Returning to work after raising children at home can be very exciting—and very intimidating. It’s exhilarating to imagine yourself drawing on dormant career knowledge and skills—not to mention drawing a paycheck again. But it’s scary to look in the mirror and think, “Will they still want me?”
Many factors affect at-home parents’ decision to re-enter the work force. The family’s financial needs may change. Perhaps their child heads off to first grade or college. They get the job offer of their dreams. Their partner wants a turn to stay home. Or unfortunate circumstances arise. Maybe their partner loses his or her job or becomes disabled or ill, or there’s a divorce.
Whatever your situation, it’s smart to keep the pilot light of your career burning even while you’re blissfully tending the hearth. Experts suggest you strategize for career re-entry in phases: before you leave, while you’re at home and once you decide to actively look for work.
Never can say goodbye
Even if you suppressed a gleeful grin as you walked away from your job toward at-home parenthood, don’t burn your bridges, advises career coach and resume specialist Vicki Bacal. She insists, “Have a backup plan. Keep your irons in the fire.” For example, you’ll need professional references someday—preferably ones who’ll smile when they hear your name, glad to share glowing reports about you with prospective employers. “Carve yourself a path so you can get back if you need to,” Bacal says. “Don’t allow a door to close if you might want to go back in, even if it’s ten years later.”
Tip: Keep names and phone numbers of coworkers and clients, and send them holiday cards to keep yourself on their radar screens. Make occasional lunch or coffee dates to catch up on office gossip or industry trends—and read business magazines or trade journals before you go so you can talk shop with confidence.
Stay visible
Career counselor Colleen Convey says at-home parents “don’t have to do a ton, just a little bit” to stay confident and up-to-date. Build time into your weekly schedule to do productive work outside your home sphere. Pursue a creative interest or hobby. (Sometimes such activities lead to new career interests or connections.) Take a class to update your technology skills or maintain your professional licensure. Assume volunteer leadership roles that help you network while contributing to a good cause and bolstering your resume. “Keep visible during that time away,” Convey recommends.
Tip: Stay active in a professional organization. Go to meetings, serve on the membership or newsletter committee and attend social functions or workshops. Yes, they’ll still want you
But be realistic. If you’ve been out of the workforce for a while, expect a 6-9 month job search, say experts. Tell everyone you know that you’re looking. Hire a career counselor if necessary to help you get organized, identify prospective employers, write a resume, or practice interviewing. If you are forced to job hunt because of illness, death or divorce, talk with a therapist or join a support group to deal with those issues. Stay positive and focused about yourself and your search.
Tip: In a job interview, don’t talk about your kids too much. Do rehearse a positive explanation of how you have grown by focusing on your family. Describe the communication, decision-making and organizational skills you’ve honed at home, and perhaps why your time away has given you a valuable outsider’s perspective on your field.
Author: Kris Berggren |
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