Often times women take a break from their careers to raise their children. Those breaks can vary from a few to several years.
Upon (re)entering the workforce how can one justify to their prospective employer the gap in their career? What measures should a mom take to keep up with their field while they are on this extended break? How can one make the transition from being a stay at home mom to a full time career woman easy for everyone in the family?
Mom’s lets discuss how to go about (re)entering the workforce. What are your views, solutions, experiences and what are you doing (or going to do) in order to keep up to speed within the field you are in?
There is nothing more understandable I think than the simple explanation of "I wanted to be home with my children until they reached school age." That accounts for the gap in work history no matter what country or culture you work in.
For the rest of it, so much depends upon the type of background and career. I used to be trading floor design and support. Thats a job which requires dedication 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Completely out of the question now - I dont want to nor do I need to have a high-powered, high earning career, I'd just like to supplement the household income. So I would need to lower my sights, seek employment perhaps as simply support. Or seek something outside of that particular area. Realistically, I dont expect to earn anywhere near what I used to make - simply because I would not want to dedicate myself so completely to the job.
My youngest enters kindergarten in sept and he has 2 days a week that are only half-days. So while I'd love to find some sort of work, it would also have to be something that jives with my son's schedule - otherwise we keep to the current budget and I spend more time at the school volunteering my time and wait till I find the right opportunity - one that is flexible enough and understanding enough when I tell them that my family comes first.
by the look of this thread...seems like we dont have too many moms here interested in going back to work.
Mama...these days more and more company's are realizing that by giving moms a more flexible schedule they are in turn receiving more dedication, productivity and overall better work results by their employees. The reason is because these moms dont want to leave a job that gives them flexibility which is why they are working harder for that company. It's a give n take situation.
In the articled I linked above the author mentioned that when mothers are seeking jobs they should tell their prospective employer their demands from the start.
AE, I quit working when my older on was born and since then have worked off and on from home. Now that both kids are going to be in school from September, I often think of returning to work but I am not as flexible as I used to be. My family is now very comfortable with me being around, we're all organized and our activities are set accordingly so my returning to work would mean bringing major changes. I also would like to be around when the kids come back from school. So, if I do return to work, it would be a very selective process looking for a job to suit my needs.
In terms of preparing to re-enter the workforce, depending on how long the mother ha sbeen out, she can do some online refresher reading on work related topics. If possible take some coursework related to the field to update her skills. Depending on the career she can look to revamp her skills in general when she has free time. Aside from that it would help to have a job with a company that offers flexible hours or simply just start working part-time if possible to get back into the groove.
AE - I only took about a year off but I guess that wasn't relaly long enough. I actually applied for a senior position after my maternity leave and ended up getting it.
Depends on your field actaully. I feel I am blessed to live in a country that where it's never too late to go back to school, or restart your career.
Did I ever share the story of my mom doing her residency AFTER I got married? She is still practicing today mA.
i got married right after my advanced diploma, now after four years i want to return to studies and career, if anyone has managed this with a toddler in tow, i would be really grateful for hints and tips. the current plan of study when baby sleeps isnt really helpful towards my appearance or brain activity.