Returning to the workforce after having kids can be daunting. Depending how long you have been out of the workplace, you may find your confidence a little challenged. For anyone who has been engulfed in nappies and feed-times, the thought of going back into a professional environment can create anxiety.
Fears are generally twofold. It is common to be afraid that you will no longer have what it takes to make it in the workplace. Being ensconced in all things children can make you wonder if you will ever be able to keep up in the professional adult world again. Secondly, many parents returning to work fear that they will not be able to do everything; maintain house and children and work. Guilt is a common emotion for parents returning to the workforce.
There are steps you can take to help make your journey back to work easier and more successful. Here are some of them.
Rethink Your Options
Before you return to work, think about what kind of career you want to pursue. Don’t necessarily assume that you should go back to what you were doing before you had children. Think about what you love to do, where your talents lie, what gives you satisfaction and consider a career in that area. Too many parents return to their old job without giving it a second thought. Use your re-entry into the workforce as an opportunity to reassess what you want from your career.
New Priorities
You may want to find work that offers more flexible hours and you may want to work closer to home to avoid long commutes. Your priorities will probably have changed and you may find you value more time at home over a higher pay rate. Think about what is most important to you now and what is least important and look for a job where you can get your highest needs met.
Get Prepared
Don’t let a lack of training put you off. You can gain the qualifications you need for a new career path by studying from home. This is an excellent way to get your mind back into work mode. Vocational training and study can open up a whole new world of opportunities to you post-baby. If you are interested in finding out more about vocational training options and what career paths they can lead to, go online and check this out for details of costs and learning delivery modes. Most training programs are self-paced, a great option for people with families.
Update your Resume
You need to revisit your pre-baby resume and make changes. Get some professional advice on creating a ‘stand out’ CV that will get you a job interview. Your resume is extremely important, so make sure it is up to date. Don’t forget to mention new skills you have acquired through your time parenting, including any courses you may have completed. Perhaps it’s time to add some new design elements to the layout?
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