Some women return to work as soon as they can after giving birth. Some because they want to, but others because they need to contribute financially and have no choice.
Others, choose to take a break and stay at home with their kids. Again, some because they want to, and others because they find themselves in the rather strange position of not being able to afford to go out to work, because of costly childcare and low wages. Finances often play a big part in our choice, but, there is no right or wrong way to do it. There are advantages to being a working mum, and benefits to staying at home. At the end of the day, if it’s right for you and your family, it’s the right decision.
But, it’s always worth remembering that it’s never too late to change your mind. Just because you decided to stay at home and not return straight after maternity doesn’t mean that you have to stay home until your kids are much older. You can return to work whenever you want. Just like returning to work while they are still babies doesn’t mean that you can’t give it up later on if it’s not working out.
Returning to work at any time is hard. Emotionally, the idea of leaving your children with someone else while you work can be daunting. But it’s more than that. You might worry that your skills are outdated, or that you have forgotten everything that you once knew. Even if you are returning to precisely the same job that you’ve done for a long time, it can feel as though it’s all brand new. You might also worry that your colleagues will have moved on and made new relationships. That you will be left out and on your own. The longer the break that you have taken, the harder it can be going back. But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t do it. Let’s take a look at some ways to make your return to work easier.
Head to School First
If you’ve had a long break, a lot will have changed. There will have been new developments, and the technology might have changed. Your industry might have new practices, and you might find that even laws and regulations have changed. This can make everything much harder. You might feel new in a career that you’ve worked in for years. You might even struggle to find work, despite your experience. So, why not go back to school first? A masters in education online at Exeter University, for example, could be a great way back into education.
Online degrees are an ideal option for mums with kids at home. But, they’re certainly not your only option. Look at other training courses and classes at your local college.
Get Social
As mums, very few of us go out with our friends as much as we used to. Even if we do, it’s often on playdates or to kids attractions. There’s little time to talk properly, and you certainly can’t have intellectual conversations. During this time, you might have lost touch with your old work colleagues, or if you still talk, your relationships might be completely different.
So, get back in touch. Use social media to reconnect with old friends from work. Some of them might be able to help you to find a job, or at least get you feeling part of things again.
Consider a Career Change
There’s nothing to say that you have to go back to the same job as you had before. If that’s all that you’ve ever done and you haven’t got any other training, experience or qualifications, it might feel as though it’s your only option.
But, it’s not. It’s never too late for a career change. Many women consider a career change after becoming parents, as it’s often their only chance for more flexible working. Think about things that you enjoy doing, skills that you’ve got, and what you’d like to do. Look at available jobs in your area, reading the descriptions to find out what qualifications or skills you need.
Brush Up Your CV
Long breaks are never good on CVs, but sometimes that is your only option. If you haven’t worked for a long time, there is going to be a gap in your employment history. There’s nothing that you can do about it. Instead, highlight your key and transferable skills. Think about any experience you might have gained outside of work, like running events at school, or writing a parenting blog.
Look at Part-Time Options
Part-time is often the best solution for parents. It can give you time to spend with your children and the ability to work and earn money. It’s also a great way to get back in to work after a break. You might want to take a few steps down the career ladder and a part-time position just to get back into the hang of things. It doesn’t need to be forever, but working part-time can be an excellent transition.
Plan Childcare Arrangements
If your kids are now much older, they might be okay taking themselves off to school and coming home alone (but you should still be thinking about preparing them for more time without you). But, if they are still a little too young for that, you need to think about childcare carefully before deciding to return to work. Can you still do school runs or will you need help? Is there a breakfast club at school or do you need other childcare? Explore your options and make sure you trust whoever is looking after your children before you commit to work.
Start Finding Ways to Save Time
Even as a stay at home mum, there’s plenty to do, and you might have found your days full. But, if you are going back to work, things will change. You’ll have to adjust your routines and get used to being out of the house more. Start finding ways to save time, especially in the mornings and work on your organisation skills to make things a little easier.
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