Some women will take time off from working their normal 9-5 job to experience the great reward of life that is having and raising children. Having children is a major task in itself and requires a large amount of work and dedication. As your children get older and start to study full-time, you may decide that you want to re-enter the workforce. Whether it has been six months or six years, going back to work can often be a daunting task. Where does one start? There are a few simple tips that can make your entry back into the workforce that little bit easier.
The point of going back to work may be to earn some extra, much needed cash. However, a role that is on a volunteering basis may be a great stepping stone back into the workforce. Not only do can it help you get back into the routine of a normal work day, you can also test the waters of the career you have in mind. You may have been working in finance before having children, but is this something you still wish to pursue? Try out volunteering in the field you wish to work in and see how this works for you. It’s also a great way to meet new people, get back in the office environment and get some confidence back.
For experienced professional women, there is an option known as ‘returnships’. These are returning professional internships, which aim to help returning mothers find a suitable role in the sector they’re interested in. They’re short-term contracts which are paid and help the employing organisation get a better idea of your suitability for any future roles with them. Like volunteering, it’s a great way to step back into the workforce and the office environment to see if there are any skill gaps which need addressing.
Just as volunteering is great to help you determine the best field of work for you, you should also work on planning your career goals. It can be simple enough to find any old job, but if you’re looking at career progression, this may be a great time to sit down and think about what you really want. How do you wish to balance work and life? Do you still need to pick up the kids from school? Do you want to work your way up to a managerial position? Working out a clear career goal will help you to know what jobs to apply for and how to ensure you are happy with your job once you’ve got it.
To be able to really focus on your job hunt and your new role once you’ve got the job, you may want to consider some additional child care services. You may be lucky enough to have friends and family live close by who are able to help out with child care. If this isn’t an option, you may want to check on local childminders, babysitters or if need be, in-home help such as a nanny or au pair. Having the knowledge of what services are available to you will be able to help you make quick decisions if need be.
When you’re writing or updating your resume, be sure to add in your last roles, no matter how long ago this was. Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed about any gaps on your CV. You shouldn’t feel the need to apologise for a career gap. Instead, look to add details of the skills that you can bring to the role. This is also a great time to include any skills or knowledge you have obtained whilst at home with children. Even simple things such as organising school events, supervising children on excursions or being involved in class committees are all relevant and helpful to your professional career.
If you are interested in further qualifying yourself, check out the International Career Institute for various distance education courses. Distance education allows you to study from home and can fit conveniently into your busy schedule. You can study at your own pace, while looking after the children, taking care of work around the home, and looking for a job!
Depending on the sector, you may be able to do all or part of your work from home. Of course, this isn’t for everyone – it takes some serious self-discipline to be able to work from home on a long term basis. If you have great time management skills, obedience, are organised and aren’t easily distracted by chores or the alluring television in the living room, it may be a suitable option. Be aware that some people crave social interaction at work, so working from home may feel too lonely for some people.
You may be out to impress your new employer or you may say that you’re ready to take on multiple projects. However, this may be your quickest way to burning out. Start slowly and try not to get in over your head too quickly. If you feel like you’re taking on too many responsibilities in your new role, you should seek advice and let your manager know that you may need to ease your way back in.
This can be a tricky feat, especially when trying to hold down a job as well as look after children. However, it’s important to invest in yourself and take time on your own to relax. It’s also important to do an activity that is self-improving. You may want to undertake a short course or even just take time out from other commitments to read some of the latest news articles about your sector. All of these kinds of activities can help you to unwind, but also help to improve your future prospects.
If you’re looking to re-enter the workforce and need to brush up on your skills training, ICI UK offer a range of courses to get you re-certified and back in the workplace as quickly as possible. Check out the range of courses here.
Gladys Mae serves as the General Manager and Head of Student Services at the International Career Institute. Gladys holds a degree in Mass Communication - Broadcast Media from the University of San Jose-Recoletos. She joined ICI in 2010 and has over the past 12 years been instrumental in providing leadership and guidance to staff and students alike. Prior to joining ICI Gladys led a multifaceted career with key roles in the banking and business process outsourcing industries.
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