The prospect of returning to work after children can definitely be one of the most daunting experiences. It’s particularly the case if you don’t have a great deal of work experience in the field you are interested in, or if you have been out of the workforce for years and years.
As real these situations may be for you, there are things you can do to overcome these challenges and job seek in a way that gets you the positive results: results that will see you in the position that’s just perfect for you!
So here are my top tips to help you make it happen:
- Do things to create a happy and positive mind for yourself: Success is a mind game. The more positive and happy you are, the easier it will be to bring about the desirable result you want. Let go of negative self-thinking and pick up some inspirational books to read. Personal development titles and biographies of successful people of interest to you are great places to start.
- Rid yourself of stress in your life: This ties in very closely with my first point. Stress has negative effects both physically and mentally, so dedicate some time each day to meditation and personal fitness. Take 10-15 minutes morning and evening to clear your mind of all thoughts and focus on your breathing. It’s amazing the results that will be experienced almost instantly with this exercise alone. Combine that with something as simple as a walk each day and you’ll feel better in no time – and find yourself thinking clearer and feeling less stressed.
- Decide what career path really interests you: You need to choose a career you will love. You need to be passionate about what you will do for a living, and it doesn’t matter if you want to work casually, part or full time. When you love your work, it doesn’t feel like work anymore!
- Create a resume centered on the career path that is of interest to you: It doesn’t matter if you have little or no experience in the area that you are interested in. You can get the qualification/education you need to qualify for such a position. There are loads of open learning opportunities that offer you flexible learning options. You can also do volunteer work in the area that interests you, not only learning more about the field, but giving you the opportunity to obtain real, hands on experience.
- Remember that as a mum, you have loads of great skills suitable to any career: Often mums underestimate their worth when they consider how valuable they will be in a workplace. The reality is, as a mum who has stayed at home looking after her children, you have so many invaluable skills that bosses will welcome! Time management, multi-tasking, working under pressure – what employer wouldn’t want skills like this at their workplace?
- Put yourself OUT there: Once you’ve done all of the above, you’re ready to put yourself out there and get noticed by potential employers. Write letters with your resume included to the employers you’d love to work for. Demonstrate real interest in their business/organisation. Join a professional organisation and attend local networking meets in your area. Follow up every single letter/resume you send out and speak to a real person, because you are conveying enthusiasm and pure determination each time you pick the phone up.
- Know that with every job application and resume you send out, you are one step closer to success: Don’t take rejection personally. See it as another step closer to YOUR desired goal!
- Believe in YOU: Believe and accept that you are going to be an invaluable asset to a workplace. Take confidence in this and go forward and get the job that’s perfect for you!
It really is that simple!
Leah Gibbs is the Founder and Business Manager of Lifestyle Careers.
Lifestyle Careers is an online recruitment job board. Our niche and specific focus is the advertising of flexible employment and work at home positions. It is designed for professionals wanting to balance their work and personal life.
