Today I am excited to say I have got my very first ever guest posting on the blog.
She is talented and full of information!
Starting your career later on in life – Tips for getting back into the workforce after kids
It’s never too late to live your dream!
Many mums out there take extended time off from working life to look after their kids, and indeed the time you spend watching your children grow and learn during the crucial early years is some of the most rewarding time you’ll spend in your whole life.
But if you’re feeling like it’s time for you to get out of your trackies and back into your suit (or smart casual workplace attire), then here are some practical tips on how to make the transition back into the workforce – whether you’re returning to the same industry you worked in before you left, or taking the plunge into a completely new type of work.
Efficiency is key!
Determine whether you are in a position to be able to transition back to work slowly. Look into working part-time or working a couple of days a week at first. If this is not an option, talk to your boss about working from home. Many companies encourage flexible work arrangements, with most organisations often finding such arrangements to be the most effective in terms of employee productivity. This could mean having the flexibility to do the afternoon school pick up and then working again into the night after the kids have hit the sack. Talk to your boss about finding an arrangement that makes the most effective use of your time.
Ask for help
Getting back to the workforce is hard enough as it is. But add kids to the mix, and family obligations and responsibilities can seem like a insurmountable mountain you never get on top of. Try divvying up chores and responsibilities with your partner. This could mean having your partner fix dinners in the evening while you get the children ready in the morning. Frank and clear communication is key in letting them know you need help in managing work with household responsibilities (don’t expect any mind reading here!). Discuss with your partner a concrete plan about how the responsibilities should be divided. If you are a divorced parent, re-entering the workforce can seem like even more of a daunting challenge. Don’t be afraid to ask for child support in order to arrange childcare and babysitting services to help take care of the load and get back on your feet. After all, you are entitled to it!
Know that it will be tough
Many women, upon returning to the workforce, find themselves ridden with guilt at having to leave their children at home. The first couple of weeks (even months) can be an emotional and physical roller coaster. Understand that feelings of sadness and anxiety are perfectly normal and try to find your own ways to make the transition smoother (perhaps video Skype the babysitter during lunch, place photos of your kids on your desk, talk to other mothers at work too see how they coped etc). Ultimately, don’t forget to enjoy the joys and challenges of this new chapter in your working career and remember to reach out for help. Of the millions of working mothers out there, chances are, there is one that has felt just the same way you do at one point or another!
Author Bio: Aliyah Lee is a stay-at-home mum and a financial advisor in her previous life. She enjoys finding creative ways of getting the most out of child support payments.
“This guest post was brought to you by Watts McCray”
Congrats on your first guest, Mad Mummas! That’s awesome. This post is very relevant and thanks for organising it. Full of a lot of good advice and tips. Personally, I think the last bit about it being “tough” is important. Sometimes people give up, but perserverance is the key to small business. Thanks again for directing us to this part of your fabulous blog – its tweetirrific! Looking forward to reading about your next guest … Will stay tuned til then … Tweet, tweet! x
Yes I agree, this is very relevant to mums everywhere. I hope they got at least one piece of helpful information that will help them.
I’m due to return to work in a fortnight after 12 months maternity leave. I don’t want to go! I haven’t been away long enough to lose confidence or need re-training. My biggest challenge will be having my head in the game when its wrapped around my little boy. *Sigh*. Congratulations on your first guest post and thanks for linking up for Flash Blog Friday
Yes Bree, I completely understand not wanting to go back. I love being at home with the kids and nothing compares – but everyone is different, a few of my friends couldn’t get back to work fast enough. Each to their own I say. I hope your transition back to work is easy for you (are you going back FT/PT/Casual?
I am terrified of going back to work, but at the same time, would love to. As much as I love being mummy, I miss being my own person too, and feel that I have lost that sense of myself since leaving. Great post!
Chrissie xx
Hahaha yes I remember the missed emotions of whether I wanted to go back to work or not. It sucks and its a hard dicission to make. I hope you get the sense of self you need! Thanks for commenting Chrissie. xx