Helen Kelly
Came in 1997 to work in neurology. Now a midwife after training opportunity.
I love what I do. I still develop a special bond with each new mother I care for, even though we're one of the biggest, busiest maternity centres in London.
Last year we delivered over 4,000 babies, and working here has given me real confidence. I enjoy that sense of competence, of being able to handle things. And it gets noticed, too, when you do a good job; I got a letter of commendation after I had to deal with a cord prolapse, saying that what I did was exemplary.
That kind of feedback encourages you to believe you can become even more competent. So it's really worth taking up the opportunities for self-development. And there's no problem finding the time, because there's a lot of flexibility in the working hours. There are loads of options - for instance, you can work a longer shift and fewer days a week, or do term-time working. It all goes towards the feeling of autonomy you get here. And, of course, it makes it very family-friendly.