arrangement.