Legal & Compliance Career and family: a conscious choice

An unexpected breakup, three young children at home and a full-time management position. ‘Everything hit me at once. I had no idea how to organise things at home, let alone combine them with work. When I told my manager, I was given space to clear my mind. I went to Rome by myself, to think things through. On a particular walk through the city, I told myself: keep working at the bank, Jellema. For your boys and for yourself.’

Setting boundaries

‘Taking a step back was no option. I had to keep going’, Gwen says. ‘I was free to decide how and chose to train as a relationship manager. That gave me new energy and focus. At the same time, I was learning to juggle all my responsibilities. My advice: set clear boundaries. I made very conscious choices about how I spent my time, both at work and at home. That was my lifeline.’

The personal side of things

Gwen has always felt the freedom and support to manage both work and family. ‘A house viewing at lunchtime, preparing a training session in the evening? No problem: if you plan and communicate well, there is a lot of flexibility. The same goes for your personal development. With every step I have taken at ABN AMRO, I have felt trusted and supported. Things do not happen on their own, but if you take initiative, people notice and appreciate it.’

Connection makes a difference

'I also found great support in the bank’s women’s network’, Gwen continues. ‘It is incredibly valuable to talk to colleagues who understand your situation. To hear stories from other ambitious women successfully combining work and family life. And it is about more than just finding inspiration: the network also encourages you to make yourself heard.’

Lessons learned

What has Gwen learned over the past twenty years? ‘Plenty! Most importantly: you do not have to choose between your career and your personal life, as long as you take control and speak up about what you need. Keep reflecting and make conscious decisions: what works for you, your family and your job? I am proud of my boys, myself and the bank as an employer.’

Together for equal opportunities

ABN AMRO is committed to equal opportunities for women — within the bank, for our clients, and in society at large. We have joined the Financial Alliance for Women and signed the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles in 2019, committing ourselves to take concrete action. Each year, we review pay practices to ensure equal pay for equal work. While salaries within the same scale are equal, we are actively addressing the imbalance in higher salary scales. Our goal is that by 2025, 35% of senior leaders and 48% of the sub-top will be women.