By Becky Buggs, Principal Recruiter and Parent Returner Ambassador at Outsource UK
1. What first attracted you to recruitment and what’s kept you motivated throughout your career?
Honestly - and I know this is probably the most common answer - I just fell into it! I didn’t even really know what recruitment agencies did at the time.
I’ve always been quite self-critical and full of self-doubt and when I finished sixth form, I figured all I’d get from going to university was a load of debt.
I’ve always loved live music, sport and travel - I knew I wanted a job that would give me the freedom (and income!) to enjoy those things, while hopefully offering some sort of career path too.
So, I started looking into apprenticeships, thinking I'd just try to get my foot in the door somewhere and hope they'd keep me on. I landed a role at a local IT recruitment agency as a Business Admin Apprentice - doing everything from CV formatting and advert writing to CRM updates, answering the phones, and yes… making a lot of brews!
I started listening to what the consultants were working on and when I had a bit of time, I’d try finding CVs for some of the roles they were talking about. I’d send them over and before long, I was properly hooked - and the rest is history.
Over the years, what’s motivated me has changed quite a bit. At first, it was all about earning enough to go on holidays and to festivals. Then I was saving for a house… then for a wedding and honeymoon… and more recently, saving up for maternity leave so I could still enjoy life (and the occasional pub trip!) once the baby arrived.
There’s always been a goal in mind - and more often than not, it involves money. I’m very goal-driven and money-motivated, so recruitment’s ended up being the perfect fit for me.
2. How has parenthood shaped your perspective on work and life?
Becoming a parent has honestly changed the way I look at everything - both at work and in life. It’s definitely made me more focused and better at prioritising. When you’ve got little ones, you quickly learn how to make the most of your time.
It’s also made me a lot more empathetic. I’ve become more understanding of what other people might be juggling in their own lives, which I think has helped me be a better team player and manager.
I’ve realised how important flexibility and support are - and that people do their best work when they feel trusted and looked after. So, I try to bring that into how I work with others.
Overall, I’d say parenthood has made me more grounded, more efficient and probably more patient too!!
3. What tips would you share with other working parents balancing career and family life?
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Firstly, identify a why, have a purpose and a reason. I want to be a good role model to my children, but I also want to give them the life I was lucky enough to have and provide them with quality family experiences and moments.
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Setting realistic work goals and communicating them with the team.
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Utilise technology to help organise your day/week and save time.
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Ask for and accept help.
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Prep - as much as possible, get things ready the night before like uniforms, clothes, lunchboxes, work equipment etc.
4. What support have you received from Outsource UK and what can other companies learn from this?
One of the biggest things that’s made a difference is flexibility - both in terms of working hours and where I work.
There’s also been a real culture of open communication and this has been from the very top all the way to my line manager. I’ve never felt like I had to apologise for being a parent. I can have honest conversations with my manager about what I need and I always feel heard. That kind of psychological safety goes a long way.
I definitely think it’s a two way thing though, even though I know the flexibility is there - I will always ask for permission first.
I think what other companies could learn is that trust, flexibility, and empathy are essential for retaining and supporting working parents. When people feel supported, they will be more loyal and motivated at work.
5. As Parent Returner Ambassador, why is this role important to you?
When I started in recruitment I did a lot of contract roles and then ended up on an account that had a split of contract and perm, while I enjoyed the pace of contract, I had a far greater sense of satisfaction when I secured a permanent role for someone that it really meant something to, like if they had been made redundant and really needed to find a job or even a graduate desperate for their first job related to their degree.
Someone said to me that I get “emotionally involved” with candidates that I speak to, I think that’s what makes me successful in my role and sets me apart from the “typical recruiter” who is just after their next deal. I genuinely care and want to make sure the role is right for my candidate and as a working parent this is even more important, I feel really lucky I have the flexibility and support I have with Outsource and I want to help support others to find the balance they need to juggle parenting and their career.
In terms of advice for returning to work, be open and honest with those around you, set clear boundaries and expectations. Ask for what you need, whether it’s flexibility, a phased return, extra training etc. Most employers would rather support you than lose someone with potential and drive.
Your skills as a parent are transferable (time management, prioritising, communication, problem-solving etc.) you will get back into the swing of things, it's like riding a bike, you don’t forgot how to do it, you might just be a little slow at first!
6. Why do you think recruitment is such a rewarding career for working parents, especially mums returning to work?
Because it is flexible, fast-paced, and rewarding if you’re driven and organised (which most mums definitely are!).
One of the biggest benefits for me is that it’s outcome focused. I am measured on results, not on whether I am at my desk 9-5. I can fit work around personal responsibilities like school runs, appointments, or just needing to be present at home, without feeling like I’m falling behind.
The skills you build as a parent - patience, multitasking, empathy, resilience - all translate directly into recruitment. In many ways, becoming a parent has made me better at my job.
For mums returning to work, I genuinely think recruitment is the kind of career where you can succeed while still having space for family life.
Want to continue the conversation?
My journey has shown me how much flexibility, trust, and support can empower working parents to thrive in their careers. Here at Outsource UK, I feel lucky to have that balance and I’m passionate about helping others find it too!
If you’d like to continue the conversation about supporting working parents, parent returners or building inclusive workplaces, I’d love to connect and share experiences.
Becky Buggs, Principal Recruiter & Parent Returner Ambassador
✉️ rebecca@outsource-uk.co.uk | 📞 0161 694 9214 | 💻 Connect with me on LinkedIn
