The Singleton Argus

Mummy management: 5 Tips for returning to work as a parent

Mummy management: 5 Tips for returning to work as a parent
Mummy management: 5 Tips for returning to work as a parent

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If you've taken time away from work to raise your new family, but are now looking up jobs for mums online, then know you are truly not alone.

Mothers across Australia have been navigating the unique and novel challenges that accompany returning to the workforce for the past few decades, and throughout this time, it's natural to harbour some concerns about re-entering the workforce.

Thankfully, there are more resources available for mums looking to return to the workforce in the present day, both in regards to seeking entry-level job positions, as well as undertaking further study to kickstart your career.

Here are five simple steps that you can take to support you in your return to work.

1. Outline your personal career goals

Organisations are becoming increasingly responsive to hiring new parents over young graduates, and not for the reasons that you may think (i.e. age or experience).

Parents who are returning to the workforce are oftentimes able to better articulate what their main motivators are for re-entering their industry, as well as what their personal short or long term career goals tend to be.

It is, however, common for most parents to say they're returning to work in order to support the growing needs of their families.

Although this may partly be the case, it's important to outline how this transition will be of a benefit to yourself as well, and even pay mind to what you'd like to accomplish in your return to work.

2. Refresh your resume

It goes without saying here, that you will need to update your CV prior to commencing your job hunt, even if there is a 'gap in your employment'.

It can be as simple as editing your personal mission statement or reformatting the document so that it looks more modern, but be absolutely sure that no details are out of date or no longer relevant, as it can be indicative of poor attention to detail if left unchecked.

Furthermore, whilst there are methods of explaining gaps in your employment, it's also valuable to be transparent with any potential employers wherever possible.

You'll find that most employers nowadays are quite understanding not just towards new parents, but also towards other professionals who have taken time off to be a carer or travel overseas.

If any troublesome questions regarding your employment gap are thrown your way, you should absolutely reframe the discussion to highlight everything that you learnt during your time with your family, and how you've developed personally and what new skills and insights you feel you have developed that can be of value to any professional environment that values diversity in thought and experience.

3. Enrol in some short courses

Short courses can be a fantastic resource for new parents who are looking either for a total career change, or a cost-effective opportunity for upskilling in their current field.

With great flexibility surrounding course structures and timetabling, chances are high that you'll find some short courses that are both within your budget, and work within the limitations of your schedule.

With online learning becoming commonplace as well, you may even opt to enrol in a course that's taught remotely, which will allow you to begin upskilling well before you're even ready to return to the workplace.

It's always good to be proactive and make the most of whatever time you have at your disposal. You can never be too prepared to re-enter the workforce.

4. Source part-time work opportunities

Sourcing part-time work for your initial return to the workforce can be valuable if you're uncertain about whether or not you have the time or the capacity to return to full-time work.

As this is the case for most parents, there is actually an abundance of part-time opportunities out there that are perfectly suited for new parents, ranging from shift work in retail environments and industrial environments to flexible support worker positions which may involve working on consistent days throughout the week.

5. Harness the power of your wider network

Finally, if you're not seeking new employment opportunities but are in fact, returning to work following maternity or parental leave, chances are your work environment has changed a fair bit since you saw it last, as they tend to do.

Be sure to lean on both your wider personal and professional support networks during this transition back to work, just to ensure that this period is as comfortable as it can be for you.

It's important to note that you have to give yourself time to adjust to the responsibilities that come with working alongside catering to the needs of a family as well.

Don't expect yourself to pick it up effortlessly, and remember that nobody achieves anything alone.