If you've spent years staying at home with young kids, you are probably wondering how you're going to get a job now and what skills you actually have. You might just be surprised.
Start by looking at what you have been doing as a mum. You have been organising, budgeting, sourcing, arranging meetings and creating events (not to mention the invitations and decorations to go with them).
Grab a pen and paper and make a list of what fills your day. Then write how that translates to a skill used in a business. For example, dropping the kids off to school could be described as "managing tasks in a timely manner to a fixed outcome".
After you've completed your list, think about what skills you think you are missing or where might you need to up-skill. Have a look at some community colleges or ask around as to how you can learn those skills. You will be surprised how easy it is to access these, often for free or very inexpensively.
Once you have completed your list, start to realistically think about what's important for you in your next job. Do you need to be able to drop the kids off at school, could you car pool with a friend, or use before-school care? What about pickups? Could you share the afternoon responsibilities with someone else?
Now, consider where the school is located and what employment opportunities might be available close by, or if you need to travel to the city or major business centre, how long it will take? This helps determine your available work hours.
Now start telling anyone who will listen that you are looking for a job and more importantly, what you want and need in that job. Focus on what you can and will do, rather than what you can't and won't. For example, tell people you have these great skills doing something in particular and you're available for specific hours.
In no time you will find yourself in a position to start considering some options. For more help and advice, get yourself a copy of Paul Slezak and Lynn Gribble's 21 Things to do to Get a New Job Now! It's the perfect book for mums looking to get back to work now and available through Lulu.com.
Your say: Do you have any tips for mothers who want to get back into the workforce? How did you start back at work after taking time off? Share with us below...
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