If you were a working parent and had made a decision to take a step back from your career when the kids arrived, kudos to you.
Parenting is a full-time job, and every single parent in the world knows this. However, there comes a time when your kids become more independent, star school and you realize that you want to get back in the game.
After a long hiatus from the workforce, you know that getting back in that game isn’t a simple feat. There are preparatory steps to take before going on the hunt, and that is what we’re here to help you with.
Questions and answers
Before you make any specific moves, there are numerous things to take into consideration, and it is best that you answer the question that poses themselves as a family. These questions include – but are not limited to: Do you want to go back to full-time or opt for a part-time job? Which of this options is better in case of unforeseen situations that are bound to occur such as – your children get sick, they need to be picked up from school, who will stay with them during school holidays? Logistics like these are best figured out when you and your spouse sit down together and make a concrete plan. Then, depending on how available the two of you are, you can figure out the best working hours for you.
Questions and answers – Photo by Artem_Apukhtin
Where to next?
After answering the big questions that will help balance work and family life, it’s time to determine your direction. Do you want to go back to the same thing you did before you were a parent, or has a change of direction something that appeals to you more? In any case, after taking such a long time off work, you have to prepare yourself for the fact that things have changed, and that you might even need some additional training and education.
If you were, for instance, a graphic designer, you will definitely need to brush up on your skills and acquire new ones, and this goes for most professions. The best thing you can do is sit down and research your options. Look for government assisted courses – this will give you a pretty good insight into what types of jobs are available and which professions are most coveted at the moment.
You could always use your parenting skills and look into early childhood courses in Sydney, as courses like these will enable you to put your parenting experience to use and enhance your skills and further your knowledge, so you can become an even bigger expert and turn your expertise into an actual money-making profession.
Where to next? – Photo by Seila800
Start applying
After you’ve done the heavy lifting – whether it’s re-learning old or acquiring new skills, it’s time to start browsing. Networking is one of the best ways to connect with people who can be of help. Think of everyone you know at this point – old college friends, your alumni association, even family members, friends or neighbors who may know someone who is working in the same field you’re interested in. Networking is by far one of the best ways to get first-hand information and insight into potential job openings. Of course, don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. Extend your search and turn to an employment agency as well. One of your leads, whether people from your old job or the institution where you took additional courses are bound to be of help and secure you a couple of interviews.
The big day
Your interview skills are bound to be rusty, so you might want to brush up on those too. Find forums and websites that contain typical interview questions for your given field and practice them, preferably with someone who is a professional. If you have to, hire a coach, it will be worth it. Remember to dress appropriately, mind the body language, exude confidence and provide the right answers. It will take plenty of preparation, but you can definitely do this.
Claire is a personal and professional development expert who believes that a positive attitude is one of the keys to success. You can find her online writing and giving tips about lifestyle and development as a regular contributor at highstylife.com. Feel free to reach her per Facebook and Twitter!
