Making A Return - With Interest. Tips for moms who are ready to re-enter the workplace
Taking a career break to start a family is a huge step, and one which is rarely taken lightly. As important as it is to take the time out to spend with your children, for many, there will come a day when the challenge of the workplace beckons once again. Some moms go back to work for financial purposes and, others through a desire to have a multi-faceted lie. Whatever the reasons, returning to work after a few years can be a time of uncertainty and doubt. The following is our guide to getting back to work and displaying your valuable skills after having children:
Start slowly
Where possible, see if you can re-enter the workplace on a part-time basis. Many mothers experience a lot of feelings of guilt when going back to work and, so, it’s a good idea to ‘ease yourself in’ by going back for maybe a few hours a day or a couple of days a week before thinking about returning to full time.
Know your rights
If you took an extended maternity leave and now wish to return to the company you worked for previously, you need to make sure you know what’s what in terms of your role and your salary. In some cases, you may be required to return on a lesser salary or a more junior role so, this needs to be taken into account.
Check your entitlements
Depending on where you live, you may be entitled to help with childcare costs - which will certainly come in handy when you first go back to work. Check with your employer to see if they offer any benefits or services to parents too.
Hello stranger
If you’re returning to your old workplace, you may be a little dismayed to discover a lot of new faces - and the absence of some old ones. Try to remember that the world didn’t stand still while you were away. Instead of resenting the changes, embrace them and, make a point of introducing yourself to the unfamiliar faces.
Don’t give yourself a hard time
It’s not only the staff that may have changed since you’ve been away. During your career break, there’s a good chance that the company has installed some new equipment, processes and systems. First of all, don’t panic. Remind yourself that everything was just as unfamiliar first time around - you got the hang of it then and, you’ll get the hang of it now.
Make weekends matter
In some cases, a child may have a hard time adjusting to his or her mother not being home during the day. Balance this by making sure that you organise lots of fun stuff at the weekend so that your child begins to understand that weekends are ‘quality time’.
Returning to the workplace is an adjustment - and a big one! Take things slowly and be gentle with yourself - you’ll be up and running before you know it.
Guest article by Ben of Ultimate Banners. Ben’s company produce 3x3 pop up stand systems for businesses attending exhibitions and conferences around the World.
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