SMP Solutions Guide to Mums Returning to Work

Whether you have been a ‘high flyer’ or helping the family income as a second earner, life is always very different as a mum.

Your priorities will almost certainly have changed with flexibility and work life balance being all important. Finding the right job can seem a daunting task, especially if you are suffering from loss of confidence and your CV and skill set are well out of date.

According to new research from City & Guilds, the UK's leading vocational awarding body:

One third (29 per cent) of mothers lack confidence about returning to work
Nearly one in five (18 per cent) worry that they have been out of the workplace for too long to return

17 per cent fret about being behind with new office technology

Here are our SMP top 10 Tips to help ease you back into the workplace:

1) Assess Your Current Situation

Were you working before you became a mum? Can you or do you wish to return to the same job and company or are you looking to do something completely different?

2) Define Your Goals

For many returning mothers, the key is to establish what is important to you now (your values and needs) as these are likely to have changed considerably having become a mum e.g:

Is money the key driver? Regaining your identity or learning new skills? Are you just looking to fill the time whilst the kids are at school or wanting to find a meaningful and fulfilling career? Is working near home important or having flexible or part time working arrangements?

3) Set Yourself Realistic Goals

If you have never worked with computers then you will need to get the necessary training first before you can expect to get an office admin role, so applying for such jobs would realistically need to be 3 steps away e.g:

Step 1 - Sign up on a computer course
Step 2 – Achieve certification
Step 3 - Apply for suitable office admin roles where you can use your new found skills

4) Research and Considerations

If you’re going back to your previous job, update yourself on what’s been happening while you have been away through friends and colleagues. If you’re looking for a totally new job or career and don’t know where to start then it is always best to seek the help of a Career Coach or Adviser, as it could be too daunting on your own.

If you are looking at a very specific field of work then look at taking professional advice from anyone with expertise in the area you are considering, ideally someone known to you. You may also wish to consider options for home working, as there are now a multitude of opportunities available, which could help with working around your children.

5) Resources

If you have a young baby, consider who will look after the baby once you return to work? Do you have friends or family that can help? Can you afford childcare or will your employer have a childcare voucher scheme? If you decide to work from home do you have all the available equipment, space and skills?

6) Other Considerations

By returning to work will this affect any other existing daytime arrangements? If you have a partner, how will returning to work impact on their life? Will you need to have any refresher courses or training? What are the contingency plans if your child falls ill?

7) Create a Career Action Plan

Set out your plan to get back into work and break into small steps with realistic timescales. This will make it more manageable and motivating, once you start to see results from your efforts.

8) Use Your Network and Ask For Help

Network like crazy. The nursery and school gates are the best ‘networking clubs’ in the world! You almost certainly belong to some community or support group without even realising. Now is the time to use them to your advantage.

Put word around that you are back in the job market and ask friends, family and any contacts you meet to look out for jobs and contacts for you and also support you with your action plan.

If you are looking to set up your own home working or any other type of business, network with mums who have already found the winning formula!

9) Monitor Your Progress

Rome wasn’t built in a day. You may have been out of work for a number of years, so your progress will be very different from a friend who has taken the minimum maternity leave. Be realistic but constantly review your plan and progress.

As with all plans, you may need to adapt and change tact once you get a feel of what is working and what isn’t.

If you have lost significant confidence and self esteem, you may well be advised to seek help from a Career Coach to ensure that you get the support you need to focus and stay on track to achieve your goals.

10) Learn From Your Mistakes but Celebrate Success

You may not get the first job you apply for. However, if you have never written a CV and it got you to an interview, view this as a success and celebrate each ‘small win’, as the ‘big win’ of the job offer will come soon enough!

Always try to get feedback from people on how you can improve e.g. your CV, Interview technique, job applications etc and learn from your mistakes.

If you follow through with these tips you should be able to celebrate your return to the workplace quicker than you think!

Copyright SMP Solutions (2007) Career & Personal Development Consultancy
'helping you unlock your potential'
www.smp-solutions.co.uk

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