Mums in Tech – feat. Annie Bartlett

We got the chance to speak with Annie Bartlett, a Software Engineer for Veeqo, a free shipping software helping to cut the cost and speed of fulfilling orders with low shipping rates, automation and powerful fulfillment tools.

The purpose of our 'MotherBoard’ content series is to highlight incredible working mums within tech & data, as well as individuals and businesses that are supportive and progressive within their approach to creating more inclusive tech & data teams for women.

Amber @ MotherBoard: Can you please introduce yourself, your role, and why you feel supporting mums working within tech & data is so important?

Annie: I’m Annie Bartlett, a mum to a very boisterous 2.5 year-old and a Software Engineer for Veeqo. I’ve been in the tech industry for just under two years; prior to this I worked in Fashion Merchandising for Asos. When I fell pregnant, I decided that I wanted to make the most of my Maternity Leave, and saw a great opportunity to learn something new and change my career by taking part in a web development bootcamp called Le Wagon.

I wholeheartedly believe that working mums in tech should be given a good level of support, whether it be for mental health, career/promotion advice or mentorship within the workplace. In my experience so far, alongside navigating my new path into tech, being a first-time mum meant that I was also learning everything new about being “mum”. It’s really important to have that supportive foundation to help understand how to handle situations when both paths collide, and maintaining a healthy work/life balance.

Amber @ MotherBoard: As a Software Engineer at Veeqo and a mum, what does a typical day look like for You?

Annie: Our day starts when our little one wakes up around 7am (though that could easily change if he fancies a singsong at 5am). We all get ready for the day and either take him to nursery or he spends the day at his Grandad’s house. After drop off I start work, usually from home but occasionally travelling into HQ.

At work, we begin with a stand-up to go through our daily progress/blockers, and the rest of my day is generally spent working on tickets (either for bug fixes or creating new features).

We pick our little one up at 5pm, then the usual routine of dinner, bath and bedtime. Occasionally I find that I’ll still be thinking through a solution, and I’ll get my ‘ah-ha’ moment at random times like when I’m cooking dinner etc, and so I might fit in a bit of coding when the little one is down for bed.

Amber @ MotherBoard: How have you managed to build a successful career in tech, whilst also embarking on motherhood and what challenges have you faced?

Annie: Motherhood has definitely taught me to prioritise well, and that compliments my tech life. It’s hard to switch into different profiles, especially when a lot of deep-thinking is required to code. I also like to have structure in my day, which can completely fall by the wayside when my little one is ill. But fortunately working remotely helps to manage this, as well as working with a supportive team who are empathetic and understanding.

Amber @ MotherBoard: What do you think is important for businesses to look out for so those future mums of tech can be fully supported?

Annie: I think the key factor is flexibility. I had a relatively uncomplicated birth, but the anxiety that followed really gave me a knock in confidence. That, alongside living through the Covid pandemic, meant that it took me longer to feel more like ‘myself’. Being able to work from home flexibly allowed me to stay in my own space whilst I was still recovering, which I think actually helped improve my mental health.

Also, as we know, life is very unpredictable when you’re a parent (especially when kids have a habit of getting ill so often), so knowing that you have non-judgemental support for having to leave work early etc is incredibly important. 

Amber @ MotherBoard: What do you think the government needs to do to support mums more to make it easier to balance a career and parenting?

Annie: Reduce childcare costs. Our nursery fees are insanely expensive, especially since we live in London. I’m fortunate to have some help from my dad to make up some of the cost. Government support with childcare only kicks in from term-time after they turn three (in order to receive free hours), but there is a severe lack of help for those with kids under three.

Amber @ MotherBoard: What do you think is the best part of being a woman within the tech industry?

Annie: I think the best part, particularly as a mum in tech, is being able to use all these new skills that I’ve learnt and applying them to my role. It has completely shaped the way I think now, and makes you realise that we’re all human at the end of the day. Office politics just don’t bother me anymore, because I have no mental space for it (since I’m preoccupied with everything else!)

I love seeing other success stories from women striving in the tech industry, and I look forward to seeing how the workforce will be shaped in years to come.

Amber @ MotherBoard: Do you have any final words of advice to our readers about balancing being a mum and having a successful career?

Annie: Just remember to be kind to yourself, you’re doing about 10 jobs in one go so it’s okay when things don’t go to plan!