Bringing a new life into the world and nurturing them for
decades is an unbelievable and incredible experience for any mother.
While it is tempting to want to stay at home and look after
your little one, this approach isn’t always as fun and enjoyable as it might
sound. Being a full-time mum is the equivalent of 2.5jobs, and it can be isolating for many women.
So, even if you’re able to afford to stay at home with your
child financially, you might find that you become bored and in need of adult
society after a few years.
That’s why you might be tempted to get a job, even a
part-time one. Being a working mother can be tough, but it can be just as
difficult to find and adjust to a new role after being a full-time mum for many
months or even years.
Keep reading, and we’ll explore the considerations that you
need to take into account when you’re trying to return to work after being a
stay-at-home mum.
Think About What You’re Looking For From An Employer
When you first started working, before you had children, you
probably had different priorities. Money, career progression and great
workplace benefits were most likely the key focuses when you were younger and
more independent. Now that you’re a parent, your priorities will have changed.
You will probably want flexibility, as well as financial benefits such as life
insurance. Before you begin your search for a job, you need to make a list of
everything you want from your new employer to narrow down your search and
ensure you make the right choice the first time around.
Try To Find A Flexible Working Situation
As a mum, even a mum of older children, you still need to
make sure that you have the right work-life balance. A rigid working schedule
will make it challenging for you to be there for your children and to adapt to
the many changes that life throws at you. So, it would help if you tried to
find an employer that will offer you flexible hours and alternatives to
traditional in-office work. In the past, most employers viewed flexible working
as offering the option for part-time work, but today there are plenty of flexible
working solutions out there. One popular solution for modern workers is hybrid
working, as employees didn’t want to go back to theoffice after the pandemic. Hybrid working could be the ideal solution for
you as a working mum, so try to find a potential employer who offers this
option.
Consider Working For Yourself
Another alternative to the traditional 9-5 is to work for
yourself. Starting your own business after having a child could be a challenge,
but then becoming an entrepreneur at any stage in your life can be tough. If
you want the ultimate in flexibility and control, then you could think about
starting your own business. Start small, for example, by going freelance and
offering your services to a limited number of people. As you become more
popular, you will be able to grow your business and potentially achieve the
corporate success that you’ve always wanted. However, managing your own
business can be time-consuming and take you away from your precious child, so think
long and hard before you take the leap.
Separate Your Working And Home Lives
Whether you’re working remotely for an employer or becoming
self-employed, you might find that working from home makes it hard for you to
separate your personal and professional lives. Creating the perfect work-life
balance can be tough, especially if your children are at home with you. Learn how to balance working from home as a parent and
how to switch off after work so that you don’t overstretch yourself. By being
proactive and working to look after yourself and optimise your working day, you’ll
make working from home more productive and allow you to switch off at the end
of the working day.
Discuss Your Working Situation With Your Employer
If you decide not to start your own business and instead to
work for someone else, then you should be open and honest with your new
employer about what you can and can’t do for them. Discuss your childcare
arrangements and what you might need to ensure that your child is well cared
for and that you can still be productive when you are at work. Any employer that
doesn’t want to discuss your unique needs or who isn’t prepared to even try to
understand them is not worth your time. Talk about your needs before you accept
a job offer, so that you know that your new boss will be accommodating and
supportive during your transition back into the world of work.
Be Kind To Yourself
Returning to work after a period of time off, whatever the
reason you took it, is always a challenge. If you’re too hard on yourself, then
you might find it disheartening and want to quit working and go back to being a
full-time mum. While this is a great solution for many women, working could
also give you many benefits, even if your job is only part-time or hybrid, and
you work from home most of the time. You’ll be able to enjoy a sense of
achievement, make new friends and, of course, earn some extra money, which
always comes in handy. So, make sure that you remember to be kind to yourself
and try not to dwell on small mistakes. Look after your own mental and physical
wellbeing, in the same way that you do your childrens’, so you don’t burn out
and can enjoy your new job.
Getting a new job after you’ve had a child is a major step
and one that shouldn’t be taken on a whim. Take the time to do your research
and use these tips to make the transition as straightforward as possible.
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