Top Tips for Getting Back to Work After Having Kids

At some point, many stay-at-home moms decide that it’s time to get back to work, but for women that have been out of work for a long period of time, this isn’t always simple. One of the biggest concerns that women have about going back to work is explaining to potential employers why they have been out of the working world for so long. Other concerns include how domestic duties will fit around a working week.

Adjusting to a new schedule and the demands of the workforce can also be somewhat scary. After several years of planning your day around your children’s needs, having to change your schedule to fit your employer’s needs may seem like an imposition. Of course there are always women who will enjoy the change of pace and new challenges, but there will still be some problems that must be overcome.

Here are a few tips to help mothers return to work:

• The first thing you will have to do is take some time to think. Answer the following questions: Why exactly you are going back to work? What type of job do you want? How much money will you need to make for it to be worthwhile? How much flexibility will you need to accomodate your family responsibilities? If you are really worried about these factors, a few sessions of career counselling may help to make you feel more confident.

• At some point before you make the decision to return to work you will want to talk with your spouse, and your children. Decide beforehand how you and your spouse can work together to ensure that you returning to work will be beneficial for both of you, as well as your children. Talk to your children so that they understand how the change will affect them.

• You’ll find that self-confidence is key to getting back to work. One mistake that many women make is feeling that if someone does hire them, that employer is doing them a tremendous favor. The fact that you’ve not been in an office for a few years, doesn’t mean that your skills aren’t desirable. If you get the job, it’s because you’ve proven you’re good enough.

• Brush up on your interviewing skills. It has been a long time since you have been through an interview and your skills are likely to be a little rusty; practice interviewing with a friend or career coach so that you will be sharp at your first interview.

• Freshen up your resume. There will probably be something you can add to your resume; maybe you have helped run a non-profit organization, or helped at your child’s school?

• If you find that your job and family duties aren’y working together, don’t be afriad to change. If you find that working is putting too much of a strain on you or your family, don’t be afraid to quit if your financial situation allows it.

The challenging workplace can be rewarding, once you can see past the initial concerns.