SAHM: Are you ready to return to work?

You may have decided to step away from the working world three, five or 10 years ago to become a full-time mother. Your world has been involved in the caring of your child's emotional and physical well-being as well as his or her academic developments. But now, you are feeling the pull back into the working world.

There may be many reasons. Perhaps, you child is older and ready to go to school independently; perhaps finances are getting tight due to the additional budget for your child’s education; or this break from work has always been part of your maternal plans. Whatever the reasons, making the transition from SAHM back to career professional is not an easy one.

Here are some practical tips and actions you can take if you want to return to the workforce, no matter the number of years since you left.

Decide if you’ll pursue your previous career or change to a new career.

Would you still want to work in the career you had before or would you like to try a new career? Will you be able to cope with th demands of your previous work now that you are a working mother? If you think that you enjoy the work that you did before you became a stay-at-home mom, then you should apply for a job in the same field.

This way, you will be able to quickly adapt to roles and responsibilities that were previously familiar to you, and you will be able to accomplish the tasks in you future work efficiently. However, if you feel that your previous career will demand a lot of your time and effort and would not be good for you as a working mom and for your child then it’s time for you to shift careers. Consider switching to a career or a field which you find interesting or is most compatible to your schedule as a parent.

Be updated with industry news and trends.

Read up on the latest news and trends in the industry you will be working in, whether it’s in your previous career or in your chosen new career. It would give you an edge among those who are also applying for a job. Remember, there’s tough competition out there and you must put your best foot forward in order to get the job.

Volunteer in activities that make use of your career skills.

While you are still sending out resumes to prospective employers, it might be beneficial for you to volunteer in activities that will make use of your work skills. A good place to start will be the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre where there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer and interact. You can also volunteer at your child’s school if there is an opportunity.

Maintain or re-ignite your past connections.

Maintain the contacts from your previous work experience, but if you haven't, it is never too late to re-ignite with a simple re-introductory email or call. However, if you have completely lost touch with your old contacts, its possible to make new ones. Try attending workshops, seminars, and even Toastmasters events.

Plan ahead and organize the care of your family.

This means asking yourself these questions: Where will your child go to after school? Who will be taking care of your child? Will you send him to an after-school day-care, get a part-time babysitter, or ask a family member to look after him or her? If a family member is not available, what are your options?

You will also have to ask yourself: Who will take care of your child when he or she falls sick? Can you arrange to be on leave from the office or ask someone to take care of your child during these occasional times? If your answer to the last question is yes, then there shouldn't be a problem but if it is no, then you need to look into it before jumping on the bandwagon.

Enhance your image.

As a SAHM, you may not pay too much attention to your appearance, as the priority is always the kids. But with the imminent return to the workforce, you may wish to update your appearance and wardrobe. Also, brush up on your language skills - i.e. refresh yourself on the latest business terms used.

We must warn you that it won’t be that easy. But with faith and perseverance, it can be done. The best of luck to you!

Written by

Karen Mira

Working Mothersfamily time