It can be quite daunting just thinking about going back to work after being a stay-at-home-mom. Chances are, if you’re reading this post, you’re likely considering returning to work in the near future. If so…congratulations!
I remember the moment I shared my decision to leave the job I sincerely loved to stay at home with my son. My coworkers and clients shared in my happiness and were very encouraging. I will never forget, however, the less-than-encouraging response from one of my clients saying:
“I’m happy that you have come to a decision, but I should warn you, you will have an extremely difficult time finding work again.”
My jaw fell to the floor as I read those words in his “congratulatory” email. I deleted his email immediately and didn’t think twice about it. Just kidding! I did delete his email, but I would be lying if I told you his words haven’t echoed in my mind over the past several years.
I know my choice to stay at home was not a mistake, but I also know the path to reentering the working world will pose some challenges.
As stay-at-home moms, we make a huge sacrifice stepping away from the working world, whether it is by choice or out of necessity, to care for our children. In fact, for me, this job ended up being more emotionally draining than any day at the office. The feelings of loneliness and isolation can be a daily struggle for many of us, not to mention that unexplainable “busy-but-bored” feeling.
But through it all, as moms, we’re grateful. We’re grateful for having been able to enjoy so many moments, both big and small, with our kids.
We didn’t have to miss any milestones because we were there by their sides to witness and celebrate with them. All the moments you’ve shared with your children (yes, even the ugly ones) are moments that lots of moms wish they could have had the chance to experience.
Your loving sacrifice made it possible for you to kiss booboos, lovingly discipline, share goldfish, build forts, go on random playground visits, ingrain family values, and so much more.
And that, my friends, should be celebrated!
Now you are about to take another big step and join the world of working moms, but where do you even begin?
Get your resume in order.
Most people dread resume writing, with good reason. Hiring Managers receive hundreds of resumes just for one job, so 99% of the time they are skimming resumes in seconds. So, how do you make your resume stand out above the rest? There are tons of resume writing resources out there including books, workshops, online resume builders, and even professional resume writing services that can help you get your resume to the top of the list.
Know what you want.
Full-time? Part-time? Shift work? Corporate? Non-profit? Contract? Remote? Management? If you haven’t worked in a while it can be hard to know the type of job you want. This is where career counselors, recruiters, and professional mentors can be extremely helpful. They can help guide you in making well-informed career choices based on your skills and strengths to find you compatible jobs. Online career counseling organizations, such as Career Crossroads (faith-based career counseling non-profit resource) and CareerOneStop (a source for exploring careers, training, job searches, etc.) are also good resources. Additionally, know the non-negotiable benefits you will need in order to make this transition work for you and your family (i.e. health insurance, 401(k), childcare stipends, etc.).
*Helpful Tip: As someone who has experience hiring others, please try to apply for jobs that match your skills and career background. It’s great to stretch yourself, but don’t waste your time, or the hiring manager’s, by applying for jobs that are not compatible with your scope of work, skills and education.
Find what you want.
There is no shortage of job search resources. You could probably Google the job you are looking for and find something, but this is your future career. Let’s be a bit more strategic. The following resources will offer a much more refined search to match your career goals, preferred industries, and professional background.
- Previous employer(s)
- Indeed
- Your Local Chamber of Commerce
- ZipRecruiter / GlassDoor
- Jobs4TN
- Your Alma Mater / Alumni Networks
- Industry Associations
Catch up with your previous employer.
If you left your last job on good terms, there is no reason you can’t approach your previous employer as a starting point. Set up a time to meet with a trusted coworker or your old boss to get an idea of what’s out there. Chances are, they will have a good beat on available positions within the company or perhaps have connections at other companies that might be a good fit.
Make professional networking your new hobby.
Many people get intimidated when they hear the term “networking.” In my opinion, if you can make friends, you can network. Granted, professional networking is a bit different than building a good base of friendships, but it’s a similar concept. Speaking of friends, if any of them are currently working, ask them to help you get connected to others in the professional world. LinkedIn is a great networking resource that can broaden your professional base in an instant. Create a profile and start connecting. You will also find companies posting job listings here as well. Don’t forget your husband! He can help you broaden your network and be a great cheerleader for you.
Update or enhance your skills.
We already know you’re awesome, but it’s good to take an honest look at your skill set. Take inventory of the skills you’ve maintained and the skills you might need to brush up on. Check your local community college for continuing education or workforce courses that fit your schedule. Other local colleges and universities may offer online “pay-per-class” courses focused on career advancement and enrichment.
After you get the job…
Celebrate!
Pop that champagne girl! Take a moment to celebrate the fact that you are amazing and your new employer thinks so too! Extra income, adult conversations, and new clothes await you.
Don’t expect everyone to be happy.
Real talk: Just because you’re excited about this new adventure does not mean that your family will be too. At least not initially. Your kids might be nervous and feel insecure about you working outside of the home. Your husband may not adapt well to the change either. This is all normal! While things may be a bit rocky at first, everyone will adjust with time. Give yourself and your family lots of grace.
Set expectations before you get the job.
Have a conversation with your family as soon as you decide to go back to work. Share your excitement with them, but also share what changes may have to take place for your family to continue thriving (i.e. weeknight dinners, more shared responsibilities at home, school drop-off/pick-up, nighttime routines, etc.). Check in with yourself too. We can tend to look at our imagined work-life through rose colored glasses, but know that there will be days when you want to throw in the towel or you might catch yourself fantasizing about the freedom you had when you were at home. Have a plan and pep talk when things get tough.
Set up a Schedule.
School, sports, music lessons, youth group, work travel, your husband’s schedule, cue all the things! KNOW YOUR SCHEDULES! Even though you are now working, everyone will still rely on you to keep their schedules straight and rolling. Create a family Google calendar. Buy a whiteboard calendar and hang it wherever your family gathers the most. Review schedules weekly. Buy a planner. Try a few different things, but make sure you eventually land on a schedule and system that works for everyone.
Set up a System.
Figure out a system that will make your mornings and evenings easier. Pack lunches the night before. Plan out your meals for the week and meal prep. Figure out school drop-off and pick-up schedules with your husband or other family members or friends. Staying organized is key to having a successful return to work.
The season you are about to enter will be filled with a mix of excitement and “mom guilt.” As you transition back to the professional world remember to be kind to yourself and, more importantly, remember your “why” – whether it’s financial stability, personal fulfillment, or passion – because it will be your anchor on the challenging days. You got this, mama!
