It can be hard as a stay-at-home mom to get back into the workforce. On top of the emotion of watching your little one grow up and start a new stage of life, you have to figure out what the next role will be in your own life. It may have been a very long time since you last focused on your career. It can be challenging to focus on what might fulfill you besides being a mom because you’ve focused on your children for so long, understandably.
A fulfilling career benefits your life and your family’s as well. It is important not to just take any job just to occupy your time, but find a career that you really enjoy. Finding fulfillment in your life and career is vitally important. There are unlimited options out there, and fulfillment can be achieved in so many creative ways, especially these days where flex time and working from home are more common than ever before. Get into the right mindset for figuring out what’s next. Let go of solely defining yourself as a mom and rediscover who you are as an individual. Make a list of the things you did before you had kids; those things that were rewarding for you whether they were career-related or personal. It’s critical to think creatively here and to believe in yourself.
Many women who have been out of the workforce for years doubt their abilities as an employee, or have less confidence in themselves. A gap in your resume does not have to define you for the rest of your career. You can find a career you truly enjoy. It simply takes time and effort.
Tip 1: Tap into the hidden job market through your network. Networking is still the best way to get a job. Tell family, friends, former co-workers, etc. that you are looking for a job and give them specifics. They can’t help you unless: they know you are looking or they know what you’re looking for. Be specific with them about what you want. Write an elevator speech to describe as specifically as possible what you bring to the table, and what kind of job you are searching for.
Tip 2: Use blogs and social networking sites. Join online networking groups (like Meetup.com and on LinkedIn.com), especially if there are networking groups specific to your industry. Online networking tools are very important. Social networking sites like Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook are great places to network online. LinkedIn is no longer optional in your search. You must create a fully complete LinkedIn profile, including a photo in order to be considered a serious player in your job search. Write on other blogs or start your own. Check out the job postings option on Twitter called TweetMyJobs.com.
Tip 3: Create a schedule. This is an extremely important step because it will keep your mind focused, ensure you stay on task with your goals and give you a consistent sense of accomplishment every day and every week.
- Make a list of what you want to accomplish daily, weekly and monthly.
- Set realistic yet also challenging goals for yourself each day and stick to them! If you veer off your schedule one day or one week, don’t beat yourself up, just get back on track.
Tip 4: Consider alternative options. Consider alternative options like part-time work, temporary or contract work to get your foot in the door if necessary. Make a list of what you want to accomplish daily, weekly and monthly. This may be a hard step for you to take, especially if you are taking a position that pays less than you made before, but in some situations it can be the key to getting your foot in the door so don’t rule it out completely. Evaluate each option on a case by case basis.
Tip 5: Get support. Are you unsure of your ideal career path? Do you need help identifying your values and goals to define what’s most fulfilling to you? Get help from everyone you possibly can: friends, your partner, fellow career seekers and a career professional. A career coach can help you find your ideal career path and make it a reality.
Following these simple 5 steps will help get you started. The process of reinventing yourself can take some time. Career transition involves careful planning, and outlining of steps and procedures. Set goals that are realistic, yet also a stretch, so that you can step out of your comfort zone and set yourself up for success.
Create Your Career Path was founded by certified career coach, speaker and author Hallie Crawford. Since 2002, the company’s team of certified career coaches have helped thousands of job seekers worldwide identify their ideal career path, navigate their career transition and achieve their career goals. Schedule a free consult with http://createyourcareerpath.com today to learn more about our services.
