Looking after children can be a job in itself. You put in all the hours under the sun, you’re always on call and you don’t get paid for it. Yet it’s one of the most rewarding jobs around.
As children get older and begin nursery school many mums who have previously stayed at home looking after their children often start to contemplate how they’re going to get back into work. Employers will often chose someone who has recently been employed or is currently employed over someone who has been a stay at home mum for the past few years.
For that reason it’s important to prepare yourself for the world of work again. Many things may have changed since you last worked, but you can easily use the skills you currently have to help give you a step ahead of the competition.
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| Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net/franky242 |
Taking an online course is a great first step to get you back on the career ladder. Online courses mean that you can work at a pace that suits you. The flexibility offered also means that you can study when your children are in bed and there’s often additional support available through other learners and course teachers so you’re never alone.
Creating a CV of your skills is also vitally important. Although you may not have worked for a while that doesn’t mean you have nothing to offer potential employers. Think about what you do in your spare time and what skills you use. For example, if you help out a children’s football or ballet class, it’s worth noting this down on your CV. If you happen to be a blogger you can also note this down too amongst other hobbies that you regularly take part in.
Working from home is also a good option and one that many mums tend to overlook. There are lots of genuine work from home opportunities around. It’s worth looking in local newspapers and on local community websites to see if there’s anything suited to your skills.
You may also find it beneficial to put an advert up in your local shop or again on your local community website offering your skills. Cleaning, alterations, gardening, ironing etc. Having multiple jobs resulting in multiple income streams can often be quite lucrative. It means you can work around your family and take on as much or as little work as you can manage.
Harnessing skills that you already have is also a great way to get back into work. If you enjoy drawing you could look into creating personalised, framed pictures. If you enjoy knitting, baking or getting creative in any way, shape or form, think about how you can monetise it! There are endless possibilties!
Whatever you decide to do the most important thing is that you’re motivated and dedicated to doing the best you can do! Good luck!
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2 Comments
Babyfriend
August 2, 2015 at 10:04 am
Good post, thanks.
I know getting back in to some sort of work is a difficult time for parents as sometimes I think they have forgotten just what they are capable of.
It is an important point to put what you are already doing on a CV, such as the blogging or coaching. Also don't be afraid to point out the skills parents use in everyday life that would demonstrate budgeting, organisational and time management skills.
I sometimes think that the best person to sort out the country's budget would be a hard pressed mum of 5 on a single income…they know all the tricks lol
#binkylink x
Emily
August 6, 2015 at 6:48 pm
Hello, thanks for your comment. I'm glad you liked this post. I totally agree with you. I had a year off on maternity leave and although I had a job to return to, I felt out of sorts. A CV is good and I totally agree about adding things such as demonstrating budgets and organisational skills too x