Jumping back into work can be a daunting prospect when you've had a substantial break, but there is little to fear.
There is absolutely no reason why you can't have a fulfilling career and a family. Things just might take a little more tweaking than before.
With a little bit of preparation and a few tips, you'll be free to drink a cup of tea or coffee whilst it's still hot in no time.
Here's a few ideas to help you make the leap:
1. Reconnect with the working version of yourself
When you have been embedded in the land of sippy cups and Peppa Pig, it's easy to become disconnected from the version of you that trotted off to work, pre-kids.
Fears that you won't remember what to do can knock your confidence.
Dropping by your old work place, catching up with your former colleagues, reading through any training literature, or previous work appraisals that you have held onto will all help you to remember your professional qualities and expertise.
"When I returned to work after my first daughter, I hadn't had much contact with my work associates during my absence, and jumping back in was a real culture shock. After having my son, I made sure to stay connected and it really made a huge difference for me coming back. I still felt like the 'working me' existed even while I was away." Natalie - HR Recruitment Officer, Sydney.
2. Never let your 'plans' get in the way of an opportunity
Be flexible with your 'plans' on returning. You might have ideas about when you will be ready rejoin the work force, but things can change. You might not feel ready at that time, or perhaps an opportunity might be presented to you before that time is up. Either situation deserves serious consideration.
If an opportunity presents itself that is not exactly ideal in terms of hours, or conditions, it might be worth giving it a try anyway. Once you have established that you are the right person for the position, you will be in a stronger position to negotiate the flexibility you need.
"I was putting the feelers out to my old boss about returning to work in a part-time capacity sometime in the near future, when she immediately offered me a full-time position beginning in three days. My initial reaction was 'No way!', but after some careful thought and a few phone calls to childcare centres, I decided to give it a try - knowing that it was OK if it didn't work out. Since then I have negotiated a four day roster and I'm so glad that I took the gamble." Danielle – High School Teacher, Gold Coast.
3. Network, network, network
Opportunities can arise from the least expected places. Recognise the people in your circles who have a functioning work/life balance, and pick their brains. Their tips and advice might prove invaluable, as will their contacts.
4. Don't be timid about asking for flexibility
If you're thinking that asking for flexibility is going to put you straight in the 'difficult' basket – think again. It's not just return to work mums that need flexibility, there's all manner of reasons that a person would need a bit of freedom in their work agreements, and that includes employers as well.
Terms you could negotiate might include:
- Start and finish times that accommodate school drop and pick-up.
- Working from home on some, or all, of your days.
- Job sharing.
- Compressing your hours so you work longer hours on fewer days.
- Signing short contracts for particular projects, and negotiating new terms each time.
- Days in lieu for school days such as sports carnivals.
5. Get familiar with your workplace rights
There is no guarantee that your potential employer is on top of the current laws in regards to maternity leave, pregnancy, or working parents. Check the laws in your state, that way you will be able to deal with any uncertain situations as they arise. The Human Rights Commission is a great place to begin.
If you find any documentation that you feel might be pertinent to your particular situation, have it on hand so that you and your new employer can start on the same page.
6. Acknowledge and use your new skill set
Parenting has armed you with a whole new skill set, you just need to know how to sell them, and it all has to do with translating your everyday tasks into 'work-speak'.
There's a good bet you can add some of the following under your 'skills' heading these days:
- Time management.
- Sound, working knowledge of social media and communication.
- Finely tuned research & decision making skills.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Conflict resolution.
7. Get up to speed
If you are worried that your skills are a bit outdated, or perhaps don't suit the new path you are heading down – don't be. It's never been easier to get back up to speed, you don't even need to leave the house!
Studying online is a flexible and affordable option and definitely worth your time to look into.
Do you feel like you're ready to take the plunge back into work?
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