Being a mother is one of the most rewarding experiences a woman can have. But it’s also one of the most challenging. Not only are you responsible for raising a human being, but you’re also responsible for your own career and finances. And if you take a career break to raise your children, it can be difficult to get back into the workforce. You may feel like you’ve lost touch with your industry or that your skills are no longer up to par. But there are ways to successfully get back to work after a career break. In this blog post, we will explore some tips and strategies for mothers who want to get back into the workforce.
Where to start?
There are a few things to consider when thinking about returning to work after taking a break for parenting. Firstly, you need to establish what your goals and objectives are. What do you want to accomplish by going back to work?
Secondly, you need to evaluate your skills and experience. Are you up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in your field? If not, it may be necessary to brush up on your skills or get some additional training.
Thirdly, you should take some time to assess your work-life balance. How much flexibility would you need, do you want to work in office or work from home, and how will that impact your family life? Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to family and friends and join RecruitMyMom to view our current job openings.
How to build your confidence to get back to work
It's no secret that taking a break from your career can be challenging on your confidence. You are not alone. Many women, in similar positions, have experienced the same challenged and were able to work through the process to finally get back to work. Here are a few tips to help you get back on track:
1. Remember your why. Whether it's for financial reasons, or because you miss the challenge and satisfaction of work, keep your goals in mind. This will help you stay motivated and focused.
2. Start slowly. If you're feeling rusty, ease back into things with a part-time job or freelance gig. This will help build up your confidence and give you a chance to brush up on your skills.
3. Get organized. Once you've decided to return to work, make sure you have all your ducks in a row. This means getting child care arranged, updating your CV, and networking online and in person as much as possible.
4. It’s a job. Treat the process of finding employment like a full-time job. Be focused, consistent and tenacious. It requires consistent effort and focus and remember to never give up.
5. Create a professional online presence. Use online platforms available like LinkedIn and Facebook to present yourself professionally. Upload a professional-looking photo of yourself and update your bio description with your work experience and qualifications. You never know who might be viewing your profile.
Work-life integration as a working mom
As a working mom, it is important to find a way to integrate your work and life so that you can have a successful career while still being able to raise your family. Finding a job that supports your need for work-life integration is important. If you are looking for flexible employment opportunities then apply for positions that offer this. Identify companies based on their culture to ensure this matches your needs.
Once you land your job try these below tips to ensure work life integration that works for you:
1. Make time for your family: One of the most important things you can do as a working mom is to make time for your family. This means setting aside time each day to spend with your children. It may also mean making some sacrifices in terms of your work schedule in order to attend school events or be there for important moments in your child’s life.
2. Set boundaries between work and home: It is also vital to set boundaries between work and home so that you can focus on each area when you are there. This means having set times when you will work and stick to them, as well as taking breaks during the day to spend with your family. This is especially important if you choose to work from home.
3. Create a support network: As a working mom, it is essential to have a support network in place. This could include family members, friends, or even co-workers who understand what you are going through and can provide help when needed. Having people you can rely on will make it easier to balance work and life responsibilities.
4. Take care of yourself: Finally, it is important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Maybe consider taking a walk or find a quiet place to relax - just to breathe. It may take time to find employment so keep your mindset focused. Eye on the prize.
Back to work course with RecruitMyMom
Whether you’re a mom who’s been out of the workforce for a while or a working mom who’s looking to make a career change, going back to work can be a daunting task. But have no fear, with the right preparation and mindset, you can successfully get back to work and achieve your career and financial goals.
RecruitMyMom and Fresh Horizon’s 8-week back-to-work course has been specifically designed to give you the practical tools and confidence you need to launch yourself back in to work. For more information click here.
Here’s what other participants have said about our course:
"I am so empowered." Ruksha Maharaj
"I have so much confidence." Nomsebenzi Lecoge
At RecruitMyMom we have helped thousands of women get back to work by offering suitable and flexible employment opportunities. For more information visit our website to view our latest jobs available.
