Work-life balance secrets: 'I negotiated flexible working so I could be there for my wife and daughters'

Each week,  The Telegraph will be profiling a 'power part-timer': someone who has ditched the nine to five and works flexibly.

This week, meet Rob Carmichael, 51 from Edinburgh, who is Head of Business Development for ECG and Social Housing at Lloyds Banking Group.

About me

I was Grammar school educated in Essex and started my career in 1985. I’m married to Vickie with two young daughters – Sophie, who is three, and one year old Charlotte.

I am a keen sports fan.  I was a season ticket holder at Chelsea before moving to Scotland, and personally competed in a number of national and international marathons and triathlons. - 121 seconds away from ducking under four hours for a marathon and retirement!

I also love the theatre and to travel, within the confines of a young family of course.

Tell us about your career 

I have worked in the industry for over thirty years, starting out on a till in Cowes branch on the Isle of Wight.  I moved via small business lending in Portsmouth to London and the Corporate Banking sector. This followed with work across a range of business sizes, sectors and geographies – including working in Greece, for five years in Hong Kong, and three years running a corporate banking business in Indonesia.

I made the decision to take a  career break in 2014 to look after my daughter, returning to the banking sector last year with Lloyds Banking Group Returners Programme.

Describe your current role 

I am responsible for the group’s business development strategy in the Social Housing and Education, Charities and Government sectors in Scotland and the North of England.  These are significant sectors for the group and a key pillar of our Helping Britain Prosper mandate.

I work closely with prospect clients, advisers and colleagues to explore areas where we can support businesses within the sector from a debt, cash management and markets perspective.

What made you want to work part-time?

The main reason was to be around for my family. I want to support my wife’s career ambitions, alongside being there for my two daughters as much as possible.

Was there a ‘final straw’ that convinced you to go for it?

No one thing persuaded me, however – ensuring I had the work life balance with my family was really important. After taking time out to look after my daughter I knew that I wanted to go back to work in some capacity, and the option to join the Returners programme with an organisation who support agility so publicly helped me to make the decision.

How did you ask?

I made it clear when rolling off the bank’s 16 week Returners Programme that I would only consider permanent roles that included an element of Agile working. For me this needed to include the ability to have non-working days and the flexibility to work from home when it was right for me, and also for the business’s needs.

Was it an easy sell?

Surprisingly, yes.  I am fortunate that I work for an employer who understands and embraces the concept of Agile working, and champions people ensuring their working pattern helps to support their day-to-day lives.  Also, I was confident in my own abilities and that I had something to offer the group, whether that was on a five or four day week.

Despite working part time, I have been able to focus my energy on the days I do work and as a result do not believe that it has been at the detriment of my productivity – in fact I think it has enhanced it!

What reactions have you had?

Overall the reaction has been resoundingly supportive.  A front office role which demands flexibility to manage sometimes tight client deadlines presents its own challenges and I did encounter some initial scepticism about the ability to perform the role. But, actions speak louder than words and I was able to demonstrate not only can it be done – but it can be done to great effect.  

My family and friends have been incredibly supportive and it would not be possible to achieve what I have done without the unerring support of my wife.

What has been the biggest challenge?

For me, the biggest challenge has been not falling between two chairs trying to keep everyone happy.  A real discipline is required to ensure that home life and work life kept separate as much as possible.  This can always be a challenge, and is exacerbated when there are non-working days involved.

How do you tackle such challenges?

It’s important to maintain discipline (avoiding the temptation to spend the day you have with your kids glued to the Blackberry) and conversely be flexible such that if there is client deal-critical activity to manage your time accordingly.

On the rare occasion you have to get up two hours early to be sending emails at 5am so you can spend the day with your family without work interfering - that is time well spent. Also, for me it’s been important to empower my team to manage business while I’m away.

What helps you stay motivated?

Doing a great job, delivering a quality service to clients, and the knowledge I am in my very small way changing society’s perceptions about working families.  That, and an immense pride in my wife and a desire to support her.

What’s the best thing about working part-time?

 More time with my family – 100%.

Do you have a part-time philosophy?

Part-time is the wrong word.  No aspect of my life is ‘part-time’.  I am fully committed to my children, my family and my clients and colleagues.  To suggest otherwise is false and a mind-set that needs to be challenged. I wouldn’t suggest someone taking two days off at the weekend is part-time in their thinking and the fact I have one additional day off to care for my children should not make things any different.

What advice would you give would-be flexible workers?

Firstly I would suggest it’s fundamental to do your research. You must ensure and demonstrate that you can perform your role in a more agile way.  Sell the benefits to your employers and be flexible as required. Be confident that you are doing a great job and can continue to do so under a revised working regime.  There is no need to apologise for seeking an agile working environment!

How I do it:

My greatest fear is…poor health.  We all take good health for granted.

The bravest thing I’ve done is…book a one way ticket to Indonesia for a new job and life on the other side of the world.  Also the best thing I’ve ever done.

I would tell my teenage self… relax, most of this stuff really doesn’t matter

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is… life is short.  Embrace it.

My top business tool or resource is… my colleagues.  Always.

My favourite business quote… ‘It always seems impossible until it’s done’ – Nelson Mandela.

Timewise has opened nominations for the 2019 Timewise Power 50 list, supported by EY, Dixons Carphone, Lloyds Banking Group & Diageo. These awards celebrate individuals and businesses who achieve incredible things through flexible and part-time working. It is free to enter and the winners will be published by the Telegraph early next year. Make your nomination at Timewise.co.uk/Power-50